Chapter 383 Secrets Shared
Darwin's lower back was incredibly sensitive, and Fiona's deft touch nearly caused a scene right there and then. He settled back just before Chicago, with a hint of mischief in her eyes, turned to him. "Why are your ears turning red too?"
Fiona, sipping her water, nearly spat it out but ended up coughing instead.
"Mommy..." Chicago quickly patted her on the back. Darwin rushed over with Chicago, helping Fiona catch her breath. "Take it easy..."
After Fiona's coughs subsided, she shot Darwin a glare out of Chicago's line of sight and pinched his wrist under the table. Darwin couldn't hold back a laugh. The maneuver that was intended to embarrass him had backfired on her.
"You guys are acting so weird," Chicago commented, aware of the undercurrent between adults she couldn't quite understand.
"We’re not acting weird at all," Darwin reassured her, his tone soothing yet playful, "Our ears are red because we’re just really happy."
"Darwin!" Fiona tugged at him, silently warning him not to talk nonsense in front of the child—a warning she seemed to have forgotten she'd first ignored herself.
"Alright..." Darwin conceded with a soft chuckle. "Eat up. I'll sort through some photos."
"I wanna see too!" Chicago raised her hand enthusiastically.
Moments later, Fiona sat alone leisurely eating her dinner, her gaze drifting over to the opposite table. Charles and Chicago sat on either side of Darwin, the three of them deep in discussion about which photos to keep and which to delete.
She took a bite of her salad, feeling full, then leisurely sipped on her juice. The scene was so serene and content. It was something she hadn't dared imagine when she decided to marry Darwin. It's funny how life comes full circle, she thought. The children were back by their father's side, and she was witnessing a moment of unexpected family warmth she never dreamed possible.
Then, Darwin suddenly looked up at her. Caught off guard, Fiona froze. For a brief second, her cool gaze met his, and she felt her defenses wavering. Then, the moment was gone. She had rebuilt her walls, sealing away her emotions from him once again.
When Charles and Chicago heard their mother’s cue to head home, they obediently scrambled to Fiona's side, their evening ritual signaling the end of another day. Darwin stood to settle the bill, a subtle testament to the closing of the evening, but another layer to their shared secrets.
Darwin accidentally swiped to a group photo on his phone. In the backdrop of the picture, fireworks burst in all their splendor as he held Fiona close, their kiss deep and meaningful. Charles and Chicago were in front of them, their smiles radiating pure joy and cuteness.
As Darwin stared at the photo, his eyes glazed over, feeling something stirring within, like ice thawing in the warmth of the sun.
"Mr. Darwin?" The server approached with the bill, calling his name softly to get his attention.
Darwin snapped back to reality and handed over his card.
After completing the transaction, he pulled out his wallet from Chicago’s backpack and placed a stack of hundred-dollar bills on the table. "This is for you. Thanks for taking such great photos of my family."
The server was dumbfounded by Darwin’s generosity. He hadn't counted the cash at all. He had just handed over all the money in his wallet for the tip.
Before the server could even react, Darwin was already striding out the door, catching up with his wife and kids with a spring in his step. Along the way, he changed his phone's lock screen and wallpaper to that very group photo. His actions spoke volumes of his affection.
On the drive back, it was about time for Charles and Chicago to drift off to sleep, typical for their bedtime. Since Charles was exhuasted from the day, both kids quickly slumped in their child safety seats and fell asleep.
Fiona watched them, her heart melting. She couldn't resist and gave each of them a gentle kiss.
Darwin leaned back against the headrest, the neon lights from outside flickering across his face in an oscillating dance of light and shadow. His gaze fixed intently on Fiona.
If he hadn't angered her, would she have kissed him too, just like she kissed the kids? He was certain she would have.
"Chicago wants to visit Emerald Cove tomorrow to see the kittens. Do you want to join us?" Darwin broke the silence with a question.
Before the visit to Emerald Cove with Charles and Chicago, Fiona didn't know that the home he referred to was there. If everything had gone according to plan, that place would have been the one he intended to buy for her, so she could continue living there secretly as his mistress after he got married.
"There’s no need. You make the plans. I'll check it out when it's time to move," Fiona responded coolly.
The old Darwin would never have taken no for an answer. His word was law. If he said jump, everyone would jump. But now...
He continued to gaze at Fiona, his eyes weighed with a tinge of profound sadness. "Okay. I understand."
*
The next day, Fiona left home early as usual.
After breakfast, Charles and Chicago went to see Jessie. The Golden Retriever's spirit seemed to have revived overnight, and she whined excitedly when she saw Chicago.
Despite their strained relationship with their granddaughter, Bob and Grace had never completely cut ties.
Each morning, without fail, Chicago would video call the Bob and Grace so they could see their little Jessie. Chicago’s family had cared for Jessie for some time, but the dog still saw Bob and Grace as her owners, and each glimpse of them through the screen pulled at her heartstrings, clearly overwhelming her with emotions.
The elderly couple couldn't help but wipe away their tears as they faced the camera. When the call ended, Jessie always seemed a little downcast.
Chicago knelt beside Jessie, gently stroking her while offering soothing words in a soft but convincing tone, "Gramps and Grams love you, Jessie. They had to let me take care of you because there were bad people after you. Don't worry, they'll come visit you soon!"
After spending over half an hour at the vet, Chicago thoroughly cleaned Jessie's coat and gave disinfected her completely before heading back to the car.
"Chicago sure is busy—what with the dogs and the cats," Burl said, joining them on the trip to Emerald Pool.
Burl had a mission of his own that day.
"Who would've thought? I’ve become a proud pet parent to both a cat and a dog at the age of five!" Chicago remarked with a sigh of nostalgia.
Burl paused for a second, then burst into laughter at Chicago's comment. Darwin and Charles exchanged a glance, joining in the chuckle with unspoken understanding. It was a shared hope between father and son.
When they arrived at Emerald Pool, everyone alighted from the vehicle. Darwin took Chicago to see the new kittens, while Charles and Burl began their tour of the area.
"Well..." Burl surveyed the surroundings then turned to Charles with a reluctant tone, "Your mom would love it here."
Charles nodded in agreement, then glanced back at the minivan. "Uncle, what was that secret thing you and Chicago were sneaking into the van this morning?"
Burl faced Charles, trying to contain his delight but ultimately failing.
Finally!!! He finally had a little secret of his own to share with Chicago!
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