Chapter 1013: Expectations of Home
Theodore felt uneasy after Laird's words, deeming his father's concern excessive and meddlesome. As an eligible bachelor—his marriage undisclosed—he was in high demand; Little Bunny had simply been fortunate.
"I don't want to waste time," Laird said curtly. "If she asks for compensation, you'd better provide it!" He felt his heart racing, unable to continue the conversation.
Theodore nodded dismissively. "I understand."
"Get out," Laird snapped.
Theodore left. Laird watched him go, sighing heavily. He'd be alone, he thought, for the rest of his life.
At 5:30 PM, Theodore returned with Nicholas. They walked in silence, their estrangement palpable. Nicholas's dislike of Theodore was evident, stemming from their limited prior interactions. Theodore, impatient with children, remained taciturn.
"I've brought your grandson back," Theodore announced nonchalantly.
Laird glanced at him, then his expression softened towards Nicholas. "Welcome home, Nicholas! Was school difficult today?"
Theodore was taken aback. Was this the same man? he mused. So stern yet gentle.
"Grandpa!" Nicholas ran into Laird's arms, their affection evident in the embrace.
Cringe-worthy, Theodore thought. He turned to leave, but Little Bunny emerged from her room, freshly made-up. Without makeup, he found her even more attractive.
Ignoring Theodore, she entered the living room, calling, "Nicholas!"
Nicholas rushed to her, exclaiming, "Mom!" He clung to her tightly.
Little Bunny hugged him, while Theodore's mood soured. He recalled Nicholas's earlier coldness, a trait he'd attributed to his aloof personality, similar to Oscar's. But witnessing Nicholas's affection for Laird and Little Bunny ignited a pang of jealousy.
Theodore angrily retreated to his room, his displeasure unnoticed.
Little Bunny led Nicholas towards the living room.
"Mom, you're only supposed to come home once a week. Why are you back so soon? Finished filming?" Nicholas asked.
Nicholas, inheriting his parents' good looks, was strikingly handsome. Susan, upon seeing him, had been astounded.
"I came back with your dad to handle something," Little Bunny explained. "I'll leave tomorrow morning."
"Tomorrow morning?" Nicholas protested.
"Once filming is done, I'll arrange my schedule to spend more time with you," she promised.
"Mom, keep your promises," Nicholas insisted.
"Okay. Homework?"
"Mr. Smith wants us to plant seeds and observe their growth," Nicholas replied promptly.
"Want me to help you plant them in the backyard?"
"Yes!" They planted seeds with the gardener's assistance, playing amidst the dirt.
Instead of napping, as planned, Theodore watched them from the window, his sexual frustration preventing sleep. He smoked a cigarette on the balcony, observing their happiness. The scene warmed him unexpectedly, a surprising sense of family's beauty, even making him feel sentimental. He couldn't tear his gaze away.
A servant approached. "Ma'am, young master, Master Laird requests your presence for dinner."
"We'll wash up first," Little Bunny replied politely.
They ran into Theodore in the hallway. He frowned. "Dinner's ready. Where are you going?"
"I'll bathe Nicholas," Little Bunny said.
Theodore stopped them. "Wait."
"You're going to bathe him?" he asked.
"Yes, he's only six," Little Bunny replied, noting her infrequent visits required attending to her son's needs.
"But he's a boy," Theodore countered.
"I'll help," he added.
Little Bunny paused, then Nicholas spoke up. "I want Mom!"
"How can you let a woman bathe you?!" Theodore scolded, roughly taking Nicholas's hand.
Hesitant but accepting this unexpected display of fatherly responsibility, Little Bunny watched them go. Nicholas, sharing his mother's aversion to conflict, remained quiet despite his displeasure, offering his mother a pleading look. Little Bunny gave him a reassuring smile and a thumbs-up before letting him go. He walked into the bathroom with a long face.