Chapter 92
William's gaze fell on Aiden. His tone sounded calm and flat, but inside he was already calculating. "Aiden, it's getting late. Come home with me."
Hearing this, Aiden's little face instantly fell. He instinctively grabbed Emily's sleeve, shaking his head like a rattle-drum, his eyes full of reluctance. "I don't want to go home, Dad. I want to have a big meal with Grandma, Aunt Emily, Nina, and Oscar."
Aiden knew perfectly well that William didn't really want to take him home—he clearly wanted to wait for Emily to invite them to stay.
Emily was taken aback.
Looking at Aiden's pitiful expression, then meeting William's seemingly casual glance, she felt oddly uncomfortable but still forced herself to speak.
"It's rare for the family to get together today, and I made plenty of food. Mr. Brown, you've helped me a lot before, so I guess we're friends now. Why don't you stay and eat with us?"
The moment the words left her mouth, Emily felt her tone was a bit stiff.
But right now, she just wanted to quickly push aside those strange feelings.
Emily attributed her invitation to friendship and having plenty of food, but only she knew what she really felt inside.
William had been waiting for exactly those words.
A flash of amusement quickly crossed his eyes, though his face remained calm as he nodded.
"In that case, I'll take you up on that offer." Though he agreed outwardly, a trace of disappointment quietly rose in his heart.
She still only saw him as a friend—there was always a barrier between them.
On the other side, seeing William agree to stay, Aiden immediately brightened up.
He let go of Emily's sleeve and pulled Oscar and Nina off to play in the living room.
Amelia leaned back on the sofa, taking it all in.
A meaningful smile played at the corners of her mouth, but she said nothing.
"I'll go buy groceries now. Mom, you and the kids rest at home for a bit." With that, Emily grabbed her bag and prepared to head out.
"I'll go with you and help carry things." William quickly followed, taking the shopping bag from her hand without giving her a chance to refuse.
"It's not convenient for you to carry everything alone. An extra pair of hands will make it faster."
Emily wanted to decline.
But seeing he'd already started walking, she swallowed the words that had reached her lips.
She nodded and followed William out the door.
In the garage, William naturally opened the passenger door.
Emily hesitated for a moment, then got in.
Throughout the drive, they chatted casually.
Mostly William asked questions and Emily answered.
The atmosphere wasn't exactly warm, but it wasn't awkward either.
After buying groceries and returning home, William voluntarily went into the kitchen to help—sorting vegetables, washing them, passing things—his movements skilled, not at all like a pampered CEO from a wealthy family.
Emily watched his busy figure and felt an inexplicable warmth in her heart.
But she quickly suppressed that warmth.
Amelia stayed in the living room playing with the three children, their clear laughter ringing out from time to time.
The house was suddenly filled with the lively warmth of home.
Before long, a table full of delicious dishes was set out.
The family gathered around the dining table to eat.
Nina's mouth was stuffed full, making her look like a little hamster, causing everyone to laugh.
Oscar ate elegantly, while Aiden wolfed down his food.
Emily kept an eye on the children and Amelia, constantly serving them food.
Seeing she hadn't eaten much herself, William picked up some of her favorite dishes and placed them on Emily's plate.
His movements were natural and smooth, as if he'd done it a thousand times before.
Emily froze, looking up to meet his gaze.
"Thank you." With that, Emily lowered her head to eat.
There was no extra expression on her face, as if she'd simply accepted a friend's kindness.
Watching her bland reaction, William couldn't control the disappointment rising in his heart.
This scene also caught Amelia's eye.
She put down her fork and wiped her mouth.
Amelia's gaze fell on Emily, her tone leisurely, carrying a deliberate probing quality. "Emily, your life has really gotten better now. The children are well-behaved and sensible, and you've worked hard to buy a house. I'm both relieved and heartbroken watching you."
At this point, Amelia changed direction. "But you should have someone by your side to take care of you."
Emily's fork paused.
Her cheeks instantly flushed slightly red as she looked at Amelia somewhat helplessly. "Mom, why are you suddenly bringing this up? I already have children—I've basically skipped the marriage step, so there's no need to enter into marriage now. Besides, my focus is on the kids and my career. I haven't thought about these things at all."
"That's where you're wrong." Amelia smiled, her gaze casually sweeping over William before returning to Emily. "If a man truly loves you, he won't hurt you because of some external conditions."
The meaning in Amelia's words couldn't be more obvious. How could Emily not understand?
She instantly felt flustered, her gaze unconsciously avoiding William, afraid he might read too much into it.
Emily quickly picked up a piece of beef for Amelia, hurriedly changing the subject. "Mom, try this beef. I stewed it for a long time until it's really tender. See if you like it."
Amelia watched her flustered state, smiled without exposing her, and went along with the conversation, tasting the beef and praising it repeatedly.
Just when she thought the matter had been smoothed over, Nina suddenly put down her spoon, her little brow furrowed, looking at Emily with complete seriousness, her voice childish yet earnest. "Mommy, if you really want to get married, we have no objections. Whatever you do, we respect you."
Aiden nodded along, his tone carrying some anticipation. "I respect you too. But if you could be my mommy, I'd be really happy."
Oscar looked up at Emily, his small face somewhat serious. "Mommy, if more people can protect you, we'll only be happier."
Emily's nose tingled slightly.
Looking at the children's clear eyes, she felt a mix of emotions.
Oscar and Nina had never mentioned anything about a father in front of her before.
Emily had never brought it up either.
Although she'd worked hard outside these years, she still hadn't neglected her love for the children.
But as someone who'd been through it, Emily knew very well that a father's love and a mother's love were different.
The father's love the children lacked couldn't be made up for by her love alone.
Emily opened her mouth but ultimately said nothing.
At the table, the atmosphere fell into silence.
Just then, William put down his fork.
His gaze swept over Emily, then looked at Amelia, his voice unhurried as he spoke.