Byran comfortably nestled himself next to Ida, draping his arm around her shoulder without hesitation.
âThink you can outdo us in the lovey-dovey department? I bet you canât.â
Ida shoved him off as her face contorted in disgust. âCompete with them by yourself?â
Byran, used to her rejection, merely shrugged. âHow can I compete by myself?â
Ida ignored him completely.
Ellinor, watching the pair, was both concerned and worried.
She turned to Belinda. âDo your parents know about your wedding plans?â
Chase finally loosened his hold on Belinda, allowing her to answer Ellinor properly.
Belinda blushed and nodded styly. âYes, they do.â
Chase grinned confidently. âNot only do they know, they absolutely adore me, their future son-in-law.â
Ellinor shot Chase a skeptical look. Her gaze then rested on Belinda. âIs that so? Have your parents met this guy?â
âYes, Ellinor. My parents have met Chase, and they quite agree with our marriage.â
Once Ellinor understood the situation, she wasnât surprised. Chase came across as a charming and polite gentleman. He was always smiling. It was no wonder the older folks, especially those who didnât know him too well, liked him.
âSince your parents agree, you can prepare for the wedding well.â
With that said, Ellinor stood and headed for the door.
Upon seeing her leave, Chase and Ida simultaneously called out to her.
âBoss, where are you going?â
Ellinor waved without looking back. âIâm heading back to the Blanchet Villa. My kids are waiting for me.â
Chase quickly stood and reached out to stop Ellinor. âBoss, donât leave. You rarely come by; letâs have dinner together.â
âNo thanks. Itâs the weekend, and I need to spend it with my kids.â
Chase sighed dramatically. âEver since the boss had kids, she doesnât care about me and Ida anymore.â
Ellinor frowned and glanced at him disapprovingly. âIf I didnât care about you guys, would I have come over first thing in the morning?â
âSince you do care, letâs get together and have dinner today. Boss, you could give me some wedding advice too.â.
Ellinor was uninterested. âItâs your wedding, so figure it out yourself.â
Chase didnât let go. âBut youâre family to me. I need you.â
Ida approached. âYeah, boss, no matter what, stay and have dinner with us. You donât have to go to the office today.â
Ellinor began to hesitate after looking at Ida. âButâ¦â
Ida understood her concerns. âBoss, if you stay, I can go fetch the kids from the Blanchet Villa.â
Byran chimed in. âYeah! Ida and I can go bring the kids over. Sister, letâs all get together, the kids love a good party.â
Belinda nodded eagerly. âEllinor, letâs have dinner together.â
Ellinor was touched by their honest requests. She then thought of her three little ones who also loved a good gathering, so she nodded in agreement. âAlright, fine.â Chase cheered. âThatâs more like it! Boss, your world canât just revolve around the Blanchet family and your kids. It should include us too.â
Ellinor thought she was including them in her life. What was he saying?
âStay with your soon-to-be wife and our boss. Iâll go to the Blanchet Villa to pick up the kids.â Ida said to Chase.