Luca gently shook her head and said, “Mr. Crawford, it's inappropriate for me to go along with you. They're your
wife's family."
Luke stared at her with his deep eyes.
Wife?
Was she not his wife?
She clearly wanted to see her family at this time, but she was unable to visit them due to her identity and the forces
behind her...
Luke did not expose her and said, "If you'd like to visit them but you're worried that they'll overthink, you can go
after us. Lliam is on duty today."
Luca looked down and pondered for a moment. She still thought it was inappropriate to do so and said, "Mr.
Crawford, I heard Nina say that locals here always visit the wife's family on the second day of New Year. I shouldn't
do this."
She was actually the most suitable person to visit them, but she had no choice but to tell Luke that it was
inappropriate for her to do so in a soft voice.
Luke knew what she was thinking about. He did not force her. He carried the two bags and headed outside. Then,
he asked, "Are there fruits in the fridge?"
"Yes. I've prepared two fruit baskets." Luca followed him out of the storage room too. She had everything well-
prepared.
Although the Rayne family did not know about her true identity, Jack knew about it. He probably wanted to
celebrate the New Year with Luca.
However, Luca had rejected his invitation and he was helpless.
"Okay. Then I'll take the kids along with me first. We won't be back for lunch and dinner," replied Luke. He noticed a
hint of sadness flashing across Luca's eyes.
Even though her parents, grandfather, and aunt were here, she had no choice but to stay in the villa and wait for
them to come home during festive seasons like the New Year.
Luke felt sorry for her. He felt helpless.
If Luke could find out where the base of the Island of Despair was, he could confidently question Luca about who
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtwas manipulating her.
That was the only way to solve Luca's problem at its root.
Even though there was no way her appearance could change back to how it was before, she was still the woman he
loved.
Luke hoped that she could be truly happy soon.
“Okay. I got it." Luca nodded. She felt terrible for not being able to bring gifts back to her home on this special day.
After Luca watched Luke and the kids leave, an air of gloom fell over her as she returned to the house.
She had nothing to do. Hence, she made her way up the stairs, headed to the study, and began to work on her
experiments.
If she was fortunate enough to succeed, there would be a slim chance of surviving. Otherwise, she could only spend
the rest of her life on the Island of Despair....
In the car.
Luke was driving, and the three kids were sitting in the backseat of the car.
Tommy pouted and asked, "Daddy, why isn't Ms. Luca coming along with us? Does she not like Grandpa and
Grandma or Great-grandpa Norman anymore?"
"She loves them," replied Luke. Luca respected and cared for them more than anyone else.
She knew it was inconvenient for her to disturb them during the New Year. That was why she just sent some gifts to
the Norman family.
Although she did not send the gifts to the Rayne family, the gifts Luke was sending over were much heavier than
the gifts for the Norman family.
Luca still loved them, and she did not show favoritism toward any of them.
It was just that she could not find a good reason or excuse to send the gifts to them herself.
"Then why,"
"Ms. Luca is in no position to do that now," Lanie interrupted Tommy.
Tommy did not understand, but everyone else understood why. Lanie knew what these New Year traditions meant.
Tommy nodded stiffly and asked, "Daddy, when will Ms. Luca acknowledge us and when will we be able to call her
Mommy? She's alone at home during New Year. She must be lonely."
Luke felt upset listening to what Tommy said.
He wanted to keep Luca company too. However, there were some things he needed to do or others would have
things to use against him.
Luke could choose not to visit Allison, but he had to visit the Norman family and Rayne family.
They were Luca's family. She was in no position to visit them now, and that was why he had to do this on behalf of
her.
"Just wait for a little while more. It'll be soon," replied Luke.
Tommy realized he might have said the wrong thing. Everyone wanted Luca to acknowledge them too, including
Luke.
Hence, Luke had been working hard to make it happen.
His brother told him that the organization behind their mother that was manipulating her was strong.
Their father had to look further into it, and it was a little difficult to investigate them.
Their father was already trying his best.
There was dead silence in the car. Luke was just like the kids. He wanted to help Luca get rid of that organization as
soon as possible too.
However, being anxious could not help them with anything.
Jack and his wife would have to visit Jack's father in the afternoon. Therefore, Luke came to visit the Norman family
first.
After they arrived at Norman Residence, Luke took the gifts out and let the kids carry the gifts into the house.
Queenie and Jack were already waiting for them in the living room. Queenie immediately came forward when she
saw her grandchildren, and said, “Oh my, why are you carrying so many things?"
“Grandpa, Grandma, these are for you. We'd like to wish you a happy new year. May the new year bless you with
health, wealth, and happiness," Lanie took the lead and said.
Then, Rainie and Tommy sent them their wishes too.
"Oh, good boy, good girl. Where's your father?" Queenie asked in confusion when she did not see Luke.
"Daddy's behind us," answered Tommy. Luke carried a fruit basket and walked into the house. Then, he said, "Dad,
Mom, Happy New Year."
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm"Happy New Year," replied Queenie. She slightly furrowed her eyebrows and said, "Luke, why did you bring so many
gifts here? They're too many of them. Please take them back."
"Grandma, it's the thought that counts. Please take them," said Rainie. She knew Luca had prepared these for
them.
Since Luca was unable to give them herself, they would give them to them on behalf of her. Hence, Rainie
convinced Queenie to accept the gifts.
"Thank you. You must be tired of carrying these. Put them down first." Queenie immediately took the gifts from the
kids and placed them on the coffee table.
Luke placed the fruit basket on the coffee table too.
Jack was hesitant to speak when he realized that Luca did not come along with Luke.
Luke met his gaze and shook his head.
Jack knew Luca's true identity. He must want her to visit them during New Year, but she thought she was in no
position to do so. That was why she would not come.
Queenie saw Luke shaking his head at Jack and asked in confusion, "Luke, what's the matter?"
"Nothing," replied Luke.
"Come on. Stop standing there. Take a seat. Will you be staying for lunch?" Queenie was delighted to see her
grandchildren.
Although Bianca did not come back to celebrate New Year with them, it felt wonderful to have three kids to
accompany her.
Besides, Leia's health was getting better every day. Queenie's mood had brightened up too.
“Yes. We'll be staying for lunch," replied Luke.
"Okay. Sit down. Let me go get the kids' gifts," said Queenie. She had to give the kids gifts based on their customs.
“Grandma, it's okay. We've grown up," said Lanie.
"What nonsense are you talking about? All of you are still little children. You have to take the gifts. They bring good
luck," said Queenie. She headed upstairs to get the gifts that she had prepared earlier and distributed them to the
kids.
Each child received two gifts. One was from Queenie, and another one was from Jack.
Then, she handed the rest of the four gifts to Luke and said, "Luke, these are for you and Bianca. She's not coming
back this year, so you should keep them for her."