Chapter 326: Like a Family
The three of them walked through the snow, their figures blending together in a way that made them look remarkably like a family. As Calvin led Cecilia by the hand, she felt her palm grow slick with nervous sweat. They soon arrived at the restaurant and were seated. Only then did Calvin release her hand, leaving Cecilia with a mixture of relief and a strange sense of loss.
Elliot, ever perceptive, excused himself to the restroom, giving the couple some privacy. As soon as he was gone, Cecilia turned to Calvin with an apologetic expression. "I'm so sorry," she said, her voice laced with guilt. "Eli has never known a father's love, and that's why he acts like this." She understood that Calvin, being unmarried, might find it uncomfortable to fill that role.
But Calvin didn't seem bothered. "Actually, I quite like him," he replied reassuringly.
Cecilia felt a weight lift. They discussed Elliot, then Calvin, unable to contain his curiosity, asked, "Why didn't you tell me about living with Nathaniel?" He regretted the question instantly. What right did I have to ask?
Cecilia didn't seem to mind. She revealed everything—her desperate attempts to divorce Nathaniel, even resorting to threats of infidelity. She also mentioned Elena's threat, leaving nothing unsaid.
"Cheated with whom?" Calvin pinpointed the crucial detail.
Cecilia's face flushed crimson. "I didn't mention any names, but Nathaniel assumed it was you," she confessed, mortified. She gripped the table edge nervously. Calvin, oblivious to her discomfort, smiled, took a sip of water, and said with amusement, "That's perfect. Today, I can properly embrace this title."
Too awkward to continue, Cecilia abruptly stood. "Why hasn't Eli come back from the restroom? I'll check on him," she said, seizing the excuse to leave.
Unbeknownst to her, Elliot had been hiding nearby, observing them. Seeing their conversation end, he returned to the table, pretending to have just emerged from the restroom.
"Daddy, Mommy, I'm back!" he announced cheerfully.
The atmosphere lightened. They finished their meal, and the energetic Elliot insisted on visiting the arcade. The arcade buzzed with activity—couples, parents, and children. Elliot's eyes lit up at a couples' competition with a large plush toy as the prize.
"Mommy, Daddy, I want that one!" he exclaimed, pointing excitedly.
Cecilia looked at Calvin, past competitions flashing through her mind. She handed Elliot to Calvin and said, "I'll go ask."
"Okay!" Elliot nodded eagerly.
Cecilia asked the staff if the plush was for sale. "Sorry, miss, this is for the competition," the staff member replied.
Undeterred, Cecilia offered, "Ten thousand for it."
The staff member's eyes widened. "I'll ask the owner," he said, hurrying away.
Elliot watched, wide-eyed. His mother was resourceful, but he wouldn't let her have it easy.
"Mr. Reese, want to win my mommy's heart?" Elliot asked Calvin with a mischievous grin.
Calvin understood. With one arm around Elliot, he used his phone to swiftly acquire the arcade and redirect the owner's calls to himself. He then calmly told the owner, "Even a billion wouldn't make me sell. Tell her she must win the competition."
Cecilia returned, dejected. She glanced guiltily at Elliot. "Eli, there are lots of stuffed toys online. Would you like me to buy one from there?" she asked hopefully.
Elliot began to sniffle. "Mommy, you don't love me anymore. Other parents help their kids win prizes, but you… I knew it, I'm not your real child. Only Jon is your real child," he sobbed.