Chapter 6 A Child's Plea

• Thaddeus hesitated for a moment, glanced at her, and then nodded.
• Athena took two steps forward, knocked on the door, and called out to the little one inside, "Sweetie, the food is ready. If you don't come out soon, it will get cold. Will you join me for a meal?"
• The room echoed with a rustling sound, hinting at movement within, yet the door stubbornly held its ground, refusing to open.
• Athena persisted, her tone tinged with a hint of playful concern. "You know, I've been slaving away all day, and my stomach's putting on quite the performance. If you don't join me for dinner, poor Ms. Sinclair might end up with a stomachache. And trust me, nobody wants to see that drama unfold. So, what do you say? Ready to feast and save the day?"
• Once more, the room fell into a hush. Then, after a fleeting pause, the door creaked open, revealing a small head peeking out.
• Thaddeus was somewhat surprised.
• In the past, this little one was known to sulk for over a week before finally calming down.
• However, he never anticipated that Athena could sway him with just a few words, a testament to her remarkable influence.
• Thaddeus couldn't help but steal a few more glances at the woman beside him.
• Unaware of the subtle shift in dynamics, Athena beamed as she gently ushered the little one out, her tone warm and inviting. "Shall we feast, my dear?"
• Ronnie nodded. He didn't even look at his dad but sat back in the chair, ready to eat.
• Athena noticed Thaddeus nearby, seemingly unfazed. She casually asked, "Mr. Sterling, have you eaten? Would you like to join us?"
• Surprised, she received a straightforward response from Thaddeus, "Sure, thank you."
• Athena's surprise was palpable as she mused, "You're more than just polite."
• Thankfully, there was an abundance of food prepared for dinner that evening. Without missing a beat, Athena swiftly retrieved another set of utensils, her words laced with hospitality, "If this doesn't suit your taste, we can always dine out later."
• Thaddeus remained composed as he reached for a rib, taking a bite before declaring, "Absolutely delicious."
• Athena breathed a sigh of relief.
• Tension lingered throughout dinner, casting a subtle pall over the gathering.
• The presence of a stranger seated across from them only heightened the unease.
• With Ronnie sitting beside them, Athena occasionally peeled a shrimp for him. She'd feed him some rice and wipe his mouth, her attention diverted from the awkward atmosphere.
• After the meal, Athena cleaned up the table and brewed tea for the father and son to aid digestion.
• After finishing their tea, she pondered silently whether they would leave soon.
• Thaddeus, seemingly attuned to her thoughts, expressed his gratitude. "Thank you for dinner, Athena. It's getting late; I'll take Ronnie home."
• Athena secretly breathed a sigh of relief.
• She had thought he might stay the night!
• She responded promptly, her tone casual yet gracious. "You're welcome. Just a meal."
• But Ronnie, upon hearing this, tightened his grip on Athena's leg, his eyes darting nervously towards his father. "I don't want to go back. I want to stay with Ms. Sinclair," he insisted.
• Thaddeus' expression hardened. "Enough of this nonsense. You've been a handful all day."
• "I like Ms. Sinclair. I want to stay at Ms. Sinclair's," Ronnie asserted, his tiny hands clinging to Athena's leg as if afraid to let go. His eyes shimmered earnestly, reflecting his genuine desire to remain beside her.
• Athena was also somewhat surprised.
• As the day unfolded, Athena couldn't help but notice Ronnie's growing attachment to her. Yet, realizing that he intended to spend the night at her place caught her completely off guard.
• As Thaddeus' stern gaze bore down on them, Athena hastened to reason with Ronnie. "Ronnie, you really should go back. Your grandparents must be worried sick."
• Yet, Ronnie stood firm, his resolve unwavering as he insisted, "No, I want to sleep at Ms. Sinclair's."
• Ronnie lifted his head, his eyes resembling those of a distressed rabbit, red and glistening with tears.
• Athena's heart shattered at the sight.
• Helpless against his pleading gaze, she could not turn him away.
• All attempts at persuasion came to an abrupt halt, leaving Athena momentarily speechless. In desperation, her eyes sought out Thaddeus, silently pleading for direction.
• Athena wondered if letting Ronnie stay would give him the wrong idea about her social motives.
• Meanwhile, Thaddeus was surprised by Ronnie's swift attachment to a woman he had just met.
• Nonetheless, he demanded, "You're coming back with me!"
• He couldn't bring himself to leave Ronnie with someone he had only met the day before.
• Athena, sensing Thaddeus' apprehension, said firmly, "Ronnie, if you want to visit again in the future, you're more than welcome. However, I simply don't have the space for you to stay tonight. You should go back with your father, alright?"
• But Ronnie vehemently shook his head, his resolve unwavering.
• Thaddeus grew impatient as he stepped forward and hoisted Ronnie up. He commanded, "Enough with the tantrums. Don't mistake my patience for weakness."
• Silenced by the firm reprimand, Ronnie stared back at his father with a defiant glare, refusing to yield.
• Thaddeus, mindful not to foster further entitlement, addressed Athena with a courteous apology. "My apologies for the disturbance this evening, Ms. Sinclair."