Chapter 1144
Julian’s Stand-In Wife
Julianâs Stand-In Wife chapter 1144 The Richburgh Airport looked cold and empty, with hardly any people although there were still flights operating.
Today was the new yearâs eve. Many were busy celebrating with their family.
Each time this year, courier services throughout the entire country grind to a halt since they had to go on break too. Even major shopping malls closed their doors. Public transport wouldnât be available as readily, too.
Today was a day of celebration for everyone in the country.
The Stewarts were no exception.
Kiki couldnât understand it. âDad, why didnât we go back to our hometown earlier this year like always?
Why must we fly on the new yearâs eve?â
She mumbled about the airport being cold. Then she flung a jacket at Doreen, telling the girl to put it on.
Shiloh looked at her helplessly. âYouâre still young. Donât ask so many questions.â
He seldom talked to Kiki in that tone. At once, Kiki became furious.
âIâm already 30! How am I still young? After what happened at Winding Highway, you keep picking on me and talking to me so nastily! Are you still my dad?â
Seeing her mother and grandfather fighting, Doreen grabbed Mrs. Stewartâs hand. âGrandmaâ¦â
She wanted Mrs. Stewart to break up their fight.
But gone was Mrs. Stewartâs energy and vigor. She looked lethargic and low in spirit, and seemed just as helpless as Shiloh. She took Doreen into her arms, and looked feebly at Kiki.
There werenât many people at the airport in the first place. When Kiki saw how her parents just stared silently at her, she felt afraid. Unease gripped her heart.
âDad, did something happen in our hometown?â
Shilohâs ancestors were from Jacroaof, but he attended a top university and received a national sponsorship. Under the countryâs special talent program, he changed his citizenship from Jacroaof to Richburgh.
In the past, they would always return to their hometown, filled with excitement and joy. Whatâs more, they had never returned so late.
This year, it was different.
Shiloh looked up at his daughter. Thankfully, she wasnât that stupid.
He looked up at his daughter standing before him. When he spoke, his voice trembled with age. âKikiâ¦
Your brothers have families and successful careers, and are leading happy lives. Youâre the only one-â
Kiki was originally worried. The moment she heard this, she grew frustrated and spat, âYes, yes! Iâve embarrassed the Stewart family! I got pregnant out of wedlock, and Iâve brought shame to everyone!â
Kiki glared viciously at Doreen. It scared Doreen so much, she curled up tightly in Mrs. Stewartâs embrace.
Mrs. Stewart hugged Doreen tighter, and threw Shiloh a helpless look. Kiki was seated a few seats away from them.
Shilohâs eyes glinted with tears-he looked like a candle burning its last.
Mrs. Stewart heard him mumble in a trembling voice, âItâs retribution⦠Could Kiki lead a happy life without me?â
Even if he was her father, he couldnât block out the harsh sun and rain for Kiki her entire life.
âShe refuses to admit her mistakes and correct herself,â Mrs. Stewart lamented, her eyes welling up with tears. âIf onlyâ¦â
If only she hadnât given birth to Kiki back then. She didnât say that out loud, for the sake of her granddaughter in her arms.
Shiloh knew clearly what was on his other halfâs mind. âI wouldnât have been able to escape this, even without Kiki.â
âThisâ referred to returning to their hometown in Jacroaof.
Back at Co Ilina Villa, Julian took the jade necklace and said to Diana, âThis is the last betrothal gift I prepared for you.â
Julian didnât take out the necklace when he gave Diana gold jewelry and rings while proposing to her before, as he wanted to give it to her on the new year.
He knew that Diana would miss Grandma every New Year.
He missed her dearly, too. However, they needed to accept the reality that his grandmother was no longer around. The only way they could remember her was by giving her belongings to Diana.
âThis is something Grandma left behind. The one she wanted to give it to most is probably you,â he said.