Chapter 20 Let’s Be Friends From Now On
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The silence in the office grew palpable following Ms. Pearl’s comments, particularly affecting Charles and Arthur.
Jessica felt a flutter in her chest upon hearing her. Ever since her first encounter with Charles, she could not shake the feeling that he and her son bore a striking resemblance. She harbored suspicions but hesitated to explore them further.
With a gentle smile, she eased the tension, saying, “Ms. Pearl, perhaps this was just a simple misunderstanding between classmates. Let’s not escalate it further.”
Ms. Pearl, familiar with the whims of children, reassured, “I just wanted the parents to be aware and to help resolve things smoothly.”
She then addressed Liam firmly, “Now that Arthur’s father is here, you shouldn’t say he has no dad, got it?”
Liam reluctantly agreed, his voice low, “I understand.”
“Apologize to each other and try to be good classmates from now on,” Ms. Pearl instructed.
However, Arthur unexpectedly retorted, “I can’t forgive what he said, and I won’t accept his apology. But since I also hit him, so let’s call it even.”
Essentially, he was neither willing to apologize nor forgive.
Liam, clearly upset, scoffed, “So what if you have a dad? Everyone has one.” He then defiantly turned
away.
Arthur mirrored his action with a heavy snort, both boys stubbornly avoiding eye contact.
The adults watched the boys‘ standoff, shook their heads and smiled at their antics.
Jessica then led her son home with Charles accompanying them.
At their building, she courteously invited him to come up for some water. Surprisingly, he accepted and followed them inside.
With her injured foot making mobility difficult, Charles and her son supported her from each side, eliciting a peculiar emotion in Jessica,
Once inside, the space, normally comfortable, seemed smaller with Charles‘ imposing figure.
Feeling slightly embarrassed about inviting such a distinguished CEO into her simple home, Jessica nervously offered, “Mr. Hensley, please have a seat, directing him to the sofa.
Turning to her son, Jessica said, “Pour a glass of water for Charles.”
Previously. Arthur had not been too fond of Charles, but after witnessing his sunnart today he
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“Mommy, sit down, I’ll get you some water too,” he offered, always considerate towards his mother.
Jessica was relieved to see Charles sitting comfortably without showing any signs of disdain.
Quickly, the little guy returned with two glasses of water, handing one to Charles with a statement, “You seemed pretty arrogant before, but thanks for helping me out today. Let’s be friends from now on.”
He then seriously patted Charles on the shoulder, mimicking the manner of an adult.
Jessica almost choked on her water hearing her son’s candid remark.
Charles looked at him amusedly and teased, “So, being friends with you comes with conditions?”
“Of course, it’s a privilege not everyone gets. Do you feel honored?” The boy’s pride was evident as he tilted his chin up.
Charles‘ smile grew broader, his interest clearly piqued. “Indeed, I’m very honored. He was curious how Jessica had raised such a spirited son.
Feeling a bit flustered, Jessica quickly pulled her son closer. “Let me check if you’re hurt anywhere.”
“No worries, Mommy, Liam’s no match for me.”
“But what about this bruise here? And your shirt is ripped,” Jessica pointed out, growing impatient.
The boy grinned and shrugged off her concern. “It was just an accident during the scuffle.”
“You can’t resort to fighting with classmates in the future. Remember, violence doesn’t solve anything,” Jessica advised gently yet firmly.
“It depends on the situation. Sometimes, force is necessary.
Jessica sighed in resignation. “Don’t argue with me now. Go wash up and change your clothes.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!” he replied cheekily, heading off to the bathroom.
Left alone in the living room, Jessica turned to find Charles watching her. Meeting his deep black gaze, she realized he had been observing her all along.
“Um…
thank you for today, Jessica murmured, breaking the quiet tension.
“You’re welcome. You got hurt because of me too, right?” Charles replied softly.
Jessica glanced down, her thoughts racing. He was sitting there, sipping water–shouldn’t he be leaving soon?
Chapter 20 Let’s Be Friends From Now Ont
Out of the blue, Charles asked, “Where is the child’s father?”
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Caught off guard, Jessica’s grip tightened on the edge of the sofa. She was at a loss for words.
“I saw in your resume that you’re unmarried. So, are you saying you got married out of wedlock?”
arles‘ eyes narrowed as he looked at her.
Taking a deep breath, Jessica responded slowly, “Yes, I did. My child doesn’t have a father.”
Charles continued to look at her intently, his voice steady yet imposing, “How can you get a child without the father?”
He paused, his gaze piercing as he added, “Isn’t it Hugh?”
Jessica’s reaction was swift, her eyebrows knitting together as she quickly refuted, “Of course not!”
Their eyes met, and in his gaze, Jessica saw suspicion–did he really think Arthur was Hugh’s child?
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