Chapter 398 I Want Your Company!
Darwin dutifully went to get the silverware.
"From now on, you're going to be in charge of Chicago's education," Fiona suddenly said, "You've got a knack for it. I'll handle Charles's schooling."
Darwin glanced over at Fiona with a smile. "Mrs. Solomon sure knows how to delegate. Does Charles need much tutoring?"
"Doesn’t matter. One child each is good," Fiona declared without room for argument.
"If it's Chicago, then let it be Chicago. I'm not scared; she's already bright," Darwin mused and then agreed, inching further into cheekiness, "But I want a reward for it."
"A reward for helping your child?" Fiona crossed her arms, baffled by his audacity. "Well then, should I get a reward for tutoring Charles?" she retorted playfully.
"Sure, what do you want? I'll give you anything," Darwin chimed in instantly.
Fiona was speechless.
She had a feeling that Darwin had duped her.
"So what do you want as a reward, huh?" Fiona decided to see what else Darwin was holding in store for her.
"I want a wedding," Darwin stepped forward, speaking with a tone of grievance as if Fiona had ever said he couldn't have one.
"That's it?"
"And to stop sleeping in separate bedrooms," he upped the ante.
"Anything else?" Fiona's smile grew warmer.
"That'll do for now."
Fiona thought for a moment. "Never mind, I'll just help Chicago find a tutor," she offered instead.
"Wife, why are you like this?"
Darwin caught her arm, his face lined with discontent. "Everyone knows we're married, so why can't we have a wedding? We're a couple; why should we sleep apart? I don't care; you must agree to a wedding and share a room. At least give me a deadline!"
"I've spoken to Charles and Chicago. They're both willing to attend the funeral with you. You set the date," Fiona artfully dodged Darwin's request.
Darwin paused, surprised. "They agreed? Even Chicago?"
"She said she was her great-granddaughter too, and it's only right to attend the funeral," Fiona said as she lightly touched Darwin's shoulder. "She's not like you, always unreasonable."
"Mommy, my hands are clean!"
Just then, Chicago scampered back into the room, full of energy.
Darwin quickly let go of Fiona's arm, fearing that Chicago might think he was mistreating her mom and that his 'sentence' might be extended indefinitely.
"Dinner's ready," Fiona said, out of Chicago's sight, giving Darwin a playful kick. "Daddy, get the cutlery."
"Right away."
Dinner time was lively.
Chicago was thrilled.
It was her first time understanding the joy of learning, and she chattered non-stop to her brother about her discoveries and moments of sudden insight.
Charles, already feeling guilty for losing his temper with her earlier in the day, listened with exceptional care and attention.
It had been ages since Darwin had tasted Fiona's cooking.
They say taste and smell can trigger memories intensely.
As he ate, his mind flooded with images from their shared past.
Her radiant and vivacious presence was ever before him.
"Hey..."
Amid her storytelling, Chicago noticed something off about her dad.
She glanced between her brother and mom, then peered at her father before nudging his sleeve. "What's wrong?"
Darwin snapped back to the present and looked up, only to find a puzzled expression on Chicago's face.
Darwin's eyes were rimmed with red, a sight all too familiar to Chicago; it was a telltale sign of impending tears.
"That's it, then. Is it that hard to tutor me?" she asked Darwin earnestly.
Coming back to reality, Darwin replied, "No, it's not hard, sweetie. Daddy's happy to do it."
Chicago let out a sigh.
"You're a terrible liar."
Darwin couldn't help but give a rueful smile.
Turning to Fiona, he saw her putting a great deal of effort into suppressing her laughter.
"Don't worry, Chicago's catching on. It's going to be easy moving forward. No crying allowed!"
With that, Fiona didn't even give Darwin another glance. She grabbed a tissue and playfully tossed it in his direction.
Darwin was speechless.
“Mama, brother, I'm all done eating,” she announced solemnly before leaving the dinner table with a serious face.
Charles also looked at Darwin.
Feeling a bit defeated, Darwin tried to explain, "Charles, Daddy didn't—"
"I get it. I've been there this afternoon," Charles interrupted him, "but you're the dad, and you've got to shoulder this. Crying isn't part of the job."
Speechless once more, Darwin realized his appetite was gone.
"Okay, Charles, go see what your sister is up to," Fiona instructed, barely holding back her laughter.
Charles nodded and followed Chicago upstairs.
As soon as the kids were out of sight, Fiona finally laughed.
"Is it that tough, Darwin?" she teased.
Giving her a sideways look, Darwin speared a piece of his lasagna without enthusiasm and muttered, "It's not tutoring Chicago that's tough. That's easy. I'm just not used to your cooking after so long."
Fiona's laughter subsided.
She cleared her throat. "It's just a meal. Don't make a fuss about it."
Darwin fell silent and methodically finished the rest of the food, leaving his plate spotless.
Then, he placed the dishes into the dishwasher.
Fiona watched in disbelief; this was Darwin, after all.
She could never have imagined, back in the old days, that Darwin would one day be doing household chores, taking care of the kids, and helping with homework.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Darwin asked as he returned from the kitchen.
"Go to the hospital." Fiona gestured towards the doorway.
Darwin's stubborn side showed up. "Only if you come with me; otherwise, I'm not going."
About to head for the living room, he was stopped by Fiona grabbing his arm, her expression serious.
"I'm not joking with you. Do you remember what we discussed before? You are now the dad of Charles and Chicago. You have to take your life more seriously than ever before. Any risk, no matter how minute, you have to eliminate it."
"I'm not joking either. I am your husband now, and you have responsibilities towards me!" Darwin continued, "If we must go, you're coming with me!"
"Wendy!" Fiona called out.
In no time at all, Wendy came running over. "What's wrong? Is everything okay with Miss?"
"Miss is perfectly fine," Fiona replied with a throbbing headache. "Mr. Darwin and I need to step out for a bit. Thalassa will be over soon. Please take good care of Chicago and Charles, and call me if anything comes up."
"Understood!"
Wendy nodded vigorously.
Fiona then looked at Darwin. "Why are you staring at me? Go get changed!"
Darwin returned to reality, then cheerfully responded, "Alright, I'll be quick!"
Wendy stood there, grinning from ear to ear. "Chelsea, are you and Mr. Darwin on good terms again?"
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