Chapter 39: Family Dinner

Although Bella wanted to ignore this, she couldn't. She needs to talk to Sean if she wants this relationship to work.

"How will you handle Tristan? I mean, once he knows Dax is his son, he will definitely give me trouble—" 

Sean's blissful expression vanished. He had planned to meet Tristan today before flying to the Middle East, but that plan couldn't be carried out today. He was already late and had to return to his base immediately.

"And, as for me, I will sacrifice everything for Dax, even my feelings..." Bella wanted to say that but was worried it would hurt Sean. All the sentences on the tip of her tongue came back into her throat.

She cleared her throat before saying, "Sean, Tristan will find out about Dax sooner or later. I'm afraid he will cause you trouble, too."

Sean's face slowly turned dark. He imagined talking to Tristan about his plans to marry his ex-wife. Thinking about it made him feel awkward, but he would do anything for the woman he loved, including ignoring his pride.

"Bells, trust me. I will take care of Tristan. There is no need to worry about him," Sean smiled warmly, but his gloomy gaze seemed to betray him. Bella could see it, but she pretended not to notice.

"I trust you," She said while burying herself into his warm embrace once more. 

They hugged until Sean had to say goodbye and return to his base.

Sean had to leave immediately, or he would face this country's military court for neglecting his duties.

...

After Sean left, Bella rushed to her president's suitroom. She suddenly felt sleepy and exhausted after so many happened today. 

Her family's harsh welcome and Sean's sudden confession make her feel emotionally exhausted. She needs to replenish her energy before facing her son, or her brilliant son will read everything from her expression.

When Bella entered their president suite, she didn't see anyone in the living room. She quickly checked Dax's bedroom, only to find him fast asleep under his covers. After she ensured the blanket covered his body, she let him sleep a little longer.

Before heading to her bedroom, Bella checked Aunty Noora's room. She could only smile when she saw that she was also asleep.

Bella threw herself onto the mattress when she saw the clean and soft bed. 

It didn't take long; she immediately fell asleep.

****

Diamond Restaurant.

This restaurant is located on the fifth floor of the hotel building. 

Bella decided to have their first family dinner in the country at this restaurant because she felt too lazy to go out. It's freezing outside — it's snowing right now.

After making a reservation one hour before, they walk there. Surprisingly, the restaurant was so crowded that almost no seats were left. 

There were only a few tables left, and she was thankful enough to have made a reservation beforehand. The waitress led them to the best table with a city view. 

They enjoyed their light dinner while chatting. Bella told Dax and Noora about her plan for tomorrow. They will visit Lake Village, where her grandpa lives.

Noora and Dax were both surprised to know that, especially Dax. 

He places his cutlery on the plate and wipes his mouth with a napkin before he fixes his gaze on his mother, who continues to talk to Noora. 

"Mom," Dax called her with his voice sounding like a child's, but his expression looked like an adult — serious.

"Yes, baby..." Bella answered him cheerfully. When she saw his steak was finished, she continued, "You need more food? Do you want Mommy to order another steak?"

Dax slightly shook his head, "I'm not eating anymore, Mom. I'm just curious about something."

Bella was stunned. 

Usually, her son will ask for more food because he likes to eat.

"What is it, baby?" Bella asked as she put down her cutlery and paid more attention to him.

"Mom, you said earlier that great-grandpa was in a coma and hospitalized, right? But why has he returned home?"

Bella was amused by the way this little guy spoke. "Your great-grandpa was immediately healthy when I visited him. So, tomorrow we don't need to go to the hospital to visit him, but we will go to his house..."

"Wow, really? That's great to hear that, Mommy. I can't wait to meet Great-grandpa..." Dax is excited. He flashes a smile at his mother before starting to eat his dessert.

Bella gently ruffled Dax's hair and let him enjoy his chocolate cake. 

She asks Aunty Noora to pack their clothes as they will move to her grandpa's Villa before flying back to the capital.

"Yes, young miss," Noora gave Bella an OK sign. She was pleased to finally be able to return to the old house she lived in before following Bella to the city.

"Oh, I forgot to ask you, little man," Bella returned her gaze to Dax. "How's your day with Uncle Sean? Did you play with him today?" 

Even though Bella had heard what they were doing from Sean, she wanted to listen to it directly from her son's mouth.

"Uncle Sean took me for a drive around town. We also stopped at a restaurant. After that, Uncle Sean also bought me a Lego as my welcome gift. After that..." Dax paused, trying to remember. "Mom, I forgot what happened after that... What I remember is I woke up in my bedroom. I guess... I'm sleeping in the car."

Bella, "..."

"So you didn't say goodbye to him?" 

Dax shook his head in disappointment. 

"Mom, please call Uncle for me. I want to talk to him. Please, Mom..." he asked while blinking his beautiful blue eyes, making Bella smile.

"Sorry, Dax, I can't call him right now. Uncle Sean is on duty right now—" Bella said. She wanted to call him too, but in the last message she received from him, he told her that he was boarding. He also mentioned that he probably couldn't hold his cell phone for an unknown time.

Seeing the disappointment radiating from Dax's gaze, Bella could only smile faintly.

"Okay, let's go back to the room. We need to pack our things." Bella deliberately changed the topic of conversation so that her son's attention would be distracted, no longer asking about Sean.

****

After a few minutes, Bella left the restaurant. A man in a black hat looked around him worriedly before entering a black van parked behind the Star Hotel.

He handed a black bag containing used cutlery and glasses from one of their restaurant guests to a man beside him.