Helen definitely did not have any appetite and headed upstairs without saying anything.
Aery was uncharacteristically well-behaved. “It’s fine, big sis, mom’s just in a bad mood. I’ll go and talk to her.”
Arianne acknowledged her words and gently caressed Smore’s cheek.
Smore said in a low voice, “Scare... scare…”
Mark held Smore and placed him in his baby chair. “How can a man be so cowardly? What’s there to be afraid of when someone raises their voice? Hurry up and eat your food. Daddy’ll take you out to play when you’re finished.”
Perhaps, Mark wanted Arianne to clear her mind. He drove Smore and Arianne to the city’s largest shopping center after they were done eating. “Since I’m here with you today, you can buy whatever you want.”
Arianne half-heartedly window-shopped at the apparel and jewelry shops. “Was I too harsh with my words earlier? Was it very hurtful?”
Mark paused for a moment before saying, “I think it’s fine. There were only two ways to go around that situation; one was to coax, the other would be to do what you did. Based on your mom’s temper, I believe your method would work better. However, it might seem like you were speaking in defense of Aery, but… you’re actually talking about yourself, weren’t you? It’s true that we don’t get to choose which family we’re born into…”
Arianne was still annoyed. “I shouldn’t have said those things. I was so frustrated. In the end, I only made myself unhappy. Did you bring enough money? I’m quite a spendthrift when I’m in a bad mood.”
Mark helplessly said, “I… should have enough. As long as you’re happy.”
‘Sis?’ Arianne thought that Smore had seen someone with their daughter walking around and followed the direction of his gaze. She was surprised to see that Jackson and Tiffany at the shopping mall as well.
Ever since Tiffany had gotten pregnant again, Smore was sure that she was expecting a daughter. Smore would not even address Tiffany like he used to anymore.
Arianne carried Smore in her arms and ran toward them. “Tiffany!”
Tiffany and Jackson stopped in their tracks. “You’re here as well? What a coincidence! Jackson insisted on bringing me here to get some things for my pregnancy. We’re almost done here.”
Mark pushed the trolley and slowly walked up to them. They had bought too many things for two hands to carry. Jackson was no better either with both hands filled with shopping bags.
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