Chapter 251 - The Islet Mystery 67

Ryan finally brought his parents to his home on Chara island. He also had Yanyan and Shiela come over with the assistance of the same nurse who cared for him. Even if she did something wrong, she was still the key to finding her son again and so with Ryan's parents. If not for her mistake, they wouldn't have secretly chased Yanyan, and Shiela wouldn't have found the lead.

So many worthwhile things were happening that day, except for the death of Marco and his men. If only their loyalty fell on the right person, they could have lived better lives. Yet, finding the long lost family again, called for a celebration. Ryan prepared a sumptuous dinner for all of them before calling everyone in the bas.e.m.e.nt for a surprise.

Dressed in Ryan and Shiela's shirts and pants, the old couple sat down before the long dining table together with Joey, Shiela, and Ryan. The elegance of the environment amazed both of them so much though they felt clumsy and unworthy to be there. Their frail and ragged built spoke of poverty and hardship they had endured. Though they lived in a big and beautiful house before, that couldn't compare with Ryan's property. A sense of inferiority overtook them, but seeing their son in great success overwhelmed them with joy.

"Son, I am already ready to die. I have already seen your success and happiness. I can die a happy woman," Ryan's mother blurted in between her sniffs.

"Me, too. I would be ready to die after walking down the aisle with you during your wedding," Yanyan's father butted in.

Ryan's heart sank at the simplicity of his parent's joy. He still had so many plans to make up for all those rights and privileges Mr. Te took out from them. He wanted them to experience the luxury and comfort he could now afford. 

"No, after our wedding, we'll take both of you, Yanyan and uncle Joey around the world. So, don't ever think of dying yet. I still want you to enjoy life," Ryan replied, his eyes were glistening with unshed tears.

The four of them laughed at Ryan's practical joke, and the couple started to feel comfortable. They started talking about their experiences, and soon, their discussion became endless.

Ryan then descended to the bas.e.m.e.nt to visit his entrapped guest. The grin on his face talked about the freedom they had longed for. Cherry even squealed for joy the moment she saw Ryan in a happy mood. It was so strange to see him this way lately.

"Does your smile means we are now free?" asked Cherry as she danced in happiness even before she got the answer.

"Let's celebrate!" announced Ryan with a loud chuckle.

The women flung themselves at him, congratulating him even before they heard the story. The men followed, simultaneously throwing him sincere questions. Ryan could only reply to them with a laugh as he got confused about whose problems he would answer first.

"Let's talk about everything over dinner."

The group got up eagerly and followed Ryan towards the dining room. The overwhelming sense of freedom quickened up their steps, intensified by their curiosity on how he did it. 

Ryan introduced his parents right away, and all of them approached and kissed the old couple's hands. Their conversation then began as soon as they found their seat, making their dinner a lively one. While engrossed deeply in a topic, Chloe's voice sailed into the air.

"Uncle Ryan, may I see your son?" said Chloe, her round eyes reflecting her excitement. It had been a long while since she was with a.d.u.l.ts only. She missed her playmates already, and the mention of a child excited her.

"She's sleeping, baby, because he is sick," Shiela answered, her lips curving into an amused smile.

"Why? Did he bathe in the rain?" 

"Yes, and he allowed his dripping shirt to dry on his body," answered Shiela, her thoughts were on the scenes the night they huddled close together beneath the boulders.

"Oh, that's not good. May I see him?" Chloe frowned and made a face, making the a.d.u.l.ts laugh.

A voice from the doorway lifted their heads towards the direction. It was the nurse, and in her hand, was a boy holding her. Even with still a weak facial expression, anyone could see that he got Ryan's handsome features. 

"Hey, baby girl, here's Yanyan, you're playmate," the nurse smiled as she placed an arm over Yanyan's shoulders.

Chloe's eyes widened in excitement as she finally saw him. She already got thrilled and excited when the a.d.u.l.ts mentioned him rowing a boat and trekking inside the cave. 

"Yanyan, are you okay?" Startled, Ryan stood up quickly to meet him. Just a few hours ago, he saw him sleeping soundly with a sick and exhausted aura.

"I'm sorry, sir, but he insisted," the nurse started to reason out, "so, I just changed his line temporarily into an injection site adaptor."

Ryan and Shiela looked up at Jane, asking her with their eyes if it was alright to let him mingle with them. As the pediatrician, she smiled and gave a 'go' sign. She just couldn't talk, her emotion gripping her in watching the parents and child. The child had been their topic a few seconds ago, and his story squeezed her heart in immense pain.

Ryan could tell the meaning of Chloe's stares, so he had Yanyan sat down beside her. Yanyan was still so shy, but Chloe kept on asking him about his experiences in riding a boat and in spelunking until his timidity dissipated. The a.d.u.l.ts just observed them. They already knew from Ryan and Shiela that they had not revealed themselves to him yet.

"Yanyan, do you see bats and spiders inside the cave?" persisted Chloe, amusing Yanyan. She was too cute every time she threw gaping questions at him.

"Lots of them, baby girl."

"Can you take me there with you?" shrieked Chloe as the thought of excitement spread over her.

"If your parents will allow."

"Are your parents going to allow you, also?" 

Ryan and Shiela held their breath. How could they stop Chloe from telling him about what she heard? They wanted to take it slowly until they could create a close relationship with him.

"Mama and papa allow me, how about you?" answered Yanyan while glancing at his grandparents.

Chloe followed his eyes that fell on the old couple, and she got confused. "Yanyan, who are your real parents? I thought your parents are uncle Ryan and auntie Shiela?" 

The a.d.u.l.ts held their breaths. They regretted talking about the truth in front of this innocent but curious child. They looked away from them, pretending they were not listening.

"Baby girl, listen to me," Yanyan whispered but loud enough for all of them to hear. "I grew up thinking that my real parents are mama and papa."

"And then?"

"I just know it today that my real parents are ma'am Shiela and uncle Ryan. Please don't tell them. It's our secret," explained Yanyan, emphasizing his request by placing a finger on top of his nose bridge.

"Okay, I won't tell!" Chloe promised, but she forgot to say it in a whisper, making everyone break into boisterous laughter.

Shiela and Ryan also laughed as big drops of tears flowed from their eyes, prompting them both to hug their child together. However, their laughter suddenly turned to wail, making the rest brush their silent tears away from their faces.