Chapter 29 Family Dinner
‘Don’t you miss Wesley?” Francis asked.
Clara stayed silent.
Finished
After a while with no reply, he went on. “Last time you accidentally pushed Wesley, I took him to the hospital. The doctor said he’s got some health issues. I didn’t want to tell you. But you’re his mom. You know his condition better. If we divorce, you need to tell me about it so I can care for him right.”
The line stayed quiet. After a long pause, he said, “I booked a private room at Pearl Global Restaurant. Wesley and I will wait for you. Just us, family.”
He hung up.
Clara stared at the phone she’d set down. She thought it over.
In the end, she decided to go for New Year’s Eve dinner.
Pearl Global Restaurant.
Clara gave Francis’s name at the front desk. They led her to the private room.
She knocked.
The door opened fast.
“Clara, you’re here!” Francis said, thrilled.
Clara nodded calmly and walked in.
She wanted to cut ties. But she worried about Wesley’s health. Last time she saw him, his weight scared her. He could be in danger anytime.
Wesley came over when he saw her.
“Hmph,” he said, all proud. “Is Mom here to say sorry to Wesley? Since you’re apologizing, I’ll forgive you, just barely.”
He spread his arms, waiting for a hug.
But after a long wait, Clara didn’t hug him. She turned and sat on a chair nearby.
Wesley looked at Francis, upset. Anger bubbled up.
Francis saw it and picked him up. “Wesley, Mom’s just tired from work,” he said to calm him.
“Okay,” Wesley said. He was a kid, easy to soothe. He stopped being mad at Clara.
BIPM & c
Chapter 29 Family Dinner
Wesley sat between Clara and Francis.
As soon as food was mentioned, he shouted, “Dad, wait! I invited Ms. Dawson.”
Finished
Francis’s face changed. He looked at Clara nervously. “I didn’t know she was coming. I’ll call her and tell her not to come.”
Clara glanced at them. Her eyes landed on Wesley.
He noticed her looking “Mom, don’t judge Ms. Dawson. She’s really nice.” he said, annoyed.
Wesley, stop talking‘ Francis said quickly.
“It’s fine. After we divorce, you’ll marry Natalie. I’m the outsider here. Wesley’s smart to get along with her. It’ll save you trouble later, Clara said.
She spoke like it didn’t matter to her.
Francis frowned. I won’t marry her,” he said.
It sounded like he was explaining to Clara.
She looked at him. His eyes were anxious. She smiled. “Everyone knows you’re getting married. You don’t need to hide it. I wish you the best.”
She turned to Wesley. “Wesley always wanted Natalie as his mom. After the divorce, he’ll get hist
wish.”
“Clara, there’s nothing between me and Natalie Francis started, afraid she’d misunderstand.
Clara cut him off. “Let’s wait for her. We can talk about Wesley’s health.”
She thought to herself. I came because I doubted Natalie would care for Wesley after marrying Francis His health has been weak since he was little. I want Francis to pay attention. That’s why I am her
“Show me Wesley’s medical report from last time,” she said, holding out her hand.
Francis froze. He’d used Wesley’s health as an excuse to get her here. He didn’t expect Wesley to invite Natalie.
She pressed him. “Didn’t you say I need to tell you about his condition? How can I without the report?”
He hesitated, then said slowly, “I forgot to bring it.”
Clara frowned. “Then bring it next time. I’ll come again. I won’t interrupt your family dinner.”
