Rena added fuel to the fire, suggesting, âSounds about right! A DNA test might just clear things up.
â
Edwin couldnât resist chiming in, âThe plot thickens.
Whoâs been playing fast and loose, I wonder?â
Marcus was left speechless by the unfolding drama online.
Alexis, on the other hand, seemed pleased with the stir her post had caused, putting her phone away after scanning the flurry of comments.
She remained courteous to Julie throughout their meal, conspicuously avoiding any mention of Melissa.
This approach allowed Julie to relax incrementally, contemplating the inevitability of Matthewâs connection to the Fowler family becoming public knowledge.
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She rationalized that establishing ties with the Fowlers might ultimately benefit Melissa and Matthew.
During lunch, Alexis ensured Matthew was well taken care of, ordering a child-friendly meal that Evelyn used to enjoy, guiding him through it with gentle patience.
Observing their interactions, Alexis noted Matthewâs resemblance to Melissa, especially his smile, and mused about Marcusâ Likely fondness for the boy once he knew he had a son.
Julie, noticing Alexisâ emotional response, silently affirmed her own resolve, taking comfort in the thought that if the Fowler family embraced Matthew with open arms, she could find peace in that acceptance.
Opening up, Julie candidly shared, âMr.
Fowler is already aware of Matthew.
Heâs even met him.
â
Alexisâ lack of surprise to this revelation spoke volumes.
She turned to Julie, her voice soft with gratitude.
âThank you for all youâve done for Melissa and Matthew.
â
Julie, touched yet saddened by the acknowledgment, downplayed her role.
âItâs nothing.
These past years have been tough on Melissa.
â
Alexis was no stranger to the challenges of single parenthood and had heard of the changes Melissa had undergone, acknowledging the resilience and hardships faced by her.
Melissa, once a young and naive girl, found herself thrust into motherhood, a role that demanded she rise to the occasion.
Supporting herself and her son was no small feat, yet she managed it with grace, proving herself to be an exemplary mother.
In the midst of this conversation, Alexisâ phone buzzed with incoming messages from Marcus, inquiring if she was still at the restaurant and announcing his imminent arrival.
Alexis confirmed with a simple âOkay!â and, after messaging back, informed Julie with a smile, âMarcus is on his way to join us for lunch.
â
Julie, coming from a modest background, felt her nerves spike at the prospect of meeting Marcus, her anxiety evident.
Marcus made his entrance shortly after, his appearance impeccable in a white shirt paired with dark brown trousers and a stylish gray coat.
As Julie moved to stand, Alexis signaled for her to remain seated.
Marcus acknowledged Julie with a nod before taking his place beside Matthew, visibly restraining himself from overly engaging with the boy despite the pull he felt.
Evelyn, ever so delighted to see her uncle, introduced him to Matthew with a hint of pride.
âThis is my uncle! Isnât he handsome?â
Matthew, too young to grasp the compliment fully, was simply in awe of Marcusâs stature, noting he was unlike anyone heâd ever seen.
Evelyn extended an invitation to Matthew.
âWeâre now friends and friends share.
You can consider him your uncle too! Uncle Marcus is really nice.
â