Bella held hands with Dax as they headed to his bedroom.
She could feel her son glancing at her a few times, but Bella ignored him because she was busy trying to calm her mind after what happened inside Tristan’s office.
However, before they enter his bedroom, Dax’s innocent voice echoes, surprising Bella and causing her to blush to hear his question.
"Mommy, did you and Daddy finally get back together..." Dax’s innocent voice slowly faded when he glanced at his father behind and saw him shake his head as if to answer his question, "No."
Dax sighed to himself, feeling sorry that his father had not succeeded in winning his mother’s heart.
Bella became even more embarrassed when she heard Dax’s question. She cleared her throat slightly as she glanced at him. When their eyes met, she leaned closer to him. "Baby, let’s talk inside," she whispered. Something important she needed to talk to him about.
Little Dax nodded at his mother, even though he was slightly confused when he saw his mother’s expression, which was different from usual. Now, she looked confused and tense.
After they entered Dax’s room, Bella stopped and turned to face Tristan, who was still following them from behind.
"I’m sorry, can you wait outside? I need to talk with Dax… alone."
Tristan is confused by her words, but he smiles and nods in the end.
"Sure, Bella. I will wait downstairs. Please don’t forget we will have dinner at seven."
"Ok. Thanks..."
Tristan waved and smiled at Dax before leaving.
Even though Tristan was curious why Bella wanted to talk to Dax without his presence, he didn’t protest or ask anything about it. So he left with his mind filled with countless questions, hungry for answers. But Tristan vowed not to let himself be drawn by his curiosity and foil any hope to get Bella’s heart and mind.
Tristan halted at the sight of Geoffrey near the stairs before he descended to the first floor.
"Geoffrey, since when did my son finish his computer studies?"
"Around five minutes ago, sir. Young Master Dax insisted on seeing you and his mother. He said he would look for you and his mother by himself if I refused to tell him where you were, sir. So I have to let him know that his mother is in your study room," he answers.
Geoffrey was slightly worried he made a big mistake, coming to his study room at the wrong time and making his master angry.
Earlier, Geoffrey had only briefly seen Tristan and Bella standing so close. But he immediately could guess what was happening in that room.
Although Geoffrey was worried that he had ruined his master’s moment, he still felt delighted because his master had made significant progress.
"Master, apologize if I bother you earlier," Geoffrey said while bowing his head slightly.
"No. It’s fine, Geoffrey," Tristan said, stopping in his tracks. He turned to see Geoffrey behind him, "By the way, you may go ahead about preparing our dinner."
"Yes, master."
Before Tristan walked again, he remembered about Max, "...one more thing, Geoffrey. Did you see Max?" he asked.
"Max? He just left after playing a computer game with young master Dax, sir… He said you had already allowed him to go home once he met young master Dax. He also said he would be back in two days." Geoffrey explained.
Tristan just nodded and continued. He headed to the library to make a phone call.
….
Meanwhile, Bella and Dax sat next to each other on the sofa. But Bella didn’t say anything. She was still debating whether to ask Dax about what was weighing on her mind.
After a few moments of silence, Dax was the first to ask, "Mommy, you looked terribly worried. What’s wrong? Please don’t make me worry..." He felt worried after seeing his mother’s expression.
Dax’s question made Bella flinch. After taking a deep breath, she decided to talk to him.
"Dax," she said, looking him in the eyes. "May I ask you about…something...?" She felt a massive stone in her throat as she broached the topic.
"Yes, mommy, you may ask anything." Dax smiled as he placed his hand on hers. He was surprised to feel how cold her hands were now.
Dax was about to say something but paused when he saw her finally speak.
"Please forgive Mommy if the question sounded too straightforward, Dax. But Mommy really needs to know… If you had to choose someone who would become of our little family, who would you choose, your father or Uncle Sean?"
Instantly, Dax’s calm expression turned confused.
However, slowly, he regained his composure as he said, "Mommy, I think you asked the wrong person. You are the one who should decide, not me..."
Bella took a deep breath. Of course, as usual, Dax brilliantly answers her question. And she agrees with him. She is also glad Dax didn’t say or ask anything afterward. Just a brief, simple answer.
His answer makes Bella even more confident that her decision to involve her genius son Dax in any significant choices is correct. Even though he is only a toddler in other people’s eyes, Bella knows Dax is a genius. Moreover, he has unusual wisdom for a child his age. And for that, Dax’s opinions will always matter in her future choices.
"Baby, I know... but I just want to hear your opinion," Bella said. Suddenly, she was starting to regret talking about this to Dax. She might be wrong. Dax, maybe not that wise. Maybe, for this matter, he was too young to hear it.
Dax took a moment to reply. "Mom, I like Uncle Sean a lot. He’s a great guy. But I have spent a good amount of time with Dad. And he is a cool guy. A great guy, just like Uncle Sean.
But Dad is my biological father... So, if I had to choose, I would definitely choose my father," he eventually said.
Bella was shocked by his response. She slightly tightened her grip on their linked hands.