Chapter 326
I stared at Henry, momentarily stunned by his transformation.
A
The cold Wall Street business titan was gone–replaced by a young man who could easily be mistaken for a college student. His navy–blue down jacket, athletic pants, and pristine white sneakers gave him a youthful energy I hadn’t seen in years.
He looked completely different from the man who typically wore high–end tailored suits. This casual, sporty Henry was almost… approachable.
While I was busy examining him, I realized he was observing me too.
His eyes scanned my athletic jacket, light gray sweatpants, and white sneakers. My hair was pulled back in a messy bun, completely exposing my forehead. Without my usual professional attire, 1 probably looked several years younger–more like a college freshman than a divorced single mother.
Our eyes unexpectedly met, then quickly darted away, as if struck by an electric current. An awkward atmosphere lingered in the air.
The teacher noticed Henry and immediately broke into a smile. “Mr. Harding! You’re not late at all–we were just about to begin. Please, have a
seat.”
Henry nodded slightly and sat down next to Billy, our son positioned between us like a buffer zone. But I could feel Henry’s hostile gaze burning into me.
Today’s weather was perfect for outdoor activities–warm sunshine bathed the playground, with a gentle breeze making everything comfortable.
The kindergarten had organized various games for the parent–child activity, all designed for families to work together. Each activity required cooperation from all three family members–which suddenly felt extremely awkward.
The first game was called “Clever Transfer.” The teacher explained: “Each family will act as a relay team. You’ll use your necks to hold a tennis ball, passing it to the next person who must also receive it with their neck, then pass it to the next person. During this process, you can only use your necks to touch the ball, no hands or other body parts allowed. If the ball drops to the ground, you’ll need to start over from the beginning.”
Billy turned to us, excitement sparkling in his eyes. “Can we try?”
Despite my constant reminders to Billy not to call Henry “Daddy” anymore, my son seemed firmly convinced that Henry was his father.
Strangely, Henry–typically cold and distant with everyone–softened around Billy, occasionally joking with him and showing genuine care. They truly looked like a real father and son.
After observing several families attempt the game, Henry seemed to have formulated his own strategy. Billy noticed his confident expression and turned to me hopefully.
“Mommy, can we go next?” he asked.
I had zero interest in participating, as playing meant interacting with Henry. The thought of being close to him made me uncomfortable.
“Baby, how about we try a different game?” I suggested, shaking my head.
From my observations, I knew this game involved physical interaction and close contact between participants.
This was absolutely forbidden for a recently divorced couple!
Someone once told me that two people who have truly loved each other can never just be friends–no matter how hard they try, their eyes will always betray lingering affection.
Though I was certain I no longer loved Henry, I had once loved him wholeheartedly. Being near him now was simply too uncomfortable.
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Chapter 326
When Billy heard my refusal, his face fell. “But all the other games need a whole family working together tool
Noticing my avoidance, he stepped closer and whispered, “Mommy, are you afraid of Daddy?”
This sensitive little boy noticed everything.
Since Henry’s arrival, my entire demeanor had changed–I’d become stiff and defensive, like a porcupine with all its quills raised.
“Of course not!‘ I quickly denied.
Billy’s innocent question brought me back to reality. I admitted I was being ridiculous–acting foolishly.
When I decided to divorce Henry, I had promised myself he would no longer affect my emotions or create ripples in my heart. Yet now, just two weeks after the divorce, his presence made me uncomfortable.
This was unacceptable. I leaned down to whisper to Billy, “Darling, Mommy doesn’t like these games. Let’s ask the teacher if we can do something else, okay?”
Billy immediately protested. “Why can other kids play these games and I can’t? Besides,” he added, “these are family activities. Can the two of us really play them?”
I was speechless, staring at my son’s disappointed face, unable to find any words in response.
Henry had been coldly observing our exchange and suddenly scoffed. “So dramatic.”
Seeing my attitude, he clearly regretted coming.
He was a busy man without rest. He had obviously adjusted his important schedule to be here for Billy, and I was being so fussy.
If it weren’t for our son, he would have left already.
Seeing me still hesitating, Henry threw another comment my way. “You claim to love your child, yet you won’t even participate in simple parent–child activities. Is this what you call love?”
That completely infuriated me.
“Ex–husband,” I snapped, “please mind your own business!”
I had been in a great mood before he showed up. Now, his presence not only ruined my mood but also created an urge to curse at him.
Surprisingly, Henry didn’t seem upset by my response,
According to Benjamin’s philosophy of love: when a woman is still willing to get angry with you, it means she still cares about you.
Henry put on a deliberately indifferent expression./Ex-wife, are you still hung up on your old flame? Is that why you’re so flustered?”
I struggled to control my desire to hit him, my face turning red with the
effort.
When had this man become so sharp–tongued?
I gave him a warning look. “You’d better hide quickly–the garbage collectors are coming. If you don’t hurry, they might take you away.”
If he wanted to see who was better at sarcasm, I was ready.
This man would drive me to death with anger sooner or later!
Chapter 326
If it weren’t for Billy, I would have left already, rather than engaging in this childish war of words.
Billy looked up at us, his face clearly showing exasperation at our behavior. “You two are over sixty years old combined, yet you’re acting more childish than me!“–
“This is my parent–child activity, remember?” he continued. “If you keep arguing, I’ll tell the teacher I don’t want to participate anymore!
I snorted, turning my back on Henry to face my son. I gently pinched his cheek. “Okay, baby. Mommy will listen to you and not bother with the trash.
Henry’s cold voice drifted from behind me. “Who exactly are you calling trash?”
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