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 could feel her palm growing slick with nervous sweat. It wasn’t long before they arrived at the restaurant, where they were finally seated to eat. Only then did Calvin let go of her hand, leaving Cecilia with a mixture of relief and an odd sense of loss.


    Elliot, ever perceptive, took the chance to give the two some privacy. He excused himself to the restroom, guided by a waiter. As soon as he was out of sight, Cecilia turned to Calvin with an apologetic look.


    “I’m truly sorry, Eli has never experienced a father’s love, and that’s why he acts like this,” she said, her voice tinged with guilt. She understood that Calvin, being unmarried, might find it ufortable to y the role of a father figure to someone else’s child.


    But Calvin didn’t seem bothered at all. “Actually, I quite like him like this,” he replied, his tone reassuring.


    Cecilia felt a weight lift off her shoulders. They discussed a few more matters concerning Elliot, but then Calvin, unable to suppress his curiosity, brought up something that had been on hist mind.


    “Why didn’t you tell me about living with Nathaniel?” he asked, the question slipping out before he could stop himself. The moment the words left his mouth, he regretted them.


    What right do I have to ask her such a thing?


    Cecilia didn’t seem to mind his question. Without hesitation, she revealed everything–how she had gone to extremes to force a divorce from Nathaniel, even to the point of threatening him with her supposed infidelity. She also mentioned the incident where Elena had threatened her, leaving nothing unsaid.


    “Cheated with who?” Calvin caught onto the key detail in her words.


    Cecilia felt a burning sensation in her ears, her face flushing red. “I didn’t mention any names, but Nathaniel assumed it was about you,” she confessed, her embarrassment palpable.


    As she spoke, she tightened her grip on the edge of the table, her palm pressing down nervously. Calvin, unaware of her difort, simply smiled. He took a sip of water, his eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement.


    “That’s perfect,” he said, a teasing tone in his voice. “Today, I can properly embrace this title.”


    Feeling too awkward to continue the conversation, Cecilia stood up abruptly. “Why hasn’t Elie back from the restroom yet? I’ll go check on him,” she said, eager for an excuse to leave.


    Unbeknownst to her, Elliot had been hiding near the entrance, watching the two of them closely. Seeing that their conversation had ended, he made his way back to the table, pretending he had just returned from the restroom.


    “Daddy, Mommy, I’m back,” he announced cheerfully.


    With Elliot’s return, the atmosphere lightened considerably. They finished their meal, and Elliot, full of energy, insisted that Cecilia and Calvin take him to the arcade,


    The arcade was buzzing with activity–young couples, parents with their children, all immersed in the lively atmosphere. As soon as they arrived, Elliot’s eyes lit up at the sight of an event. happening nearby. It was a couples‘petition, and the prize was an enormous plush toy.


    “Mommy, Daddy, I want that one!” Elliot eximed, pointing excitedly at the plush.


    Cecilia looked back at Calvin, memories of pastpetitions shing through her mind. She handed Elliot over to Calvin and said, “All right, I will go and ask.”


    “Okay!” Elliot nodded eagerly, his eyes never leaving the plush toy.


    Cecilia approached the staff and inquired, “Do you sell the bear plushies?”


    “Sorry, miss, this is forpetition use only. It’s not for sale,” the staff member replied politely.


    Undeterred, Cecilia pulled out a card and handed it to him. “Ten thousand for it, is that all right?” she offered.


    The staff member’s eyes widened as he took the card. “I’ll go ask the owner,” he said, hurrying off.


    Meanwhile, Elliot watched the exchange with wide eyes. His mother was certainly resourceful, but he knew he couldn’t let her have her way too easily.


    “Mr. Reese, do you want to win my mommy’s heart?” Elliot asked, turning to Calvin with a mischievous grin.


    Calvin understood immediately. With one arm around Elliot, he pulled out his phone with his free hand and made a quick call.


    “Acquire the underground arcade in Sparaville as quickly as possible, and make sure to redirect. the owner’s phone calls to me,” he instructed calmly.


    A short whileter, an employee emerged from the back office, scratching his head as he dialed a number. The call went straight to Calvin.


    With an unwavering expression, Calvin answered, “Even she offered a billion, I wouldn’t sell. Tell her she must win thepetition.”Content is ? 2024 N?velDrama.Org.


    When Cecilia returned, she looked a bit dejected. She cast a guilty nce at Elliot. “Eli, there are lots of stuffed toys avable online. Would it be all right if I bought one for you from there?” she asked, hoping to cate him.


    Immediately, 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.