I Fell for the Man Who Ruined Me, Then He Forgot He Ever Loved Me Back novel Chapter 92

Last year, George was still boasting about his thick, raven hair, bragging that if he covered his face, he'd look like a young bachelor. Lillian had swatted his shoulder, laughing at him for being shameless.

Sienna stood there quietly.

Until customers walked through the door.

"Welcome!"

The faded little mechanical monkey by the wall sensed the movement and chirped its automated greeting.

The couple looked toward the door and immediately broke into bright smiles when they spotted their daughter, waving her over.

"Oh, Sienna, why didn't you tell mom you were coming? I would've cooked something special for you."

"Why even ask? My precious girl obviously wanted to give me a surprise!"

Sienna pressed her lips together and lowered her gaze, her fingers gripping her purse strap tightly. After another urge from them, she walked over and pulled out the chair across from George.

Up close, the lines around her father's eyes were even more pronounced. When he smiled like this, the creases were too numerous to count. His youth was gone; calling him an old man wouldn't be an exaggeration.

"Dad, did you ask your boss for time off?" Sienna grabbed a peanut from the table, trying to sound casual.

George froze for a second before his grin returned. "Of course! It's my birthday, and the boss is a good guy. He approved it right away!"

"Dad, I went to the factory today to bring you something."

The smile froze on the man's face.

He looked up, exchanging a glance with his wife before his mouth finally moved. "I didn't tell you because I didn't want you to worry. But honestly, I was fed up with that job anyway. I came home exhausted every night. Even if nothing happened to the factory, I was going to quit sooner or later."

"I just couldn't bring myself to say it because the boss had always taken such good care of me."

"This is great now! Driving a cab gives me flexible hours. I get to enjoy the breeze on the road and chat with the younger folks. I feel like I'm in my twenties again!"

That evening.

The family gathered around the table, sharing the cake Sienna had ordered in advance. After her dad blew out the candles, she handed him her prepared gift.

While she was at it, she passed along the rare coin Elara Vance had asked her to give him.

George couldn't stop grinning, praising Elara's excellent taste.

He joked that Elara loved him and that Lillian should feel threatened.

Lillian was used to her husband's teasing, and her way of showing she felt threatened was stomping hard on his foot under the table.

Halfway through dinner, Sienna's phone buzzed with a message from Jorrod.

She glanced at it, didn't reply, and put him on Do Not Disturb.