Chapter 220: Happiness Came Suddenly and Fiercely
The dining table was laden with exquisite dishes, and sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a warm glow.
Adrian Lancaster looked up, his gaze slowly sweeping over each familiar face, an indescribable mix of emotions welling up in his heart.
The plane crash a year ago had made him think he would never see his family again.
He had miraculously survived, but was grievously injured and trapped in a primitive tribe. There, he was watched and imprisoned like a criminal, stripped of his freedom and dignity, living each day in torment.
Just as Adrian Lancaster was sinking into despair, convinced he would die in a foreign land, never to return to his country or his home, a miracle happened.
His father had descended from the heavens with a search and rescue team and successfully saved him.
Not only had he returned home safely to reunite with his family and his wife, but he had also become a father.
Happiness had come so suddenly and intensely that Adrian Lancaster had to pinch himself several times, afraid it was all a dream.
"Today is a joyous day. Come, let’s raise our glasses to welcome Adrian home," Theodore Lancaster said, cheerfully lifting his glass.
The others followed suit, raising their glasses with smiles, genuinely welcoming Adrian Lancaster home.
Adrian Lancaster snapped out of his thoughts, a tenderness so sharp it was almost painful rising in his chest. He slowly stood up and clinked glasses with his family.
More than a year of separation had given him a deeper understanding and appreciation for what home meant.
"Thank you, everyone." Adrian Lancaster’s voice was hoarse with emotion. His heart filled with guilt, especially when his gaze fell upon Wren Sutton’s face.
"The person I need to thank most is my wife, Wren Sutton. Thank you for bringing our children into this world and giving me a complete family."
Wren Sutton’s eyes met Adrian Lancaster’s. Her heart fluttered, and with a storm of complex emotions, she didn’t know what to say.
"That’s right," the matriarch said with a happy chuckle, feeling very gratified.
"The person you should thank the most is indeed Wren. She waited for you for over a year and gave the Lancaster family two lovely children. Even if you don’t call it a great achievement, you must acknowledge the hardship she endured."
"Exactly," Claire Sterling said, nodding in agreement.
"Only a mother knows how difficult pregnancy and childbirth are. And Wren was carrying twins, which was even harder. At the time..."
Wren Sutton interrupted her softly, a hint of barely perceptible exhaustion in her voice. "Mom, it’s all in the past."
Claire Sterling had intended to say more to make her son appreciate his wife’s suffering, but since her daughter-in-law had stopped her, she let it go.
"Alright, I won’t say any more. It’s all in the past."
Adrian Lancaster’s heart tightened. A bitter feeling washed over him.
His wife’s body must have gone through so much to give birth to their children. The look he gave Wren Sutton was now filled with even more remorse.
"Adrian, Wren has given you a complete little family, a son and a daughter. You absolutely cannot fail her again, or I’ll be the first one to never forgive you."
In front of his entire family, Adrian Lancaster made a solemn vow. "I swear, I will never fail Wren Sutton again, or may lightning strike me dead."
He had missed so much: supporting her through the pregnancy, being there for the delivery, and the sleepless nights caring for the newborns.
He would spend the rest of his life making up for everything he owed her.
Claire Sterling wiped the tears from the corners of her eyes.
"Let’s eat. Adrian, the chef made all your old favorites today. See if the taste has changed."
"Okay."
Adrian Lancaster ate obediently. The familiar flavors awakened his taste buds, and his eyes couldn’t help but burn with unshed tears.
During all those days and nights trapped in the primitive tribe, what he missed most was the taste of home.
As lunch was drawing to a close, Theodore Lancaster put down his chopsticks and looked at Adrian Lancaster with a gentle expression.
"Now that you’re back, what are your plans? For the past year, Julian has been managing the company. He’s done an excellent job, but he always tells me that when you return, the company should be handed back to you, with him as your second-in-command."
Adrian Lancaster first gave his younger brother a grateful look. "I underestimated your abilities before. You’ve proven that you have a real talent for business—you’re no worse than me, maybe even better."
Julian Lancaster quickly waved his hands in dismissal. "Bro, I’m still a long way from being on your level. I’ve just been biting the bullet this whole year. To be honest, I’m about at my limit. Bro, please give me a break."
Adrian Lancaster smiled and personally poured his brother a full glass of wine.
"I can’t give you a break just yet. This glass is for you, bro. I still need you to hold down the fort at the company."
"Bro..."
Adrian Lancaster downed the wine in his glass in one gulp, then took a deep breath.
"I’d like to take this opportunity to make an announcement."
The atmosphere at the table instantly fell silent. Even the nanny quieted her footsteps.
"I’ve decided that starting today, I’m going to be a stay-at-home dad. I’ll be dedicating all my energy to my family. I’m entrusting all company matters to Julian."
"Bro, don’t say that. You’re the eldest son of the Lancaster family. The company should be your call."
"Julian, you’re a son of the Lancaster family too."
"I know, but..."
"And your brother believes you have the ability to make the group bigger and stronger."
The entire family agreed with Adrian Lancaster’s decision, including Theodore Lancaster.
"Adrian, we’re very pleased that you think this way."
"A husband and wife taking care of the children together—that’s what makes a home. You can manage the company anytime, but you can never get back the time you miss while your children are growing up."
A warm current flowed through Adrian Lancaster’s heart, but what he cared about most was Wren Sutton’s reaction.
He turned to his wife and took her hand.
"From now on, I will be by your side and the children’s side every single day."
"I’m going to learn how to change diapers, feed them, and put them to sleep. I’ll make up for all the time I’ve missed."
"I want our children to know that even though their father was late, he will never be absent again."
Wren Sutton’s eyes reddened slightly. Just as she was about to say something, Adrian Lancaster suddenly pulled her into his arms.
"Honey, I love you, and I love our children."