Blizzard, First Love and a Wife Who Finally Snaps novel Chapter 186

Julian kicked the back of his seat. “Just drive the car.”

Miles let out a hearty laugh. “Isabel,” he said to Isabel, “this whole estate is where the main branch of our family lives. The collateral branches have their own manors elsewhere. You’ll get to know everyone eventually.”

Isabel had no intention of integrating herself that deeply, but it wasn't something she could say out loud, so she just nodded.

The car approached a five-meter-high, ornate gate that swung open slowly, allowing them to proceed. They passed a large fountain and came into view of a grand building.

Miles explained that this was the main house, where events and family banquets were held. Further in, the road branched off toward several smaller houses, each surrounded by a white picket fence with a wooden gate bearing a name in French. Isabel could read them; they were the residents’ names.

“Our Ashford family is a mix of Eastern and Western traditions, but the whole Durantin family is mostly Western. You won’t meet them today, but you’ll be introduced later,” Miles said.

After passing through another grove of maple trees, they arrived in front of a house painted in cheerful, vibrant colors.

Miles parked the car. “When my aunt found out she was having a girl, my uncle had the exterior painted like this. They thought a little girl would love it. But my… my sister never got a chance to see it. I don’t know if she ever will…”

He cut himself off before the topic could become too somber.

“Let’s get out, Isabel.”

Isabel opened her door and stepped out, taking in the small yard. There was a swing set, and even a miniature carousel. It was filled with all sorts of things a little girl would love, like a private amusement park. Everything looked smaller than standard, designed for a child up to about five years old.

“This was all built back then,” Miles explained. “My aunt and uncle planned to redesign the yard as she grew, but after she… well, they never had the heart to change anything. So it’s been like this all these years.”

“What are you just standing there for?” Julian’s large hand rested on her back, giving her another gentle nudge forward. “Don’t be so tense. This isn't your fault.”

“...”

“Uncle, Auntie,” Miles said, moving to their side. He gestured toward Isabel. “This is who I told you about. Doesn't she look a little like you?”

From the moment Victor Ashford laid eyes on Isabel, his own turned red. He felt that if his daughter had grown up, she would have looked exactly like this.

Mrs. Ashford, however, couldn't hold back. She rushed forward and wrapped Isabel in a tight embrace.

“Isabel, my sweet baby, Mommy is so sorry…”