She answered tactfully, âNo, thank you.
â
But Marcus was already retrieving his wallet from the car.
âItâs still early.
Keep me company.
â
Melissa almost laughed in her exasperation.
At this moment, Julie came downstairs with the lovely Matthew.
As soon as she came down, she heard them.
She brightened at the sight of them and said, âMatthew didnât eat much earlier.
With you here, Mr.
Fowler, Iâm sure Matthew would cheer up.
â
Marcus was always nice to his son.
But now, he came here with another purpose.
Picking up the little boy, he said, âLetâs go.
Would you like Mommy to come with us?â
His strategy worked instantly.
Marcus looked at Melissa and said in a clear voice, âI want to eat breakfast with Mom and Dad.
â
Melissa got up early that morning.
She could clear out in half an hour.
She didnât have the heart to refuse Matthew, so she silently locked the car.
Not wanting to be the third wheel, Julie made up an excuse and left.
It was another busy morning for the diner.
White-collar workers and nearby residents made up most of the customers inside.
The aroma of food and the low hum of chatter filled the space with life.
Marcus, who was always dressed sharply in suits, was a little out of place.
Matthew sat beside his father obediently.
Marcusâ hangover was yet to subside, but he endured the throbbing in his head in favor of helping his son eat.
He also took a few bites of his sandwich and commented, âItâs alright, but itâs not as good as Julieâs.
â
Melissa had ordered a soy latte for herself and drank it slowly.
âYouâve barely tasted her cooking.
Did you drink last night and drive here?â
Marcus smiled faintly.
Matthew was visibly in a good mood today.
He tugged at his fatherâs arm to get his attention and said softly, âDad, last night, I got up to go to the bathroom.
It was already three oâclock, but Mommy was still working.
Canât you support me and Mom? If you do, she wouldnât have to work so hard.
â
Marcus knew that Matthew had learnt that line from some TV show again.
He didnât answer but looked at Melissa.
The dark circles under her eyes were still visible despite her make-up.
Marcus said, âYouâre working too hard.
Is that really necessary?
Youâll wear yourself out if you keep that up.
â
Melissa didnât want to talk about it in front of Matthew.
Marcus knew that.
Neither did he want to argue while they were with their son, so he held back and didnât press when she ignored his question.
After breakfast, Julie came and took Matthew away, and Marcus got into the passenger seat of Melissaâs car.