Chapter 151: Cookies, Christmas, and a Father's Mistake

The girls stood in front of the television as the Christmas song started to play, singing and dancing along. The entire time, Jessie was smiling and content because she had resolved all of her issues with Din. They both made the decision to be honest with one another and made a commitment not to keep secrets. That way, they can keep a healthy relationship.

"Come on, girls. Cookies!" The girls ran to her with giggles as she approached them holding a tray of cookies. They each chose two before returning to the television.

Ben made the decision to leave Jessie's company earlier that afternoon and head to his father because the games the girls were playing involved dressing up. She won't blame him, though. After all, he was a boy, and no boy his age wants to play dress up.

"Psst." Jessie whispered to Silver. "Come here." Silver rushed over to her when she motioned. Jessie bent down to be on the same level as the little girl. "I need something from you."

Silver asked with a mouthful. "What is it, Aunt Jessie?" Jessie could tell by looking at her that she was still thinking about the playful activity she and Gracie were engaging in in front of the TV.

Ben was quietly seated on the chair, watching Grace dance, when Jessie cast a quick glance at him. There was not a single smile on the little boy's face. "Can you convince Ben to play with you? at the very least, aid in his mood-lifting?"

Silver turned around to look at her brother. She sighed and shook her head as her face once more met Jessie's. "Aunt, Ben is a sad boy. He always wants to be like Daddy so badly. Daddy does not laugh. He constantly scowls and warns Ben that people will take advantage of him if he smiles excessively."

Jessie was astounded by Henry's comment to a young child. Well, given Henry's character, that was to be expected. He is a sad and furious man. She wondered how Cece fell for a man like that. How exactly does he make her happy if he doesn't smile?

"Therefore, I doubt there is anything I can do to make him happy. Perhaps you should speak with Daddy. Ben seems to be a happy child who wants to play but is prevented from doing so because he doesn't want to disappoint Daddy." Jessie was impressed by the way Silver spoke like an adult. She was different from when Jessie met her that morning when they arrived at the mansion.

Jessie grinned affectionately. "All right. You can go and have fun. I will make sure he joins in."

"Good luck with that, Aunt." Silver said, running to meet Gracie. Jessie could see them giggling as they continued playing. She scowled as she walked into the kitchen and placed the tray down after giving Ben one last look.

When she returned to look for Henry, she discovered him enjoying drinks with his cousins while they all sat in the relaxation center that was inside the mansion and on the balcony. He was just drinking and making no comments, and based on the expression on his face, Jessie was certain he had been dragged to join them.

"Henry." Jessie stood by the door, resting on the side of the open door. Din had a curious look on his face as they all turned their attention to her. "I came for Henry. I have something to say to him." Her gaze was fixed on Henry.

He put down his whiskey glass and furrowed his brows. "What is it, Jessie?"

"I'd love to speak with you privately." She added.

Din didn't say anything. If she wants to talk to Henry, there must be a reason for it. He turned to look at Henry, who was slouching peacefully in the chair. "Go on. It's not like you wanted to be here to begin with." With a frown, Henry looked at Din before inhaling and rising to his feet. He approached Jessie, and they all left the balcony.

On arrival in the living room, Jessie's arms were crossed. They were far away from the children or anyone else who might hear their argument. She'd been tempted to ask Henry why Ben was feeling so down and out ever since she'd met the little boy that morning, but she figured it would pass once the boy finally felt at home. She was right to assume that Henry was to blame for everything.

"So, Jessie, what is it? I have somewhere to be." He waited for her to speak while resting the side of his arm against the wall.

Jessie rolled her eyes. "It's not as if you were enjoying the conversation, and besides, you…." He raised his brows, and Jessie kept quiet. She cleared her throat and got straight to the point. "It concerns your boy,"

"Is he sick?" Henry questioned, but he lacked any expression of worry.

"What?"

"If he is not ill, what is it about him?"

Jessie scoffed. "Right now, I find it hard to believe you. How on earth do you not feel anything? Henry, your son doesn't want to play because you raised him in this manner. He doesn't want to participate in activities that kids do. He's still just a young boy."

"And he is my son." Henry inhaled deeply. "Jessie. Be concerned about yours who are coming and leave my boy alone. He doesn't need happiness. He must possess intelligence like his father."

Slowly shaking her head, Jessie scowled. "He is currently sitting on the couch, watching his sister play. Henry, please think about it, he wants to play but he is afraid he might disappoint you in any way or go back to his words. This boy is still a young child, and he should be playing and experiencing happiness at this age. Believe me, you don't want your son to lead a miserable life."

Henry looked over to where Ben was seated before turning back to look at Jessie. He gave her a long, hard look. "I wouldn't be the man I am today if my mother had let me play," he said.

Jessie smirked. "And what man do you think you are? Miserable?"

"Powerful." For a split second, he put his hand on her shoulder before removing it. "I want my boy to be like that too, so please excuse me and I will take my leave."

Jessie couldn't help but yell out in annoyance as he walked past her.