Chapter 247 - The Tension: Past And Present, Her Future Husband
Finally, their food is served. Vince attentively places food on Hailey's plate, where she instantly stuffs her mouth while the two men gawk at her with amusement.
Bryan was back at their table, they had served his orders shortly, but he's not eating yet but observed her munching.
After a while, Hailey grew curious to know why they were only watching her, and they had not yet eaten; with this, she was anxious.
"Hubby, am I eating with no manners at all?" she whispered at Vincent.
It worries her if how she'd behaving now. But she's only been true to herself. She is starving even after she stuffed her stomach with an appetizer and fruits that serve to them.
Vince smiled at her. His eyes glowed with amusement as he replied to her.
"You were eating just fine. I am even glad that you have this appetite rather than being completely picky. It will make me worry instead, and I'll panic. Besides, mom reminds me to feed you healthy foods as much that match your cravings. No sweets too much, okay?"
Hailey nodded, delighted by his response.
Vince's mentioning of his mom brought warmth to her heart. If it was before, Vince makes sure not to mention his mom after she attempts to chase her out of the country to leave Vincent. His mom once judged her for being a gold digger. But she never physically hurts her. Instead, she's the one who takes care of articles that not only lashing her out but also slandering Vincent.
It was the main reason his mom wanted to separate them. It was the issue of calling Vincent a cheating husband, which he knew was not true. But Vincent only shrugs a shoulder. Still, he hid the truth that Eva also has her boyfriend she's with after their marriage.
Besides, Hilda Shen was just overly protected because the royal bloodline Shen kept a secret until now.
Carried on, Hailey glanced at Vincent's plate, then looked up to meet his loving gaze at her. She asked him, "Why are you not eating?"
"I enjoyed watching you eat. I'm just amused how this buddy over here surely makes you this hungry all the time." Said Vince with joy; he reached for her flat tummy and caressed it.
"Hmm… How about if it's a girl?" she asked, full of wonder.
"Well, I don't mind if it was a girl or a boy. It doesn't matter."
Their eyes locked, and it didn't hide the affection they have for each other.
Bryan, who witnessed this sweet interaction, caused him another heartbreak. Although he's the one in a long relationship, even though it was on and off, he's madly in love with his best friend, who was become his younger sister in those years.
He could not just bring himself to admit it because Hailee was too young by then. And then of what she told Liam in later years.
Hailey told Liam that she only felt a brotherly love for him and everyone, including him. That is why he concealed whatever feelings he had for her and tried to look for another woman. And that's how Eva came to the picture.
Trying to munch something, Bryan pinches the salmon with his fork, then brings it to his mouth. However, he could not taste its savory flavor but bitterness.
He wondered if this was how a brokenhearted person gets through. Even how delicious the food in front of him fails its purpose when it tastes awful on his tongue.
Bryan lifts his gaze and fixes his eyes on Vincent. He was slicing the steak into small cuttings; then, he put them into Hailee's plate. He shrunk his pupil from irritation as jealousy continued surging in his chest.
This kind of gesture was his toward Hailee. And that smile on her lips and the way her eyes twinkle is supposed to be his alone. But these now all belong to another man.
He clenched his palm, then loosened them. He reminded himself once again not to lose cool. Instead, he broadened his smile and cheerfully offered Hailey the food he ordered.
"Hail, I ordered your favorite vegetable salad." He pushed the bowl, but Vincent quickly blocked it.
"She doesn't like avocados and tomatoes," Vincent said reasonably, refusing the food Bryan offered to Hailee.
Bryan was annoyed by what Vincent did. For a second, his face was in a rage while he was sizing up the guy.
True that Vincent is Hailee's boyfriend and lover, and the so-called mysterious-fiance, the future husband…. Despite that, he knew more than anyone what food was Hailee's favorite.
"Mr. Shen, this is Hailee's favorite. I've made him this salad myself a thousand times."
Bryan emphasized his last sentence to slap on Vincent the truth, that between them, he is the one who's with Hailee longer and that he knows everything she likes and does not.
Regarding his statement, Vincent could sense the meaning of his words. However, some things change now, and Bryan should know his place, and he's glad to remind him.
"Mr. Anderson, there are few aspects in our life that will only concern me. As Hailey's future husband, I take my responsibility ultimately and wholeheartedly. I am fully aware of what she likes and does not. At this point in her life, there are certain things that she does not need your expertise or familiarity with when it comes to her."
Bryan tightens his jaw, but he quickly cools down when Hailee shifts her gaze toward him and then back to Vincent.
The way she stared at them was full of worry, like some punches suddenly throwing across the table, and he didn't want her to see him in that state. Of course, he's only this calm in front of her and no one else. By then, he has no choice but not to argue anymore with her proud future husband.
The least he should not do is to upset her. He doesn't want to be the total lousy guy here since he was still blocklisted in her heart. He just offers food to Hailee, like in the old times. But he didn't like how Vincent reacted to that.
And he has no choice but to behave and avoid starting a fight with the man sitting next to Hailee, who casts secret mock glances toward him. Bryan tightens his grip on the fork while he's shooting a sharp look at Vincent.
He was smirking in secret, meeting Bryan's intense stare; he didn't back down. True that he's overreacting after Bryan acts like he's still the fiance here. But he's out of Hailey's life. Bryan need not show any sweet gesture toward her because that role belongs to him now.
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