Henry and Mia headed back inside, with Henry busy entertaining himself on the couch.
Mia, resting her chin on her hand, sighed, “I’m tired of being cooped up at home.”
Molly chimed in, “Why don’t you buy a place? We can all move out and live together.” Despite being pregnant, she would rather not be if it meant avoiding Chad.
Anya eagerly added, “Aunt Molly, should we sneak the baby along with us too?”
Even before they bought a house, the three were already planning who’d join them in their new place.
After about half an hour outside, Mia remembered she still had two reading assignments to finish. Standing up, she declared, “I need to get back to it. Anya, tell your boyfriend he’s at the root of all my problems. He better watch out because I’m coming for him.”
The trio split up, heading back to the living room where little Henry was eagerly trying to get up, slapping the couch and waiting for his mom’s hug.
But Mia just glanced at father and son before heading upstairs.
Feeling abandoned, Henry’s face crumpled, tears welling up since his mom hadn’t picked him up since she returned.
Later, Molly called her dad, complaining about being mistreated and requesting his protection. This gave Hansen a boost of pride. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’ll be home tomorrow to back you up. Let’s see who dares cross you then.”
The news had ended, and a soap opera was now playing.
The women in the house were glued to these dramas where the leads would go to any lengths for love. Andre found it dull and was about to leave with his son when something on TV caught his ear.
“Anya, what does ‘oppa’ mean?” Andre asked, holding his son, his gaze sharp.
Anya blinked, “It means ‘big brother.’”
Andre took a deep breath, “Got it.”
He carried his little one upstairs.
The little guy was still sulking, pouting because his mom hadn’t held him.
Back in their room, Andre sat on the couch with his son, glancing at Mia as she worked.
Mia sensed something was up; she caught her husband looking at her several times and felt a bit guilty.
She turned back to her work.
That night, poor chubby Henry was once again left out.
...
The next morning, Mia rushed out of bed, scrambling to get ready.
In the car, she huffed, “Andre, if you keep this up, I won’t bother with the exam.”
Andre replied, “Why not just watch Korean dramas every day and call out ‘oppa’ like they do?”
Mia’s defiance quickly faded, “Honey, how’d you find out?”
“Get out. I’ll bring you lunch later,” Andre said in a stern but caring tone. “You can’t keep eating junk every day.”
Feeling sheepish, Mia replied softly, “Okay, thanks, honey.”
As she hopped out of the car, she waved back at her husband as she crossed the street.
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