The Returning Ex

Matilda spent a while calming down before she walked out of her room. When she reached downstairs, Ms. Cannon told her Sophia had gone upstairs joyfully to sleep. Matilda had to say that Sophia was superhumanly calm. She didn’t seem to have a care about anything in the world, but that was why Matilda could relax. After that, she asked Ms. Cannon what she’d be making for dinner before going to the yard, and she remained there until John was back.

John drove into the yard and came out smiling. “Why the long face? If I didn’t know better, I’d say you’re fighting with Sophia again.”

Hearing this, Matilda let out a laugh. “She’s pregnant. Even if I want to, it’ll be after she goes into labor.”

John came and wrapped his arm around his mother’s shoulder, then they went inside. “Dad asked why I was in a hurry when I clocked out, so I told him you’re feeling unwell. I think he’ll come over later.”

Matilda looked at him, surprised.

John smiled. “Don’t give me that look. Sometimes it’s okay to make a white lie.”

precious might slip away. Sometimes, being cunning was required to grasp the

“I can never win,

sat on the sofa, and John asked about

a deal, but Mrs. Bailey in casual wear and meeting someone was already weird enough. That clue was enough for John to construct many possibilities, so he smiled.

Matilda nodded. “Sure.”

set the table up. Later,

said, “Is it dinner time? I’m

came out and smiled at him. “Wash your hands, please. Dinner

rubbing her eyes, and the sight of William surprised

too, then a few

was getting used to calling William