Chapter 199

Marvin watched Keen’s dejected expression, his smile widening. He started talking to the kids about Stella, as if listing his favorite things.

“Stella doesn’t just make amazing food; she also makes these special herbal soups. You guys ever heard of those? I’ve got a sensitive stomach and I’m always cold, especially in winter. Stella cooks these herbal soups for me every day to help with that. She’s incredible, like some kind of superhero. She knows exactly what foods are good for you and what aren’t.”

As he spoke, Marvin lifted his thermos, his little face glowing with happiness.

“This is Stella’s special soup. She says I’m still recovering, so I should avoid too much outside food. Even though the daycare food is tasty, a lot of it isn’t good for my recovery, so she made me my own lunch.”

The kids were all ears, their eyes following the thermos in Marvin’s hand.

“Wow! Stella sounds amazing! Is she like, a superhero or something?”

“I hate the food here at daycare. When I ask my mom to pack me something, she says I’m being a nuisance…”

One kid scrunched up his nose. “I’ve tried herbal soups before, and they taste awful. I always feel like puking.”

Marvin looked even more pleased. “That’s because you’ve had the traditional ones. Stella’s are different. She makes them delicious.” With that, Marvin popped the lid off the thermos. A fragrant aroma filled the air.

“Wow, that smells amazing!”

Many of the kids instinctively swallowed, their stomachs rumbling, especially those who had skimped on breakfast.

All eyes were on Marvin’s thermos now. The colors, the aroma, everything was mouthwatering. It was like a feast for the senses.

Marvin, not one to be stingy, grabbed a small spoon and some cups, offering them around.

“Try it, you’ll see.”

The kids tasted it one by one.

“Oh my gosh, this is delicious!”

“Something this tasty and it’s good for you too… I want to eat this every day!”

“Marvin, give me another cup, please!”, “Hey! Why’d you take my cup? That was mine, give it back!”, “No way, not giving it back!”

Two kids almost got into a scuffle over the soup.

Keen stood there, watching the scene unfold, his little fists clenching. Once, his mom used to do the same for him. But he found it annoying, thinking she was just a mom who cooked and did nothing else. He was even embarrassed to tell anyone that Stella was his mom. But why were these kids so envious of Marvin?!

While Keen was lost in thought, Marvin quietly moved next to him and said, “This time, I came in first. That Ms. Pearce you and your dad like so much isn’t all that!”

Keen snapped back to reality, glaring at Marvin.

Marvin continued, “Stella’s prettier, more talented, and she can protect me and fight off bullies. Ms. Pearce just cries all the time, always needing Mr. O’Brien or you to help her out. She’s worse than a five-year-old… that’s embarrassing! You guys actually like someone like her? You’ve got to be kidding me!”

Every time Marvin spoke, it made Keen’s blood boil.

Pointing at Marvin, he shouted in defense, “Ms. Pearce isn’t as bad as you say! Don’t you dare talk about her like that!”