Chapter 133

Talking to Cynthia lifted a weight from Stacey's heart. She felt relief, and a deep sympathy for Cynthia's past. Cynthia's story showed Stacey that a woman's home wasn't defined by marriage, but by loving family. A home was where she was cherished. Without that love, marriage meant nothing. Stacey wouldn't sacrifice herself for unappreciative family, like Cynthia had been manipulated into doing.

A smile touched Stacey's lips. She was lucky. She had loving parents and three protective brothers.

"Dad, Mom," she called. Patrick, back at the Aotori Shooting Base after missing his wife and daughter, and Debra turned. "What is it?" they asked, their eyes warm.

Stacey sat on the sofa. "Gary called. He wants us to invite the Mitchells to the reunion."

Patrick and Debra’s faces hardened. Patrick hesitated, then asked, "Becky, did you agree?"

"No," Stacey shook her head. "I said I needed to talk to Mom first."

Debra sighed with relief. "We're not bothering with them," she declared. "I haven't even settled the score for how they mistreated you, and now they try to use us?"

Stacey nodded. "Gary mentioned Cynthia and asked me to give them a chance, for her sake." Patrick and Debra exchanged worried glances.

Stacey continued, "But I just talked to Cynthia. She said not to worry about them. She said she and her family are different, that I can do as I please."

Their faces brightened.

"Cynthia's kind," Patrick smiled.

"Amazing!" Debra exclaimed. "Do you have her number? I want to befriend her!"

Stacey was surprised. "You want to befriend Cynthia?"

Debra nodded eagerly. "Yes! We should thank her properly."

"Sure," Stacey grinned, checking her phone. She messaged Cynthia, explaining Debra’s wish. Cynthia replied immediately. Stacey shared Cynthia's number.

Stacey left Debra and Cynthia to chat, turning to Lillian and Kevin. The children loved playing with her, eagerly mimicking her words. Watching them learn filled her with pride.

At nine, Stacey bathed the children herself, then showered and cuddled them to sleep, reading them a story. Their little eyes fluttered closed. She kissed their foreheads, whispering, "Goodnight, my darlings."

She fell asleep quickly, waking to a new day. After getting ready, she headed to the set, only to find Theodore waiting. She simply walked past him.

"Rebecca!" Theodore grabbed her arm.

Stacey turned. Theodore pleaded, "I heard about the Carter family reunion. What can I do to make you forgive me?"

Stacey chuckled, gazing at the sky. "That's never going to happen. The past Rebecca is dead. You're talking to Stacey Carter. Rebecca loved you. Stacey hasn't met you, hasn't loved you, has no connection to you."

Theodore stepped forward. Stacey reacted instinctively, a boxing move from her recent classes with Debra and Charlie. Theodore stumbled, a passerby catching him before he fell.

Theodore stared at Stacey, his face pale, his heart pounding. Stacey was equally startled. She hadn't meant to knock him down.