Chapter 179: Unwilling to Give Up (Part 1)
Alison stood straight, her expression earnest. “Look at me. Do I look like a liar?”
Sophia laughed. “All right, Ethan, let’s believe Mummy this once. And let’s try to understand Daddy—maybe he really is busy. Come on, let’s go and change our clothes! Yay, Mummy’s finally taking us out to play!”
Ethan nodded, his face instantly brightening.
They cheered and quickly changed clothes.
Alison took one child in each hand and headed out.
The nanny called after them, “Ma’am, will you be back for dinner tonight?”
“No, we’ll eat out tonight. You should take a break, too.”
“Thank you, ma’am! Since you won’t be home, I’ll actually go visit my family.”
“Alright, it’s been a long time since you went home.”
The building where she had arranged to meet Aidan was close—barely a short walk away.
Standing under the roadside shelter, Sophia gazed down the street. “Mummy, when will Godfather arrive?”
Alison glanced at her watch. “He’ll be here soon. Don’t worry.”
“Mummy, can you call Daddy? Can he come with Godfather too? Please?” Sophia looked at her pleadingly, still unwilling to give up.
“Sophia, Ethan, I told you, you’ll see Daddy in a few days. Don’t bring it up again, okay? It’ll make your Godfather uncomfortable.”
After waiting a little longer, she spotted Aidan’s red Volvo approaching from afar.
Though Sophia had been reluctant moments before, the sight of the car made her wave. “Godfather’s here!”
The car pulled over to the kerb.
Aidan stepped out with a smile and his arms wide open. “Sophia, Ethan, come and give Godfather a hug.”
“Hi, Godfather!” the two little ones shouted in unison, then ran towards him together.
Aidan stooped and lifted each child into his arms. “Mmm, you’ve both gained weight. Mummy must take great care of you.”
“Of course, Godfather! Where are you taking us to play today?” Sophia asked.
Alison frowned. “Sophia, Ethan, come down. Mummy and Daddy need to talk. How about we go to KFC? They have slides, and other kids will play with you. Okay?”
She had to get rid of the kids, seizing the chance to talk with Aidan.
“Okay.” The kids climbed into the car, rolling around and making a racket.
“Alison, look! The kids don’t take after you at all. They’re quite cheerful.” Aidan smiled. “That personality reminds me a bit of Jack when he was little.”
“Aidan, how can you say that? I was just as mischievous when I was young. It’s only as I grew up that I became more reserved. That’s perfectly normal,” Alison replied.
“Why hold back? It’s so much better to be happy. You should learn from the kids,” said Aidan.
She smiled, thinking to herself: I wish I could. But these past few years, what I suffered forced me to surrender.
Amidst the children’s laughter, the car pulled up outside a nearby KFC. The kids hopped out and bounded inside.
Then a cheerful staff member greeted them. “You two look just like your mum and dad—so adorable!”
Aidan walked behind Alison with the children.
He didn’t hear how they responded, but deep down, he wished those two kids were his.
Alison’s silence actually gave him a glimmer of hope.
“Alison, is it urgent?” Aidan asked; he’d been preoccupied ever since she called.
“Never mind. We’ll talk about it inside.” With all these people around, it was difficult to speak.
They entered KFC and casually ordered a variety of items. Only then did Aidan settle into a window seat. The children dipped their food in jam and enjoyed themselves.
Then, they ran off to play.
Sipping his iced Coke, Aidan finally found the chance to ask Alison, “So, what’s this about? Do you need my help?”