Chapter 498 A Family of Three
Benjamin's eyes lit up, and he jumped up, brushing the dust off his pants.
Snowy caught a familiar scent, got up, barked twice, and spun around excitedly.
The car rolled to a stop in front of the steps, and the driver hopped out to open the back door.
Diana stepped out before Charles, and as soon as her feet hit the ground, Benjamin shot over like a little cannonball, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist.
"Ms. Wipere! I missed you so much! You're finally back."
Diana softened; she had missed her son just as much during their time apart.
They stayed wrapped up in each other in front of the car, even as the driver drove away, still clinging to one another.
Charles stood nearby with his hands in his pockets, watching Benjamin's fluffy head with a hint of irritation.
"Let go."
Benjamin, nestled in Diana's familiar scent, snuggled closer. Hearing Charles's grumpy voice, he immediately looked up.
"No."
"You..."
Charles frowned, about to pull him away, but Diana bent down and picked Benjamin up.
Benjamin was still young, heavier than before, but Diana could manage holding him for a while.
Benjamin was naturally thrilled, clinging to Diana's neck and casting a defiant glance at Charles.
"Get down."
Charles spoke again, but before Benjamin could respond, Diana frowned and said, "Why are you arguing with a kid? What's wrong with a hug? It's not like I'm asking you to hug him."
With that, she carried Benjamin inside, nodding with a smile at Jacob as they passed.
For a moment, Charles was left alone outside, the sun setting and the wind rustling the leaves, creating a suddenly somber atmosphere.
Out of Charles's sight, Benjamin whispered in Diana's ear, "Mommy, I missed you so much."
"Me too," Diana smiled knowingly, responding softly.
The atmosphere between mother and son was particularly warm, and the passing staff were curious but didn't dare to stare.
"Mrs. Percy, dinner is ready. You can eat whenever you like."
Jacob spoke with a smile, happy to see the house so lively again.
Charles had brought Diana back today, and though it wasn't obvious, there was a hint of a smile on his face.
And with Benjamin, the three of them looked so much like a family. If Juniper were still here, she'd be thrilled.
Jacob was deeply moved, feeling tears welling up as he watched.
Diana felt a bit awkward with her new title, pressing her lips together without responding.
Benjamin, however, looked up and asked, "Mr. Hearst, why did you call Ms. Wipere 'Mrs. Percy'?"
Jacob hadn't expected him to notice that detail and was about to explain when Charles walked over, prompting him to step aside and say, "You should ask Mr. Percy about that."
Benjamin was puzzled, wrinkling his nose as he asked again, "Mr. Percy, why did Mr. Hearst call Ms. Wipere 'Mrs. Percy'?"
Charles sat across from them, his face stern, still annoyed at being ignored earlier.
Hearing the question, Charles let out a sudden laugh.
What good was being close? Diana was still his wife.
So, he bluntly said, "Because she's my wife, and she's not Wipere. Her name is Diana Spencer."
"What?"
Benjamin jumped up, more excited than when he had greeted them at the door.
Diana quickly whispered, "Charles, don't say stuff like that in front of the kid."
She hadn't figured out how to explain their relationship to Benjamin, and now it was all out in the open.
But Charles seemed unfazed by her anger, continuing, "We're legally married, so why can't I say it? You're the lady of the house."
"That's because you..."
'Tricked me into signing...'
Diana stood up abruptly, her voice too loud, but remembering Benjamin was there, she swallowed the rest of her words.
She felt exposed, like a pill bug suddenly uncovered, with nowhere to hide.
The previously warm atmosphere plummeted, and the other staff quickly left, not wanting to get caught in the crossfire.
Jacob wanted to mediate, but matters between a husband and wife are complicated, so he gently changed the subject, "Mr. Percy, Mrs. Percy. The food's getting cold, it's time to eat."
"Mr. Percy, Ms. Spencer, let's eat."
This time it was Benjamin who spoke, surprisingly calm after the argument.
He looked up at the tense pair, clearly frightened.
Neither moved, so Benjamin took Diana's hand and started pulling her toward the dining room, glancing back at Charles.
Once they were seated at the table, Diana focused on Benjamin, squeezing his hand and apologizing, "I'm sorry, Benjamin. This came up suddenly, and I didn't have time to tell you. But our relationship won't change."
Her words were vague, but Benjamin understood her meaning.
He squeezed her hand back reassuringly, flashing a bright smile, "I'm not mad. If you're married, then we're even closer."
With that, he reached out his other hand toward Charles.
Charles, sitting further away, saw the gesture and reluctantly moved closer, offering his hand.
Benjamin took both their hands and stacked them together.
From top to bottom, the hands were: Charles, Diana, Benjamin.
Charles's hand was large, with prominent knuckles and veins, completely covering the mother and son's hands beneath it, like a protective umbrella.
Diana's hand was soft and warm, carrying a scent Benjamin loved.
As for Benjamin, his hand was small, not yet fully formed, but placed with the others, it looked like a family of three.
The thought suddenly flashed through Charles's mind.
It wasn't the first time he'd thought this way. Every time it happened, he thought of that child, wanting a real family with Diana.
As he pondered, his fingers curled slightly, holding Diana's hand, refusing to let go despite her attempts to pull away.
Benjamin naturally held their hands together, grinning, "From now on, we're a family. Mr. Percy, if you bully Ms. Spencer again, you're in big trouble."
Benjamin's cute expression belied his threatening words, and Charles unceremoniously tapped his head, saying coldly, "Who are you threatening? Our business is none of a mischievous kid's concern."
Benjamin immediately covered his head, retorting, "I'm not a mischievous kid! Mr. Percy, you're so annoying, I'm not talking to you anymore!"
With that, he hopped off his chair and ran to sit on Diana's other side.
Diana withdrew her hand, frowning, "Don't hit him on the head. What if you make him dumb?"
"Boys aren't that fragile. You'll spoil him."
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