Win My Husband Over to Find My Child
Chapter 456: Irene’s Sicily Trip

Chapter 456: Irene’s Sicily Trip

While Calix was preoccupied with his new findings about Nicholas Wu, Leslie and Calliope were waiting for Irene that afternoon.

Having just returned from her trip to Sicily, the teenager was eager to share the souvenirs and stories. She also would stay the night at Graceville Manor.

"Little Aunt Irene~"

"Poppy! I missed you!"

Irene had just stepped into the house when the little dumpling Calliope ran to the high school girl. Leslie chuckled in helplessness seeing how her daughter acted.

The Li family was still drowning in a mountain of problems but, Irene wasn’t affected by it. She enjoyed her summer vacation abroad well, something Leslie was thankful for.

"How have you been, Irene?" asked Leslie while gesturing at Irene to come inside, "Let’s head to the lounge first. Aunt Wendy made some puddings for us."

"I’m as good as ever," declared Irene, her whole face beaming with joy, "Big Sister! I have sooo many stories to tell! Poppy, let’s go!"

Raising both of her short arms, Calliope chanted, "Go go!"

Irene held Calliope’s hand in one palm while the other carried a huge paper bag. They followed Leslie as the lady walked, one slow step at a time, with the help of her cane.

As the three ladies of different ages sat on the comfy couches, Aunt Wendy came bringing a tray of iced drinks and strawberry yogurt puddings. The little Calliope salivated upon looking at the pink desserts.

"Before I start with my story... it’s gift-giving time! Tada!"

Irene smiled with a mischievous tint in her eyes as she pulled out a beautifully wrapped package from the paper bag. She handed the box to Leslie.

"This one is for you, Big Sister~ There were so many pretty ceramics! I hope you’ll like this set."

"Thank you, Irene."

Leslie gratefully accepted the package from Irene before carefully unwrapping the box and finding a set of tea cups. The intricate and colorful hand-painted designs on the Sicilian ceramics drew a smile on her lips.

Calliope’s interest was caught by the vibrant ceramics before she looked at Irene. Her round eyes expressed anticipation as she asked, "Little Aunt Irene, Poppy’s gift, where?"

"Aww~ My cute Poppy! Of course, I have something cute for you!"

"Yay!"

Leslie gazed upon Calliope and Irene with fondness in her eyes. She was glad to see her younger sister looking better than expected amidst the chaos surrounding the Li family.

"I got you a mini horse cart," Irene opened the package she intended to Calliope. Grinning, she uttered, "Look? Isn’t it cute?"

"Wow!"

Calliope’s eyes widened more at the sight of a colorful hand-painted miniature horse cart made from wood. Her cheeks flushed red as excitement coursed through her little body.

"Thank you, Little Aunt~ Wow~ Poppy likes this!"

As Calliope continued gushing over the adorable miniature, Irene brought out the rest of the souvenirs from the bag. She stacked them on one side of the coffee table.

"I got this coppola hat for my brother-in-law. Also, olive oil, volcanic soaps, and candies."

"That’s so thoughtful of you, Irene. Thank you again."

Leslie marveled upon the Sicily specialty souvenirs brought by Irene. She could tell the high school girl put extra care when choosing the gifts.

"Hehe~ I enjoyed that place so much!" Irene laughed heartily, ready to dive into her stories, "Lydia’s sister brought us to the beaches. Big Sister, you wouldn’t believe how stunning the beaches were!"

Clasping her hands over her chest, Irene excitedly narrated about spending her time on the Sicily coasts. Calliope had stopped playing with the wooden toy, also wanting to hear her aunt’s story.

"The water was so clear ah. You could see right through to the bottom," Irene let out a sigh, lacing with her awe, "Lydia’s family’s villa is just in front of the beach. We always swim in the morning and later before sunset."

As Irene spoke, she brought out a photo album from the paper bag. She sheepishly explained to Leslie before her elder sister could ask anything.

"I printed as many photos as I could. Hehe~ This was my first trip with Lydia and Rubi. They also had their own albums."

Irene, Lydia and Rubi made a pact to go on more vacations together, either in the country or abroad. The three teenagers hoped to realize their dreams of going on a trip at least once every year.

Calliope scooted close to Leslie as the lady placed the album on her lap.

Irene told the story for every photo; the stunning view of volcanic mountains from afar, the time they wandered at the local markets and also visiting other landmarks.

Irene’s stories filled the lounge, each one more vivid and exciting. Aside from exploring ancient ruins, she also mentioned tasting freshly made gelato and other delicacies.

It felt like Sicily had come alive in their home.

"The food... Oh gosh! I loved everything! The cannoli, arancini, gelato. Everything was so good!"

Leslie chuckled as she noticed Calliope almost drooling from Irene’s story about the yummy food. She predicted the little dumpling would gush over the delicacies to Calix later once he returned home.

"Lydia’s sister brought us to a gelato workshop. Hehe~ Try making it was so much fun! I couldn’t believe there were sooo many flavors for gelato!"

Blinking, Calliope cutely asked Irene, "Gelato? What’s that?"

"It’s ice cream," replied Irene while poking Calliope’s nose, "They’re so yummy."

"Oh? Poppy want!" Calliope abruptly looked from Irene to Leslie, "Mama, can Poppy get it?"

"Sure! Let’s ask Papa later."

"Yay~"

While Calliope fantasized about getting this ice cream called gelato, Irene continued sharing her experience in Sicily during her two weeks of vacation.

At the end of her story, hope glinted in her eyes before she nervously stated, "Big Sister, I got an idea after I returned."

Arching her brows, Leslie asked, "What kind of idea?"

Irene bit her lower lip, seemingly anxious to bring up what was going on in her mind. Leslie patiently waited for the former to speak, sensing Irene wanted to talk about an important matter.

Her guess came true after a few minutes.

"I’m thinking of joining the student exchange program."

Irene’s voice, despite sounding nervous, was also weaved with hope.