Chapter 47
Chapter 47
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Maxine gently ruffled Jessica’s hair with a look full of affection. “Alright. With you here, I really feel at ease.”
After speaking, Maxine glanced at her watch. There were still thirty minutes left before their agreed time.
Meanwhile, in a villa at Halfhill Bay, Sebastian stood in the walk–in closet, hesitating between two coats of the same style but different colors.
Sebastian remembered Maxine once said he looked good in dark gray.
After a moment of hesitation, Sebastian reached for the dark gray one.
Just then, the bedroom door creaked lightly. Sebastian stepped out to take a look.
“Brian?” Sebastian raised an eyebrow. “What is it?”
Brian stood awkwardly at the door, mumbling, “Dad, are you going to see Mom?”
Sebastian gave a short hum. “Stay home and wait for me.”
With that, Sebastian turned back, ready to head inside.
“Hey- Brian quickly ran after him and followed him into the closet. “Dad, driving alone’s not safe, right? I’ll go with you.”
Sebastian adjusted his tie in the mirror, tone calm. “Want to see mommy?”
Brian’s eyes went wide. “I do not!”
Sure, lately it’d just been Brian and Dad at home, and it did feel kind of empty. The food their housekeeper made wasn’t that great, and no one read him bedtime stories anymore…
But! That didn’t mean he missed Maxine! She’d pushed him before and he got seriously hurt because of it!
As Brian thought about it, a sudden wave of indignance washed over him. He thought, ‘Isn’t a mom supposed to love her kid no matter what?
Why is she so heartless? Even Kathleen is better than her!‘
Sebastian didn’t notice the tangled expression on Brian’s face. He said simply, “Then stay here. I’ll be back soon.”
Brian stayed quiet for a while, then asked, “Did she ask you to come? Why does she want to see you?”
Sebastian’s movements paused slightly. A subtle flicker passed through his eyes.
After a moment, Sebastian lowered his gaze. “Not sure. But I think it’s about what I said before. She probably made up her mind and wants to talk face to face.”
Brian’s eyes lit up with hope. “She doesn’t want to get divorced?”
Sebastian slipped on the coat, thoughtful. “Probably not.”
‘If she really wants to end things, she’ll just ignore everything and not reach out, Sebastian thought.
Brian could barely contain himself. “I want to go too!” He grabbed Sebastian’s wrist quickly. “Dad, take me with you!”
Sebastian didn’t exactly mind bringing Brian, but Maxine’s words echoed in his mind, making him pause.
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Wed, 18
Chapter 47
Then Sebastian ruffled Brian’s hair. “She doesn’t want you there, and she’s right. Grown–up stuff isn’t something you should get involved in.”
Noticing Sebastian’s hesitation, Brian quickly added, “I won’t go in! I’ll just wait outside and listen, okay?”
Sebastian looked into those wide eyes and couldn’t bring himself to say no.
After thinking for a bit, Sebastian let out a sigh. “Fine. You’ll stay outside with James. Don’t wander off, got it?”
Hearing this, Brian beamed and followed Sebastian eagerly.
Just as they were about to head out, the doorbell rang.
Sebastian frowned and walked over to open the door. He was slightly taken aback. “Kathleen?”
Kathleen stood at the door holding several bags of groceries, smiling warmly as she stepped in.
Brian looked surprised, but more than that, he looked delighted. “Kathleen? Why are you here?”
Still smiling, Kathleen set the bags down and pinched Brian’s cheek playfully.
Kathleen replied, “I came to cook for you!”
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