It was a rare sight to see Stella so genuinely excited, and Matthew knew he couldn’t let her down.
Without hesitation, Stella dialed Haley, inviting her to meet them at Prosper Bay.
Haley arrived promptly, a bundle of nerves at the prospect of meeting Matthew’s grandmother. “Stella, is what I’m wearing okay? Should I change?”
“Don’t worry. Grandma is quite approachable.” Stella comforted her.
As they were exchanging words, Lucia made her appearance.
Matthew assisted her out of the car, and her gaze immediately found Haley.
The resemblance between Stella and Haley was unmistakable, their close rapport evident. Lucia, putting the pieces together, approached with cautious curiosity.
“Stella, this is…?”
“Grandma,” Stella greeted, clasping Haley’s hand and stepping forward. “This is my mother.”
“Hello, I’m Haley Ramos, Stella’s mother.” Haley, though stiff, managed a polite introduction.
Lucia, taken aback, turned her astonishment towards Matthew. “Why didn’t you inform me of such a significant detail? I didn’t prepare a gift.”
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“Grandma, it’s not Matthew’s fault,” Stella interjected, seeking to ease the tension. “We only confirmed everything with a DNA test recently. We planned to visit you and share the news, but then your call about the venue presented the perfect opportunity.”
Hearing her explanation, Lucia couldn’t say anything more.
Her gaze softened as she looked towards Haley, offering a friendly smile.
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“On our way, I plan to stop by the shopping mall. I’d like to pick out a gift for you, Ms. Ramos.”
Stella attempted to politely decline, waving off the suggestion, but Lucia was insistent. Left with no choice, they made a detour to the shopping mall first.
The visit led them straight to a jewelry store, where Lucia’s intentions became clear. Haley immediately expressed her reluctance. “Please, there’s no need for such expense. I only wish for Stella’s happiness within the Clark family.”
“It’s quite alright. Choose whatever catches your eye, Lucia countered firmly, leaving no room for refusal. “You are Stella’s mother. It’s only right that the Clark family shows you our appreciation.”
Even Stella joined in, trying to convince her mother.
“Something modest will do. I don’t hold much value in such material things,”
Haley insisted.
But Lucia wouldn’t hear of it. “You’re Stella’s closest family. It’s not every day we get to celebrate this reunion. You must select the very best.”
Just then, Lucia’s phone interrupted the moment, and she excused herself with an apologetic smile to take the call.
She instructed the shop assistant to assist Haley in choosing jewelry, leaving them to it.