Chapter 4Where Love Runs Out

Freya immediately rushed to help with the luggage, afraid that if she delayed for even a second, Sebastian would change his mind. Leo, playing the part of the dutiful son, trotted over to grab a smaller bag.

The three of them, laughing and talking as they supported each other, looked like a perfect little family returning from vacation.

"What are you still standing there for? Go make dinner!" Leo demanded. "I want fried chicken, and Mom and Uncle Sebastian want seafood to... you know, build up their strength."

Treating Jackson like a personal chef had become the norm in this house. For years, he had been their live-in butler, catering not only to Freya's demanding palate but also designing perfectly balanced, nutritious meals for Leo. They had never had to lift a finger.

This time, however, Jackson’s reply was unexpected.

"I can't."

Freya stared at him, stunned. In her memory, this was the first time he had ever refused to do something she asked.

Before she could react, Sebastian put on a wounded expression. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have come. I'm just an outsider, after all. I don't deserve to have Mr. Vance cook for me."

He picked up his bags, turned around, and put them back in the trunk, slamming it shut.

"This has nothing to do with you," Freya snapped, her brow furrowing as she shot Jackson a dark look. "You said you didn't have a problem with this. What game are you playing now?"

Jackson's answer was calm. "There's no food in the refrigerator. I can't cook."

He was leaving, so he hadn't gone grocery shopping. Besides, he had no intention of cooking for them anyway. It was a convenient excuse. After ten years of swallowing his pride, he refused to back down again.

At his words, Leo threw a full-blown tantrum on the lawn. "I knew it! You're the most useless dad in the world! You didn't even buy groceries! Are you trying to starve us? Waaah!"

"You're not my dad! I want Sebastian to be my dad!"

Seeing this, a flicker of triumph crossed Sebastian’s eyes, quickly replaced by a mask of false sincerity. "Leo, you shouldn't talk to your father like that. It's very rude."

"I'm sorry, Uncle Sebastian. I'll be more careful."

"Well, since there's no food here," Sebastian said smoothly, "why don't we go to that steakhouse we passed on the way? I'll even order you your own plate of fried chicken."

"Yay! Uncle Sebastian, you're the best!" Leo hugged Sebastian's leg, and Freya watched them with a doting smile. The scene was sickeningly sweet.

The three of them piled into the back seat of the car, and Freya told Jackson to drive so that Sebastian could rest.

The entire way, Sebastian played games and chatted with Freya and Leo in the back, their laughter filling the car. They treated Jackson like he was nothing but air.

"Mr. Vance," Sebastian called out, his voice loud enough to make sure he was heard. "Freya and I are just catching up. I hope you don't mind."

He added, with deliberate condescension, "We wouldn't want to bore you with things you wouldn't understand."

Jackson just grunted, his eyes fixed on the road.

He didn't need to know, and he didn't want to know. None of it mattered to him anymore.

…

Half an hour later, they were seated at a table. Freya took the menu and began ordering for them.

"Sebastian likes the filet, medium-rare, and no black pepper..."

After a decade, she still remembered Sebastian's every preference.

Then, for the first time in ten years, she asked Jackson what he wanted.

"Jackson, what cut would you like?"

"I don't eat steak," he replied flatly, surprising her.

In ten years of marriage, he knew every detail of her life, but this was the first she had ever learned about his.

"You guys enjoy your meal. I'm leaving."

He had brought them here. He had no desire to stay and be tortured further.

None of the three of them tried to stop him. They simply watched in silent agreement as he walked out of the restaurant.

A few minutes later, Jackson realized he still had the car keys. He turned around and headed back.

He hadn't even reached the door when he heard exclamations from inside.

"Isn't that Ms. Burrows? What a beautiful family you have."

"And this handsome gentleman must be your husband. No wonder you keep him hidden away; you must be afraid someone will steal him!"