Anathea paused, instinctively glancing at the seat she used to take Gregory was nowhere in sight, but on the table were half- eaten bowls of ravioli and spaghetti bolognese.
“Huh? He was just here a moment ago,” Samantha said, feeling puzzled.
Anathea’s eyes dimmed as she looked down. Without another word, she took the kids by the hand and turned to leave. “Let’s find somewhere else to eat.”
Xander frowned as soon as he heard that. “But Mommy, I’m tired, I don’t want to walk anymore.”
“If Thea says we’re leaving, then we’re leaving,” Chloe cut in.
She always listened to Anathea.
“Alright,” Xander reluctantly agreed.
Just as Anathea turned away, a strong hand pressed down on her shoulder from behind. She tensed and tried to leave, but the hand held firm, stopping her from turning around.
Gregory’s familiar, cool voice sounded in her ear. “I’ll be leaving soon. Stay and eat here.”
Xander looked up, and his eyes lit up when he saw Gregory. “Daddy! You’re here too?”
Gregory didn’t answer. He kept his eyes on Anathea. Even though she didn’t look back, he couldn’t take his eyes off her.
“Mr. Sinclair just wrapped up work. He stopped by to grab a bite,” Martin explained.
It was almost 9:00 pm now.
Anathea pressed her lips together, hiding her emotions. After a brief pause, she gave a small shrug, and Gregory finally released his grip.
“Since you’re done eating, you should go,” Anathea said coolly.
Her words hung in the night air, making her seem even more distant.
The tip of her nose had turned red from the wind.
She hadn’t expected the autumn nights here to get this chilly. She was only wearing a thin silk outfit. The cold fabric clung to her skin, making her feel even colder.
Gregory stared at her for a moment, then took off his jacket and reached out to place it around her shoulders.
Anathea stepped aside, clearly rejecting the offer.
His hand froze, and a flicker of sadness passed through his eyes.
“Enjoy your meal,” he said, brushing past her and vanishing into the night.
“Mommy, why don’t you eat with Daddy?” Xander asked, feeling slightly confused. “Did you guys have a fight?”
Anathea frowned, feeling a little strange. Not only had he kept their divorce under wraps, but he hadn’t even told Xander about
- it.
Before she could dwell on it, Hannah walked in briskly with her hands in her pockets. “Come on, hurry up and order something. I’m starving.”
Anathéa finally found a seat and sat down, ordering a bowl of ravioli and some aglio olio.
Chloe had eaten here before and was enjoying her meal.
On the other hand, Xander had never been to such a humble spot. He eyed the worn, shiny table and then the bowl, wrinkling
Chapter 504
his nose in doubt. “Is this really okay to cat?”
+25 BONUS
Anathea realized she had been too protective of him. She always made sure his food was spotless, and that had made him picky and fussy. “This is good,” she said, offering him the spoon. “Try it
Xander swallowed hard and took a bite. His face immediately brightened. “Yummy!”
He dug in eagerly and mumbled with his mouth full, “Mommy, I want to come out to eat with you more often!”
He then added, “It’d be even better if Daddy could come with us…
He really just wanted the three of them to be together again.
Anathea heard him, but she pretended not to. She calmly continued eating her ravioli and quietly texted Jenny to come pick Xander up.
By the time Jenny arrived, they were almost done. When she saw Anathea, tears welled up in her eyes.
“Mrs. Sinclair…” she whispered.
She hadn’t seen Anathea in over three months and had missed her terribly. When she heard about the loss of Anathea’s other child, guilt weighed heavily on her. She felt responsible for not protecting her better.