Chapter 305
Chapter 305
Louis took a swig of his drink and smirked. "Why bring up the mother of the two little guys? No woman wants to hear about her man's ex, especially when kids are involved. It's easy for her to picture scenes that are, well, not kid-friendly."
Ivan asked solemnly, "Why don't women want to hear about their guy's ex?"
Louis snorted. "Jealousy, of course! The more a woman cares about you, the more she's bothered by the existence of your ex. Mention her, and you're implying you still care about another woman. That will spark jealousy, anger, and the silent treatment."
Ivan lifted his gaze. "You mean she cares about me?"
"What else would it be? Why would she get mad?" Louis rolled his eyes. "With your credentials, you can have a princess. Why are you so insecure around Haley?"
Mark couldn't resist joining in, "Ms. Haley is, after all, the beauty of Cuenca."
Louis retorted, "Beauty? I've had enough of her penchant for throwing people over her shoulder. If she really sticks with Ivan, you won't catch me walking through the Winston residence's front door ever again."
Mark and Louis continued chatting away.
Ivan cradled his glass, his previously furrowed brow slowly smoothing out.
...
Haley arrived home with the kids and threw together a simple meal—one with three dishes and a soup.
Angela dug into her food with gusto, but Todd couldn't help but steal glances at Haley.
After the meal, Angela went to practice the piano while Todd followed Haley into the kitchen. "Mommy, let me help you with the dishes," he offered.
Haley stepped aside from the sink and turned to wipe down the stove.
Todd rolled up his sleeves and started washing dishes. "Mommy, why did we suddenly leave the Winston's tonight? Can you tell me?" he asked.
Haley paused. Then, she continued wiping the stove, her voice neutral. "The Winstons are prominent figures in Cuenca; being seen there too often might make it seem like we're trying to curry favor with them."
"That's not true," Todd challenged her bluntly, piercing her lie. "Mommy, you were upset tonight. It's clearly something Mr. Ivan did to set you off. What did Mr. Ivan do to you?"
Haley fell silent, frowning. Her Todd was too clever; she couldn't hide anything from him. However, some things just couldn't be explained to a child barely four years old.
"Mommy, something's been off with you ever since last night." Todd's voice mingled with the sound of running water. "Last night, after finding out Keith is Owen's brother, you became downcast. It matters to you, doesn't it?"
Haley's hand froze. She let out a sigh. "Todd, can't you be a little less perceptive?"
Todd placed the clean dish on the rack and turned to her earnestly. "Mommy, you don't have to carry everything on your shoulders."
Haley knew she needed to clear the air, or Todd wouldn't rest. In a low voice, she asked, "Do you know who Owen and Keith's mother is?"
Todd finally understood. He had guessed long ago. If his mother found out Emily was Owen's mother, she would never go back to the Winstons'. He didn't expect she'd leave so decisively.
"So, you knew all along," Haley glanced at him. "No wonder you didn't want Angela playing with Owen the other day."
She chuckled wryly. Todd, a mere child, had figured it out before she did. She really had been oblivious all these years.
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