Third Person's POV
The Royal Packhouse was filled with a festive atmosphere.
Patricia woken up early and went with Dowen to select a series of holiday-themed furniture and decorations.
Meanwhile, Catherine was still playing with the two little ones in the spacious manor. Today, Catherine decided to take the kids to the lush, green corridor to enjoy the scenery.
Both children were dressed in thick down jackets—Noah in blue and Hedwig in bright pink.
Despite being fraternal twins, their height difference was already noticeable. Noah was clearly half a head taller than Hedwig, making them look like true siblings.
Hedwig was a true little foodie. Ever since she moved into Blake's home, she had been well-nourished and had become chubby, like a round little ball.
She wore a small knitted hat that only revealed her delicate little face, looking like a cute little elf, extremely adorable.
Due to the recent poor weather conditions, Catherine rarely took the children to the more remote areas of the manor.
At that moment, Catherine held the hands of the two little ones and stepped on the snow, arriving at the corridor.
Although it was winter and everything seemed somewhat desolate, the scenery here was still remarkable.
Inside the long corridor, free from the obstruction of snow, the two little ones immediately became lively, hopping and jumping around, extremely happy.
Catherine followed behind them, feeling warmth in her heart.
She felt that the two children had grown a lot in the past six months. Just now, when she picked up her daughter, she realized that her strength was not what it used to be. She became short of breath after just a short walk.
She suddenly felt a bit of fear about the children's growth. As they grew up, they couldn't be kissed, hugged, or have their cheeks pinched as freely as when they were little.
Now, when she kissed Hedwig, the girl would push her away disdainfully; when she kissed Noah, he would show an expression of discomfort.
Of course, this didn't mean the children no longer loved her. It was just that they had grown up and felt somewhat embarrassed by such affectionate actions, especially Noah.
Her phone suddenly rang. Catherine glanced at it and couldn't help but smile. It was a call from Melinda.
"Melinda, Merry Christmas!" Catherine greeted warmly.
Melinda laughed brightly on the other end of the line. "Catherine, you and Blake are getting engaged! Congratulations! You've finally made it."
"Melinda, did you receive the invitation?" Catherine asked shyly.
"I'm truly honored to have the chance to attend your engagement party with Blake. I'm so excited," Melinda said.
She had never imagined she would attend Blake's engagement party.
But now, Catherine was about to become the future lady of the royal wolf pack. Just thinking about it made her thrilled.
"Melinda, what are you talking about? You're my best friend. Of course I'd invite you!" Catherine couldn't help but laugh.
"You two have been through so many ups and downs, and now you're finally reaping the rewards. Oh, wait, you already have the fruits of your love!" Melinda laughed even more cheerfully.
Catherine's face turned a little red. "Melinda, didn't you say you were going on vacation? Where are you traveling now?"
"I originally planned to travel abroad, but I have to postpone it now. I definitely have to attend your engagement party before I leave. I don't want to miss such a wonderful moment in your life. Your mom didn't have the fortune to see it, so I'll witness it for her and tell her in my dreams," Melinda said, feeling a bit sad as she thought of her old friend.
She remembered vividly how her friend had solemnly entrusted her to take care of Catherine. She also remembered how Catherine, as a little girl, had stood by her mom's side, crying with red eyes.
Time flew by so quickly. Now, Catherine was already a mother and was about to get married.
Mentioning her adoptive mother, Catherine's expression also turned a little sad. "Yeah, it's really a pity."
"Alright, let's not talk about that. Your mom would be happy to see your happiness from heaven. Just happily prepare to be your bride. See you in two days!"
Melinda said before hanging up the phone.
Catherine sighed softly as she watched the children run farther away.
Abroad, Emily's face was ashen as she stared at the news online.
The news of Blake and Catherine's upcoming engagement was like a sharp dagger, stabbing straight into her heart and causing her unbearable pain.
She had once thought that she would be Blake's most beautiful bride.
Countless times in her dreams, she had worn a pure white wedding dress, walked hand in hand with Blake down the aisle, and received blessings from friends and family in the sacred church while listening to the priest read the vows that symbolized a lifetime together.
However, all of this turned out to be just a pipe dream.
Now, Catherine was about to realize the dream that she had longed for. She must be extremely happy and probably gloating in secret.
After all, conquering Blake was indeed something to be proud of and show off about.
"I will never let you gloat, Catherine. Just you wait. I will make sure this engagement party turns into your nightmare, and every time you look back on it, you'll feel heartbroken and ashamed!" Emily gritted her teeth and cursed viciously.