In a nicely decorated Western restaurant, Deanna and Kade sat across from each other, having a meal.
During the meal, Kade asked with concern, "I don't think I've asked before, how have you been these past few years in the country?"
"I'm doing well. How about you? How's your study abroad?" Deanna clearly didn't want to say much and quickly turned the question back to him.
Kade didn't mind and started talking about his daily life studying abroad.
Just like that, the atmosphere between them became harmonious.
Later, after finishing their meal, Kade personally drove Deanna back.
After saying goodbye and getting out of the car, Deanna went straight back to her apartment.
As soon as she entered, she saw Lance sitting in the living room with the two little ones. Old Ashley was also sitting nearby.
"Grandma, Gregory, and Chloe, I'm back," Deanna greeted the three with a bright smile, deliberately ignoring Lance.
The two little ones first glanced cautiously at Lance. Not getting any clues from his expression, they gave up and looked up at Deanna with bright smiles. "Mommy's back. Did you have fun tonight?"
"I had a good time. Have you eaten?" Deanna asked while changing her shoes.
The two little ones nodded and answered in their sweet voices, "We ate. Uncle ate with us."
They said this on purpose because they wanted their mommy and Uncle Lance to talk and stop being at odds.
Unfortunately, Deanna ignored anything related to Lance. "Since you've eaten, go play. Mommy is going to her room."
As she spoke, she walked past Lance towards her room. But she had barely taken a few steps when her wrist was grabbed, and a deep male voice sounded in her ear.
"We need to talk."
Without giving Deanna a chance to react, Lance pulled her into the bedroom.
Seeing this, the two little ones quickly ran to the door and pressed their faces against it to eavesdrop. Old Ashley watched them with a mix of amusement and helplessness but didn't stop them because she was also worried.
Although Lance seemed fine while accompanying them tonight, she could feel that he was angry.
Inside the room, Deanna forcefully pulled her hand away and looked at Lance with cold defensiveness. "We have nothing to talk about. Get out!"
"You may not have anything to say, but I do!" Lance wasn't bothered by Deanna's cold demeanor and looked at her intently. "I don't know what you're thinking right now, but I hope that when you make any decisions or choices, you consider the children's feelings more."
Hearing this lecturing tone made Deanna inexplicably angry. "What do you mean by that? Are you accusing me? When have I not considered the children's feelings?"
Looking at the angry woman in front of him, Lance frowned. "I didn't mean to accuse you."
Deanna let out a cold laugh, her beautiful eyes filled with mockery as if saying he shouldn't bother denying it.
Seeing this, Lance felt a surge of frustration. He took a deep breath and forcibly suppressed his emotions. "Don't be like this. Let's talk calmly."
"I'm very calm," Deanna retorted, unwilling to admit her own agitation.
Lance looked at her helplessly for a moment before giving up and getting straight to the point. "Gregory and Chloe think you're going to find them a stepfather and have been worried all night. If you have such thoughts, I hope you'll discuss it with the children or with me."
Hearing this, Deanna laughed in anger. She looked at him mockingly. "Not discussing it with the children was my fault. But who are you? Why should I discuss it with you?"
Lance's brows furrowed even tighter at her words. But before he could say anything, Deanna interrupted him.
"Besides, even if I really want to find a life partner, so what? I'm single. Can't I find one?"
"Don't deliberately say things to provoke me!" Lance warned in a low voice.
Deanna saw his grim expression and deliberately contradicted him. "Who's provoking you? I'm telling you, my business is none of your concern. I'll be with whoever I want, and you can't stop me!"
As expected, Lance was infuriated by her words. "I'm the children's father. If you're finding them a stepfather, it concerns me!"
He spoke through gritted teeth, glaring at Deanna. "I'm telling you, without my permission, it's impossible for you to be with anyone else. I won't allow it!"
"Lance, who do you think you are? Why should you care about my business?" Deanna was so angry that her chest hurt. She found this man's domineering attitude utterly unreasonable.
Her patience exhausted, she no longer wanted to argue with him and strode towards the door. "You're not welcome here. Leave!"
Just as she opened the door, the two little ones fell at her feet from outside without any warning.
"Gregory and Chloe, what are you doing here?" Deanna frowned in displeasure at the two little ones.