Chapter 3908

Ruth silently told herself that from now on, she would prioritize her friend's happiness and stop helping others gather information. Isabella was a busy person, and she was only just turning twenty-seven. There was no need for her to rush into marriage and she did not need her friend to worry about it for her. Many strong and successful women were still single well into their thirties or forties. “We’re having a barbecue tonight. If you don’t mind, come join us. But don’t come with the intention of playing matchmaker for me. If that’s the case, I’m not inviting you,” Isabella said. Ruth laughed, “I promise I won’t meddle in that. You’re only twenty-seven and you’re still young, there’s no need to rush.” She had gotten married early, but Isabella was different. Isabella bore heavy responsibilities. Caleb had even mentioned that he was willing to marry into the O'Connor family instead, but Ruth knew that he would not be able to help Isabella much. As the son-in-law of the O'Connor family, he would not contribute much besides having a child with Isabella. It was no wonder Isabella never accepted him—she did not like him because he was not good enough for her. After thinking this through, Ruth mentally scolded herself for being a busybody again. She had been moved by his passionate confession and had tried to play matchmaker, but almost jeopardized her friendship with Isabella instead. After the call ended, Isabella rubbed her temples as she muttered, “If it weren’t for our years of friendship, I would’ve cut ties with her long ago.” Tati said, “Isa, Ruth is soft-hearted and easily moved. She doesn’t mean any harm.” “If she had bad intentions, do you think she’d still be my friend?” Tati laughed. “Exactly, you’re too smart to be tricked by someone like that.” “Go call the two little ones inside. Tell them to stop playing and come back to the house. We’ve been outside in the cold and enjoyed the snow for long enough. Time to go back inside, crawl under the covers, and take a nap. It’ll be so comfortable.” Before the holiday started, they had all said they would sleep for three days and nights once it began. However, when the holidays really arrived, everyone was up earlier than the roosters. When they had to work, they did not want to but had no choice but to wake up early, including Isabella. Now that they could actually sleep in, it was like they had been injected with adrenaline; none of them could sleep in and were up early. They all turned their attention to the two little boys playing happily. Edith said, “Maybe we should give them more homework. Watching them play so happily, I’m honestly envious.” Eleanor laughed, “If you dared give them more homework, they’d cry in front of you.” “They already work hard enough. During the winter break, they should just enjoy playing. Louis has only just started first grade, so there’s no need to put too much pressure on him. Let them play when it’s time to play, and study when it’s time to study.” “If you’re so envious, Edith, we can join in. No need to envy the little ones. We can still recapture the essence of our childhood if we try hard enough.” Everyone laughed. Edith stood up and said, “Eleanor, let’s go have a little battle ourselves.” “Let’s go, you think I’m scared?” Eleanor stood up and followed her out of the gazebo.