Chapter 586
As they entered a street adorned with wedding decorations, Benjamin realized they were nearing Zelda’s place. The entrance to her home was bustling with visitors.
“Can you hold Gabriela for a moment?” Eileen asked, her arms weary from carrying her for so long.
Benjamin agreed and took Gabriela into his arms. Despite being only nine months old and recognizing faces, Gabriela wasn’t shy around new people.
Although Benjamin had only met Gabriela a few times, he cradled her gently. Gabriela reached out and pointed at a wedding decoration hanging above, playing with it.
Catching a glimpse of Bryan standing in the doorway, Eileen chose not to look at him. Instead, she suggested to Benjamin, “Grab one of those decorations for Gabriela. Let her enjoy her father’s wedding day.”
The decorations were within easy reach for Benjamin if he stood on his toes. However, he felt it was inappropriate to do so. Just as he was about to voice his concerns, he noticed Bryan at the door.
Turning to Eileen, who was deliberately avoiding eye contact, he realized what was going on.
“Alright, I’ll get it,” Benjamin said. He grabbed a fake flower for Gabriela, who waved it joyously in her tiny hands.
Seeing Gabriela so delighted with the flower made Eileen laugh. The sound of her laughter seemed to ease some of the tension in the air.
Eileen and Benjamin continued to walk toward the house with Gabriela. As Bryan stood by the door, appreciating the sunset, Eileen paused briefly, smiled, and said, “Mr. Dawson, congratulations in advance.”
“Thank you. Please come in,” Bryan responded calmly, though his fists were clenched slightly.
“Let’s head in. You must be tired after such a long trip. Make sure to eat well later,” Eileen said gently to Benjamin.
Yet, Benjamin was taken aback by Bryan’s demeanor, which felt distant and cold.
It wasn’t until Eileen gently touched his arm that Benjamin snapped out of his thoughts. He instinctively called out, “Boss—”
“He’s not your boss. Just call him Mr. Dawson,” Eileen interjected.
“Mr. Dawson,” Benjamin corrected himself quickly.
Bryan nodded slightly and said, “Please, come inside.”
Eileen grabbed Benjamin’s wrist to guide him inside. As they entered, they were warmly greeted by the locals.
Eileen had become quite a celebrity in the village, with everyone eager to compliment her.
Once Eileen and Benjamin were seated, someone hesitantly asked, “This is…?”
The villagers all looked at Benjamin curiously. They recognized Gabriela as Eileen’s daughter, so they assumed the man cradling her in his arms must be her husband.
“You must be Ms. Curtis’ husband, right?”
“You’re really young and handsome!”
“What a perfect family!”