Chapter 114

Debra, Patrick, and even Stacey recognized it: Bryce harbored feelings for the female officer. Stacey chuckled.

"Good luck to you," Debra said. "I'll take Becky and the children to Hivalis tomorrow." It would be best if Bryce took the initiative; interference was inadvisable.

Stacey was surprised. "Tomorrow?"

Debra nodded. "Yes, the sooner the better. Otherwise, with Theodore and his family, we won't have peace here."

"I'll buy your plane tickets," Patrick offered, "Leave early tomorrow morning."

The swift arrangements felt spontaneous, but Stacey enjoyed it. She admired her parents' decisiveness, hoping to emulate it and overcome her hesitancy. Overthinking, she knew, stifled courage.

"Okay!" Debra agreed. "Becky, let's pack. We leave early tomorrow." Debra pulled Stacey, beaming.

Stacey, mirroring her mother's good mood, nodded happily. Upstairs, Stacey realized she had too much—mostly gifts from her family, especially Debra. She decided to ship most to Hivalis, keeping only Debra's gifts.

Shipping was convenient. Lillian and Kevin's belongings, combined with Rebecca's, nearly filled a room. Debra and Patrick were stunned.

"All these...things?" Debra asked hesitantly.

Stacey smiled and nodded. "Yes, gifts for me and the babies."

Patrick smiled, glancing fondly at Debra. "I'll call a moving company," he said indulgently. His wife and daughter were his treasures; their belongings would be delivered. It was no trouble.

Stacey smiled brightly. "Thank you, Dad."

"No big deal," Patrick replied.

Packing finished late. Patrick urged them to bed; they had an early flight. Stacey and Debra agreed, but Stacey's excitement kept her awake. The past few days felt dreamlike. She finally drifted off very late.

The next day, Stacey dressed, washed, and went downstairs for breakfast. Soon, it was time for the airport. They dragged two suitcases and departed with the nannies and babies.

Half an hour later, the plane took off, leaving Maeloria behind. Stacey secretly glanced back. She left the place she'd lived for over twenty years, leaving Rebecca's influence far behind. From that day on, she was simply Stacey Carter; Rebecca was the past.

Three hours later, they landed at Hivalis Airport. Adrian waited at arrivals. Seeing them, he smiled. "Mom, Becky! The car's outside."

Debra nodded. They left for their Hivalis home. Stacey, curious, was stunned by its luxury. This villa, in Zentiscape's most prosperous city, covered over 9000 square feet. The yard was filled with flowers. The nannies were awestruck; they'd never imagined caring for children in such a place. Living there, even temporarily, thrilled them.

"Ask the servants to plant flowers you like," Debra told Stacey.

Stacey nodded. "Hmm."

At the villa gate, Debra turned to Stacey. "You have a room here, with many things. Let's see."

Stacey was surprised. "My room?"

Debra nodded. "We always keep a room for you. You're family, always. We've looked forward to this day."

Stacey was touched. "Thank you, Mom."

Debra smiled, taking her hand. "Let's go." Adrian smiled, escorting them home.

Debra took Stacey to her room. Stacey, though prepared, was moved. The room resembled her old one, warmly decorated. The wardrobe held the latest clothes; the dresser, cosmetics and skincare. The balcony held a sofa, dolls, and cushions—all things a girl would love. But what touched Stacey most was a framed photo of her and the babies. Did they put this up after finding me? she wondered. She smiled, overflowing with happiness.