The Contract Said No Strings Attached (Charlotte) novel Chapter 19

Ethan nodded obediently and hurried off to the bathroom.

The dinner party began. The whole family took their seats around the long table, everyone sitting in order according to their generation.

George, as the patriarch, sat at the head of the table with Mrs. Thomson beside him. Rebecca took the seat on his other side.

The four older brothers sat together, and across from them, the four little ones lined up in a row.

The uncles couldn’t help but glance across at the four kids, their handsome faces twisting in a mixture of amusement and exasperation.

It almost felt like the Thomson family had a curse with the number four...

“Happy birthday, my little darlings,” George announced, looking over his reunited family. He was so moved he began to clap, tears of joy glistening in his eyes.

“Thank you, Grandpa!” the four children chimed in unison, their voices soft and sweet.

George’s heart nearly melted. With a flourish, he pulled four thick birthday cards from his pocket—each stuffed with crisp bills, nearly bursting at the seams.

A housekeeper took each card and handed them, one by one, to the children.

Every child beamed and thanked their grandpa—except when it came to Aiden, who suddenly fell silent.

Rebecca looked up, noticing the shadow over Aiden’s face. She frowned gently and asked, “Aiden, what’s wrong? Aren’t you happy your grandpa gave you a birthday card?”

Aiden shook his head, his clear eyes shining with a hint of sorrow. He sighed softly. “It’s not that. I just... I don’t want to celebrate my birthday.”

George blinked in confusion. “Why not, sweetheart? Birthdays are supposed to be happy.”

Aiden lowered his gaze and spoke carefully, “Our birthday is also the day Mom went through so much pain. It’s only because she suffered that we’re here.”

The words stunned everyone at the table, leaving a hush and a tangle of emotions in their wake.

Across from Aiden, William felt it most keenly. He remembered the day Becky gave birth—the terrifying moment she hemorrhaged after delivery, nearly dying on the operating table. If he hadn’t rushed in time...

In a heartbeat, all four children had Rebecca enveloped in a group hug.

Mrs. Thomson dabbed at her eyes, tears sparkling as she watched. Deep inside, she thought of all the hardships her daughter had endured over the years.

George noticed and slipped an arm around his wife’s shoulders, comforting her silently. Then he turned to Aiden and said, “Aiden, today is your birthday. Do me a favor and accept your grandpa’s gift, okay? I wish you a life full of happiness and good health.”

As soon as he finished, he added, “And I have a special gift for your mom, too.”

Hearing that, Aiden’s face finally broke into a bright, grateful smile. “Thank you, Grandpa!” His little voice was brimming with joy.

That simple thank you seemed to fill the whole room with laughter and warmth.

Just as everyone was basking in the moment, a sharp voice suddenly called from the hallway:

“Dad, Mom, I’m home!”