Chapter 6
palian paused and glanced at Celeste before quickly nodding the stepped forward and knocked gently on the door.
“Sweetie, dinner’s ready. The food will get cold it you don’t come out soon. Please, come out.
There was some rustling inside the room, but the door remained closed.
Celeste continued, “I’ve had a long day and am really hungry, at with me. If I don’t eat, I’ll get a tummy ache and might have to see a doctor.”
After a brief silence, the door slowly opened, and a small head preked out
Julian was taken aback. Samuel usually took at least a month to calm down from a Lantrum, and nothing the whole family did would work However, Celeste had managed toepas him with just a few words.
He couldn’t help but take another look at her Celeste didn’t notice his reaction. She was too busy happily scooping Samuel into her arms.
“You’re such a good boy! Come on Let’s go eat.”
Samuel nodded, ignoring his father completely as he returned to his chair, ready to dig in.
Since Juhan didn’t object, Celeste asked, “Mr. Food, have you eaten? Would you like to join us?”
She asked to be polite, but to her surprise, Julian answered, “Sure. Thank you!!
Celeste couldn’t believe he was being so frank Fortunately, she had prepared extra food. She quickly set another place at the table.
“If you don’t like it, you cameat out later.”
Julian calmly picked up a rib, took a bite, and said, “It’s good.”
Celeste breathed a sigh of relief. The meal had been quite awkward, especially with a man like Julian, After all, it was their first meeting under peculiar circumstances
Nevertheless, Samuel’s presence made things easier. Celeste kept herself busy by feeding Samuel food and wiping his mouth, which helped ease the tension. After the meal, Celeste cleared the table and made some tea for them. She figured they would leave soon after drinking the tea.
Julian seemed to pick up on her uneasiness and said, “Thank you for dinner, Ms. Hart. It’s late. We should take our leave now.”
Celeste quietly sighed in relied. She was worried he might plan to stay the night.
She quickly replied, “You‘ welcome. It’s just a meal.”
Bur Sambel panicked when he heard that. He wrapped his arms around Celeste’s leg and glared at Julian
“I’m not leaving Twant to stay with Ms. Hart.”
Julian frowned and said, “Stop that. You’ve bothered her all day!”
#1 like her! 1 want to stay with her,” Samuel said stubbornly and rightened his grip.
Celeste was taken aback Although she knew Samuel liked her, she didn’t expect him to want to stay with her. She tried to cason with Samuel when she noticed Julian’s face darkening.
“Samuel, you should go home. Your grandparents must be worried sick!”
“No! I want to stay with you, Ms. Hart!” Samuel looked up at her with tears in his eyes
The sight nearly broke Celeste’s heart she didn’t have the heart to make him leave.
Her words remained in her throat, and she looked at Julian. She didn’t want him to think she had any ulterior motives in malding Samuel stay.
Julian was surprised by how attached Samuel had grown to a woman he’d just met, but he remained firm.
“You’re coming home with mel
He wasn’t about to leave Samuel alone with someone they barely lanew. Celeste could see where julian was coming from and forced herself to stay resolute. “Samuel, you can come over whenever you want, but there’s no place for you to sleep here tonight. You should go home with your dad, okay?” Samuel shook his head vigorously.
Julian was running out of patience. He stepped forward and picked Samuel up.
“You have to know your limits! Don’t think you can do whatever you want just because I spoll you.”
Samuel immediately choked up after being scolded by Julian. He glared at Julian stubbomly, unwilling to get im.
lian refused to Indulge his son any further. He turned to Celeste and said, “Thank you for your hospitality tonight, Ms. Hart.”
