At this moment, Julie came downstairs with the lovely Matthew. As soon as she came down, she heard them. She brightened at the sight of them and said, "Matthew didn't eat much earlier. With you here, Mr. Fowler, I'm sure Matthew would cheer up."

Marcus was always nice to his son.

But now, he came here with another purpose. Picking up the little boy, he said, "Let's go. Would you like Mommy to come with us?"

His strategy worked instantly. Marcus looked at Melissa and said in a clear voice, "I want to eat breakfast with Mom and Dad."

Melissa got up early that morning. She could clear out in half an hour.

She didn't have the heart to refuse Matthew, so she silently locked the car.

Not wanting to be the third wheel, Julie made up an excuse and left.

It was another busy morning for the diner. White-collar workers and nearby residents made up most of the customers inside. The aroma of food and the low hum of chatter filled the space with life. Marcus, who was always dressed sharply in suits, was a little out of place.

Matthew sat beside his father obediently. Marcus’ hangover was yet to subside, but he endured the throbbing in his head in favor of helping his son eat.

He also took a few bites of his sandwich and commented, "It's alright, but it's not as good as Julie's."

Melissa had ordered a soy latte for herself and drank it slowly.

"You've barely tasted her cooking. Did you drink last night and drive here?"

Marcus smiled faintly.

Matthew was visibly in a good mood today. He tugged at his father's arm to get his attention and said softly, “Dad, last night, I got up to go to the bathroom. It was already three o'clock, but Mommy was still working. Can't you support me and Mom? If you do, she wouldn't have to work so hard."

Marcus knew that Matthew had learnt that line from some TV show again.

He didn't answer but looked at Melissa. The dark circles under her eyes were still visible despite her make-up.

Marcus said, “You're working too hard. Is that really necessary?

You'll wear yourself out if you keep that up."

Melissa didn't want to talk about it in front of Matthew.

Marcus knew that. Neither did he want to argue while they were with their son, so he held back and didn't press when she ignored his question.