The Ex-Wife They Begged To Keep - Chapter 37: Chapter 37

"Looks like Alyssa really likes you," said Stacey.
"Stacey, please don't take it personally. Alyssa has always been shy around strangers and timid by nature. She probably got frightened earlier, and that's probably why she—" Serena tried to explain.
"No worries, kids will be kids," Stacey waved it off with a smile and said. She tucked the colorful chocolates back into her pocket, then turned and walked back to the office.
Right after work, Serena took Alyssa straight home.
Alyssa was already completely at home in Serena's place. The moment she stepped inside, she darted about excitedly.
Serena set down her bag, slipped into her slippers, and headed to the fridge. Opening the door, she got ready to prepare dinner.
Just as Serena was about to head into the kitchen, the doorbell suddenly rang.
Serena opened the door to find Keith standing outside, looking completely worn out. He stood at the doorway holding a bag of fresh fruit. "Ms. Gray, I really can't thank you enough for this."
"Hi, Mr. Brannon," she greeted him. Serena led Alyssa out of the room and said gently, "Alyssa, your dad's here to pick you up."
Alyssa's face lit up when she saw Keith, and she immediately ran into his arms.
"Alyssa, were you a good girl today?" Keith asked gently.
Alyssa clung to Keith's neck, waving her hands excitedly as she nestled in his arms.
Keith handed the fruit to Serena. "Picked these up on the way—thought you might like to try them."
"Mr. Brannon, thanks," Serena said as she accepted the fruit. She gently took Alyssa's hand and bent down to say goodbye. "Bye, Alyssa. Come visit me again soon, okay? You're always welcome here."
Keith gently patted Alyssa's head and said, "Alyssa, say goodbye to Serena."
At the words, Alyssa's face instantly fell. She shook her head back and forth, clearly refusing to leave.
Seeing Alyssa like this, Serena really couldn't bear to leave her either. "Mr. Brannon, have you had dinner yet? If you don't mind, would you like to join me?"
Keith checked his watch. It was about dinner time. Noticing how Alyssa was reluctant to leave Serena, he agreed. "Thanks."
Serena said, "Welcome."
Serena placed the fruit in the basket before heading into the kitchen.
Keith carried Alyssa as he followed Serena inside. Like a tiny shadow, Alyssa clung to Serena, not leaving an inch of space between them. Even as Serena cooked, Alyssa clung tightly to her leg, refusing to let go.
Keith watched in mild surprise as Alyssa kept clinging to Serena. He knew Alyssa trusted Serena, but he hadn't expected her to be this attached.
"Alyssa, how about I take you to play? Serena needs to cook now." Keith bent down and, with gentle persuasion, tried to coax Alyssa away from Serena's side.
Alyssa clung even tighter to Serena's leg, her face scrunching up in protest.
Serena gave a resigned smile and said, "Mr. Brannon, just let her stay. I really don't mind."
Keith had no choice but to give up. He rolled up his sleeves and stepped beside Serena. "Here, let me help you with that."
"It's all right, Mr. Brannon. I can handle it myself," Serena said.
"It's okay. Two pairs of hands make light work," Keith said with a light chuckle. Then, he took a handful of greens from Serena's hands, his fingertips lightly brushing against the back of her hand.
Serena jerked her hand back as if shocked by an electric current, her heart skipping a beat. She turned her head away self-consciously, busying herself with the ingredients in her hands, not daring to meet Keith's gaze.
Keith could still feel the lingering softness of Serena's hand against his fingertips. His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and he quickly cleared his throat in an attempt to mask his reaction.
Maintaining a composed demeanor, Keith began rinsing the greens under the running tap, the water splashing against the sink.
Serena first rinsed the ingredient, put it into the pot, and pressed the cook button.
Watching Serena's practiced movements, Keith couldn't help but ask. "Ms. Gray, do you often cook for yourself?"
"Yeah, I used to cook a lot back in Zowerin," she replied.
Working together, the two of them had the meal ready in no time—a spread of dishes with both meat and vegetables, plus staple food in various cute shapes.
Alyssa's eyes sparkled with excitement at the sight of the cute staple food. She immediately grabbed a bunny-shaped bread and popped it into her mouth.
Keith couldn't help but admire the adorably shaped bread Serena had made. "These breads are absolutely adorable. I had no idea you were such a good cook."
Serena paused, a distant look flickering in her eyes as her smile faded a little, as if some old memory had just crossed her mind. "Well, my son didn't use to like eating much, so I'd always get creative with different dishes for him."
Serena placed a chicken pot pie on Alyssa's plate and said gently, "Take your time in case of choking, Alyssa."
Keith recalled that when he was dropping off and picking up Alyssa from kindergarten, he would often see Serena walking with a little boy, holding his hand as they headed to school.
"Where is your son—" Keith opened his mouth.
Serena shook her head with a faint smile. "I'm divorced."
Noticing Keith's gaze, she gave a bitter smile. "Surprised?"
Keith nodded in agreement, not bothering to hide his surprise.
Serena scooped a little more onto Alyssa's plate. "My son is back in Zowerin with his father now."
Keith offered a gentle apology. "Sorry, I had no idea."
"It's fine. It's all in the past now," Serena smiled.
After dinner, Keith offered to do the dishes, and Serena nodded.
Serena played with Alyssa for a while until Keith finished washing the dishes and rejoined them. "Ms. Gray, it's getting late. I should take Alyssa home now."
"Let me walk you out." Serena nodded.
"No need, really. Thanks for dinner and for looking after Alyssa," said Keith sincerely.
"Don't mention it, Mr. Brannon. Alyssa is such a well-behaved girl. I absolutely adore her," Serena smiled.
The children's room in the Powell Villa was in complete disarray.
Oliver clutched an Ultraman action figure with a broken leg, staring at Leon across from him, who looked back in total confusion.
Oliver waved the broken Ultraman in Leon's face. "See? It's broken," he said.
Leon blinked his big, round eyes, looking completely puzzled for a moment. "How did it break?" he asked.
Oliver tossed the broken Ultraman to the ground, his tone laced with childish triumph. "I broke it on purpose. Now all these toys are mine. This is my home. You get out."
Little Leon might be young, but he knew exactly what home meant. He thought, 'But this is my home with Daddy. How did it become Oliver's?'
Leon puffed out his cheeks and planted his hands on his hips. "This is my home," he protested.
Oliver shot him a scornful look. "From now on, Vic is my dad. He doesn't want you anymore. Your mom doesn't want you, and neither does Vic. You're just a kid nobody wants."
Oliver's heart swelled with smug satisfaction as he watched Leon's eyes well up with tears. He twisted the knife further, sneering, "From now on, you're just a stray kid. Get out of this house."
"That's not true. Daddy loves me the most." Leon couldn't take it anymore. With his fists flying, he lunged at Oliver.
Oliver had it all planned out. The instant Leon's fists were about to strike, he dodged back dramatically and burst into loud, fake sobs. He then grabbed the broken-legged Ultraman toy and ran out in fake tears.
Victor pushed open the door just as Oliver came running out in fake tears, crashing into his arms, with Leon close behind, fists flying.