Chapter 247
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The big day had arrived, and the decorations around the house were terrifying–in the best way possible. From the facade to the interior, every inch was covered in spooky décor that amazed both young and old. Even the reporters were giving glowing reviews, commenting on all the various setups and interviewing families who had come to enjoy the night.
The haunted house, in particular, lived up to the expectations of even the toughest teenagers. A long line had formed to enter, and those who emerged were visibly excited.
“Whoa… that was scary,” some teenagers exclaimed as they exited the haunted house.
“Again?”
“Yes!!!”
Hearing these comments made Samantha and Eric smile. They had always dreamed of having a big family, but fate had only allowed them one child. When they tried for a second, they were met with the cruel news that it would not be possible, leaving a void in their hearts. To fill that void, they had poured all their love and attention into their little Jayden.
They couldn’t say they had a bad life; their little blond boy had brought them endless joy. And now that he was a family man, he had promised to fill their home with grandchildren who would play with them every day.
And that promise seemed to be slowly coming true, as they now had a little one at home to shower with love, and they knew more little ones would soon follow.
“Ah… ah…” James was thrilled with all the activity around him, but sleep was gradually overtaking him. His eyelids drooped slowly until he drifted off into the world of dreams.
“Aw… he’s asleep,” a little girl commented, watching the tiny pumpkin resting in his mommy’s arms.
“That’s because he’s still a baby and can’t stay up as late as you can,” Jayden explained, noticing Deborah adjusting James in her arms.
“Yeah.”
“I bet you were like this when you were little,” Deborah commented.
“That’s what my mommy says.”
“Angelica, come on,” her mother called from a distance.
“I’m coming! Bye, and thanks for the candy,” the little girl said happily as he ran to grab her mom’s hand. Her mother also waved goodbye to the couple.
“What a sweet child,” Eric remarked as they approached to help their daughter–in–law.
“In a few years, James will be running around like that,” Deborah said with a smile.
“He took a while to fall asleep tonight,” Samantha noted.
“He was too excited to sleep,” Deborah agreed, giving her little pumpkin a kiss on the forehead.
“Sweetheart, let me take him inside,” Samantha offered, stepping closer to take James.
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Chapter 247
Deborah smiled and carefully handed him over.
“Thanks, Mom.”
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“You two go ahead and see off the guests. We’re heading in,” Eric said, helping his beloved wife inside.
Jayden and Deborah thanked them for the gesture and turned back to chat with the neighbors, who had come to congratulate them on another successful Halloween event and to say their goodbyes.
Some reporters took advantage of the end of the event to approach the couple for interviews about the party and their upcoming wedding.
By midnight, the last reporters had left, and the servants were busy cleaning up and packing away the leftover items.
“And with that, the haunted house is officially closed,” Jayden announced playfully.
“In that case, we can start the real trick–or–treating,” came a voice from behind them.
They recognized the voice immediately, and as they turned around, they saw Brandon standing there with Sophia.
“You guys?” Deborah said, surprised.
“Of course, I’m here for our annual extreme trick–or–treat game,” Brandon said, approaching to shake Jayden’s hand.
“I remember your friendship, but… what about you?” Deborah asked, eyeing Sophia.
“Well, go on, say it,” Brandon urged, giving his companion a nudge.
“Deborah, I’m sorry for being a jealous bitch,” Sophia began, grimacing. “I swear, one thing was saying I wanted to get rid of your baby, and another was the crazy thing she did.”
“That was clear back then, but I don’t understand–what are you doing here?”
“Well, Debbie, she’s the hysterical black sheep of the family,” Brandon explained. “Despite everything, my parents love her and pulled some strings to clean her record and get her out of prison. But one of the conditions for her release was that she had to apologize to you sincerely.”
“Yes, so…”
“Instead of giving me your rehearsed and memorized apologies,” Deborah interrupted, crossing her arms and frowning, “just tell me why?”
–
“Because I always wanted to be popular, and I thought the easiest way to climb the social ladder was by having a wealthy man by my side. So… when I met Roger and saw him alone, I assumed you two were getting divorced, and I saw my chance. I tried to ‘stumble into‘ him at every event and start going out with him,” Sophia explained, nervously playing with her hair. “I got blinded by what I could have with him, so I didn’t care that what I was told was a lie or that I was hurting you with my actions… so I apologize to you both,” she said, looking at the couple.
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