Blizzard, First Love and a Wife Who Finally Snaps novel Chapter 222

He then added, "A genius like you, Mr. Blackwell, with your superior intellect, surely wouldn't have trouble understanding plain English, would you?"

Adrian was in a hurry to return to his country and didn't say much more.

He simply left with a parting shot, "What's real can't be faked."

Julian let out a mocking laugh and turned to leave.

...

Just as Isabel reached the car, Amanda got out and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I'm so glad you're okay."

"I've wanted to come find you for so long, but Julian kept telling me to wait. The waiting was making me so anxious. Until I saw you with my own eyes, I couldn't believe you were really all right."

Isabel patted her back, letting her hold on for a moment before whispering an apology.

"You never have to say that to me," Amanda said, letting her go. "I understand completely. If I were in your shoes, I would have done the same thing."

"Let's not talk here. Get in the car first," Julian said, walking over in a few strides and lifting Edmund into the vehicle.

Today, they were in a modified commercial van, which had enough room for everyone.

Amanda had been wanting to ask. "This child is...?"

Isabel replied, "He and I have a son."

Amanda wasn't foolish. Isabel had only been here a short while; how could she have a five or six-year-old child? She figured there was a story there that couldn't be told, so she didn't press the issue.

"Hello there. I'm your mommy's best friend. You can call me Auntie Amanda. This is my son; you two are the same age, so you can be good friends."

Edmund took a mug out of his backpack. "My mom and I made this together. It has a picture of your family on it. Friends for life. This is for you."

Isabel kept her secret. "You'll find out this afternoon."

The group arrived at the beach villa.

As soon as she got out of the car, Amanda took a deep breath. "This view is amazing, and the air is so fresh. It's much warmer than winter in Westbridge. I should buy a house here too—come here to stay warm in the winter and go back to Westbridge when it gets hot in the summer."

Isabel asked, "Is summer in Westbridge not hot? You'd have to go up north to escape the heat."

"That's not important," Amanda said, remembering what she'd said in the car. "What's the other surprise you mentioned?"

Isabel didn't answer, simply leading her inside.

Evelyn hadn't gone to the airport; she and Martha were at home preparing lunch.

When they heard the commotion, Evelyn came out, and Isabel made the introductions. "This is my childhood friend, Evelyn. And this is Amanda."