Mia cradled her son, saying, "Alright, we're heading home. If Conner tries to snatch our kid again, you have my green light to get physical." Andre, ever the audacious one, suggested to his sweet wife to stand her ground.
"Would you be mad if I got into a fight?" she asked, a hint of mischief in her eyes.
"Not at all."
"And if I happen to rough up one of your friends, would you be upset?"
"I’d reward you."
"Hubby, I love you."
"I love you too."
The little family flaunted their affection as they left, leaving Conner stewing in his frustration. He slammed the table and muttered, "I must've been blind to have called those guys my brothers."
Once they were out of earshot, their son piped up in his tiny voice, "Daddy, you won't say we three musketeers have a weak bond anymore, will you? Your friendships seem shaky too."
Andre chuckled, "You can't judge everyone by Conner's actions. It's his issue, not ours."
"But daddy," Mia chimed in, with a playful tone, "I think it's your problem. What do we do about it?"
"What do you suggest?" Andre asked, amused.
"I’ve been craving Majestic Dining Enclave. If we go there, I’d say the problem is with them, and my hubby’s the best," she said, her eyes lighting up with the thought of a feast.
Andre gave a knowing smile, finally realizing why his wife had come to pick him up from work—it was all about the food.
They drove straight to Majestic Dining Enclave, where a private room awaited them on the second floor with a stunning view. Andre held their little one while Mia enthusiastically ordered, "This, this, and everything on this page, and, oh, everything on the next page too."
The father and son watched in awe as Mia ordered without holding back.
"Mrs. Cedillo, are you expecting more guests?" the manager asked politely, noticing the large order.
Mrs. Cedillo shook her head, "Nope, just the three of us." She knew her husband was disciplined enough to stop eating when full, leaving her to handle the bulk of the meal.
The manager took a glance at the menu and quietly left. Soon, a high chair was brought over, and Henry sat beside his father, eyes wide with excitement at the dishes being served, his little hands eagerly clapping.
Once enough food had arrived, Andre started feeding Henry some rice porridge, though Henry was getting antsy, his face turning a bit red with impatience.
Mia handed him a crispy cucumber, lightly rinsed, before returning to her meal with gusto. "Honey, I overheard you talking about Leo with Conner. What’s up with that?"
"Nothing serious."
"And what about Annie? I caught snippets of names, stories about someone’s sister dying, and someone else missing. Spill the beans. Why did you call Conner a bastard to the family? And who’s Conner’s brother that vanished?"
Andre watched his wife’s ravenous eating, her cheeks adorably puffed, and served her more as she pressed on with questions.
Her ears didn’t miss a beat.
"Before I get into that, how do you know Annie?" Andre inquired, playing it cool.
Mid-bite, Mia paused, looking up, feigning innocence, "I’m not sure what you’re talking about."
"Be honest, or you’re footing the dinner bill tonight."
Caught, Mia confessed, "Molly mentioned Annie was Chad’s ex."
Andre frowned.
Mia quickly put down her chopsticks to explain, "Molly and Chad are solid now. Back when we went abroad, Molly was just really upset."
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