Chapter 70 An Unexpected Encounter
John smiled kindly and patted his head calmly, "Let's go!"
Bobby looked at me with his big, timid eyes and didn't move. I walked over, took Bobby's hand, and shook it, "Come on! We're going home!"
With that, I led Bobby out without looking back.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mary come out of the room, her face gloomy as she watched us leave. I didn't greet her.
Respect was mutual; I didn't need to go out of my way to please someone who disliked me.
Just as we were about to leave, Mary called out from behind us, "Bring Bobby back in a few days!"
I thought to myself, 'he won't be coming back.'
After picking up Bobby, I didn't immediately head home; instead, I took him on a little excursion. Initially, we indulged in his beloved cuisine and then ventured to his desired play spot. His joy was unmistakable, yet he remained rather taciturn, occasionally stealing glances at John, who trailed along behind us.
I guessed that at Mary's house, Bobby probably couldn't do as he pleased.
My intuition told me that Bobby and John, his father, were strangers to each other, which meant John didn't visit Bobby often.
Thinking of this, I recalled the photo of John with Sophie and her child at a amusement park, their family of three looking so happy together.
My heart clenched, and I felt a surge of anger, wanting to tear apart the seemingly gentle and elegant John.
Gritting my teeth, I vowed inwardly, 'John, I won't give you another chance. If you want to play the role of a good father, you can only do it for my child.'
Keeping John's cautionary advice in the back of my mind, I disregarded his repeated warnings about not overexerting myself and led Bobby into a children's boutique. My intention was to procure attire for the young ones.
Given the impeccably adorned state of Sophie's offspring, it only seemed fitting for mine to follow suit.
I bought clothes for Bobby, Johnny, Mason, and even myself. Today, I was going to indulge in some revenge shopping, packing up anything that caught my eye.
Did Mary not declare my indifference to my image? Did she not liken my appearance to that of a pauper?
She went so far as to underline my disgraceful representation of the Hall lineage! It was preposterous; I was keenly mindful of their modest and unstable situation!
Before I married John, he hesitated to take me to his home because the Hall family's living conditions back then were worlds apart from now.
In the past, they slept in bunk beds and shared garments, rotating their wear. Now, they deemed me a shame to their household!
Mary staunchly held the belief that the present prosperity of the Hall family rested entirely on their endeavors.
I did need to change my frugal habits; after all, the money I saved had become Sophie's capital for enjoying life.
Moreover, even his mother couldn't stand it anymore, saying I looked like a beggar. Of course, I had to correct my mistakes.
So, after buying the clothes, I dragged John straight into a designer bag store. I needed the whole set if I was going to buy it.
During our fervent shopping spree, an unforeseen encounter unfolded. Truly, the world was a small place; encountering Sophie and her son was beyond my wildest expectations.
It all happened in an instant, catching everyone off guard.
When we made eye contact, we were all stunned. Then, the little boy cheerfully and crisply called out, "Daddy!"