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.”

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

can never win,

sofa, and John asked about the

That clue was enough for John to construct many possibilities,

Matilda nodded. “Sure.”

so John went upstairs to wake Sophia up, while Matilda helped set the table up. Later, she

“Is it dinner time?

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

down with Sophia, who was rubbing her eyes, and the sight of William surprised her.

few moments

knew Sophia was getting used