Chapter 93: Together with Mom Again

After finishing their discussion, the two went their separate ways. Seeing Felix’s light, skipping steps, Jean Vance’s mood soured even further.

He took a deep breath. ’It’s all temporary,’ he told himself. ’It’s for Mom’s own good. I just have to endure it for now.’

When school let out, Felix Ford ran out first. Whether it was Samuel Ford or a driver, the Ford Family never got out of the car to pick him up; they always waited in a designated spot.

Once he saw Felix and his mother leave, Jean Vance finally emerged and walked toward the Ford family’s car. Just as Felix had told him, the person picking him up was Rocco.

Seeing his expressionless face, Rocco assumed he was still angry. He sighed internally and said, "Young Master, your father really does care about you."

Hearing this, Jean Vance shot him a glance. Seeing that the man looked ready for a heart-to-heart, he raised a hand to cut him off. "Just drive."

The words died in Rocco’s throat. He couldn’t help but steal another glance at him. ’Why is the young master so cold all of a sudden? He has such a powerful presence.’

’He had to admit, they were father and son. No matter how mischievous he usually was, the moment he put on a stern face, he looked just like his father.’

Rocco mused silently. Perhaps it was because the two were so alike that he felt a little intimidated. He didn’t dare try to lecture the boy, so he just kept his eyes on the road and drove.

Jean Vance looked away as well. He didn’t care about Samuel Ford; he just wanted to figure out who was behind all this.

’But, I can’t let Samuel Ford know who I really am, so I can’t just confront him directly,’ he thought. ’I’ll just have to find a chance to test the waters gradually.’

Meanwhile, Amanda Vance noticed her son was back to his old self, just like he was a little while ago. He bounded into her arms, hugged her around the waist, and tilted up his pale little face to call out softly, "Mommy."

She glanced at him in surprise, but a smile quickly spread across her face. She patted his head. "Come on, let’s go home."

"Okay!" Felix Ford released her waist and slipped his little hand into hers. When she squeezed it, he couldn’t help but grin from ear to ear. Suppressing the urge to skip, he asked, "Mommy, did you miss me?"

"Of course," Amanda Vance said as she led him to the car and settled him in the back seat. After making sure his seatbelt was fastened, she walked around to the driver’s side. "Mommy missed you a lot," she replied casually to his question.

"I missed Mommy too!" Felix Ford’s smile grew even wider. He unhooked the doll keychain from his backpack and dangled it in his palm. "See? I’ve been taking good care of the gift you gave me."

Lately, it was the only thing that helped him fall asleep.

’It smells like Mommy.’

He had been so sad before, but now that he knew he was truly her son, he was so overjoyed he wanted to shout it to the world. ’I have a mom! I really have a mom!’

’A real mom, who’s super, super, super, super, *super* nice to me!’

’She’s the best mom in the world. I love her so much.’

’And now, I’m her son. I can be with her always.’

At this thought, he was so happy that he started swinging his legs.

Amanda Vance noticed his excitement and asked curiously, "Did something wonderful happen today?"

’Of course something did,’ he thought. ’This is the happiest day of my whole life.’

His eyes darted around for a moment. Luckily, he remembered what Jean Vance had told him: he couldn’t tell his mom the truth just yet. ’What a shame,’ he thought.

He didn’t dwell on it and quickly replied, "Yeah! I’m especially happy because a wish I made came true today."

He didn’t seem to want to say what the wish was, so Amanda Vance didn’t press the issue. She just smiled. "Oh, really? Well, congratulations."

Felix Ford giggled. "Thanks, Mommy."

The joy on his face was completely genuine, and it was infectious. Amanda Vance found her own spirits lifting as well.

Seeing how he’d been acting earlier, she’d assumed he was having a bad day. But now, just a few hours later, he seemed even happier than ever.

’It seems like whatever was bothering him has been resolved.’

’That’s good. Now I can rest easy.’

After they got home, Felix Ford requested two dishes for dinner, both meat.

Her clinic closed early, and it was only just past five. Amanda Vance wanted to spend more time with her son anyway, so she didn’t mind cooking. As she deftly chopped the meat, she glanced over at the little boy standing on a stool by the sink, trying to help wash the vegetables. "Feeling hungry today?" she asked with a smile.

"Yep! Mommy, you should make a lot. I think I can eat two whole bowls of rice today!"

Felix Ford replied with a very serious face, patting his tummy at the end. "It says it really, really wants to eat Mommy’s cooking. Mommy’s food is the best!"

Amanda Vance chuckled at his antics. "Okay, then. Mommy will make extra today, but you have to finish it all, okay?"

"I will!" he declared boldly, patting his belly.

With a smile on her face, Amanda Vance did indeed cook a little more than she normally would.

After he finished washing the vegetables, she shooed him over to the sofa to wait. But when she came out carrying the bowls, he immediately ran back, standing on his tiptoes with his hands outstretched. "Mommy, I’ll help you carry them!"

"Why don’t you help Mommy get the chopsticks instead?"

Amanda Vance said, not wanting to discourage his enthusiasm.

’The bowl is a little too hot for him; he wouldn’t be able to carry it.’

"Okay!" Felix Ford wasn’t picky. As long as he could help his mommy, he was happy.

Once he’d retrieved the chopsticks, Amanda Vance finished setting the table. She lifted him onto his chair. "Go ahead and eat. Make sure you eat plenty."

"Mhm!" Felix Ford grinned at her, then lowered his head to pick up a piece of meat. His eyes crinkled with delight. ’This is it. This is the flavor.’

’I haven’t had this in days.’

’Mommy’s cooking is still the best. In comparison, even the food Miss Lynch makes—and she’s a professional housekeeper—isn’t as delicious as this.’

He ate with gusto. After finishing one bowl, he went to get more rice. Amanda Vance only gave him a little, which made him pout. "Mommy, I can still eat another bowl."

"I know, sweetie. But Mommy wants to eat a bit more, too."

"Oh, okay." Hearing her explanation, Felix Ford immediately relented. "You should eat then, Mommy."

He thought for a moment, then couldn’t resist asking, "Are you eating more because you’re so happy to see me?"

"That’s right," Amanda Vance said with a radiant smile.

’Kids can get indigestion if they eat too much at night. It’s not good for them.’

Felix Ford, unaware of her true reasoning, beamed happily at her answer.

’My cheeks are starting to hurt from smiling, but I just can’t stop.’

’Being with Mommy is the best. I could just keep smiling forever.’

After dinner, the mother and son went for a walk outside to aid their digestion before returning home.

Amanda had brought him to the Ford residence near the hospital again. Looking around the neat and tidy room, Felix Ford couldn’t help but think of his own messy one. His gaze flickered, and he felt a sudden pang of guilt.

’I guess... I’m a little bit messy.’

’I’m Jean Vance’s actual brother. He wouldn’t judge me for something so trivial... right?’