Chapter 249

Nicole's POV

“Mom!” Richard greeted me enthusiastically as soon as I returned from vacation.

He seemed so excited that he ran over to me. We hugged for a moment before walking hand in hand toward the house. I glanced at him, my cheerful little boy smiling back at me.

“I brought you some souvenirs, Richard,” I said, showing him my shopping bags.

“Wow, what’s in here, Mom?” he asked, taking the bag and looking up at me.

I smiled, gently brushing his hair. “You can open it later.”

“I got you a souvenir too, Richard,” Matthew said, stepping out behind me.

Richard turned toward him, seemingly just now noticing the man in glasses who had been with us the whole time. He smiled and accepted the shopping bag my fiancé handed him.

“Thanks, Uncle. I like getting lots of gifts,” he said, looking at us both briefly before letting go of my hand and walking ahead.

I glanced at Matthew, who looked slightly disappointed by my son’s reaction but then turned to me. I smiled to reassure h