Ignore Hubby and Son's Regret Shining Now novel Chapter 11

Chapter 11 The Chowder She Wouldn’t Make

Nevin stayed quiet for nearly half a minute for her answer.

Finished

Just as Demi was about to hang up, he finally spoke, sounding exhausted. “Do you have to be this cold?

“Demi, this isn’t the time to act stubborn. Orion’s still in the hospital. Shouldn’t you be there for him as his mother?”

His tone grew sharper. “You’d better come back. I know you’re mad at him, but he’s hurt. Seriously? You’re going to hold a grudge against your son?”

Nevin’s voice was heavy with resentment.

He couldn’t wrap his head around it, just because Orion said a few childish things that he preferred Rhea over his mother.

Is Demi actually mad about that?

“I hired Helga, didn’t I? If Orion wants chowder, she can make it and bring it to him.”

Listening to Nevin telling her what a good mother should do, Demi felt a wave of grievousness.

Being a mom meant I should give up everything?

A mother should endure everything in silence, no matter how much it hurts?

Nevin was using the mother–son bond to guilt–trip her. He seemed to forget–he was Orion’s father, too.

“Orion wants your soup, not Helga’s!” Nevin growled, his tone full of disapproval.

F

“He wants it, so I’m supposed to drop everything and cook for him?” Demi shot back, her voice laced with

sarcasm.

Nevin clearly hadn’t expected that. He fell silent for a moment.

“Well,” Demi continued coldly, “if it’s really about someone taking care of him, isn’t Rhea there? She’s good

at that.”

“Demi, you’re his mother. Are you seriously going to let an outsider take over your duty?”

Demi let out a short, cold laugh. “Oh, now you remember I’m his mother?”

Her voice was sharp and biting, every word soaked in irony.

Nevin’s tone dropped, deep and heavy. “I’m not arguing with you. I don’t care where you are–come back now!

“You’ve been out all night, probably with that guy. I haven’t said anything about that. Your son just wants the soup you make-”

The moment Demi heard those words from Nevin, a flash of cold anger flickered in her eyes. Without

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Chapter 11 The Chowder She Wouldn’t Make

hesitation, she hung up.

Just how low did he think I am?

Did he think that every time I stepped outside, I’m meeting another man?

“Demi?”

Finished

Phoebe’s voice broke the silence. She noticed something was wrong and gently pulled her into a hug.

Demi took a deep breath, forcing a smile. “Phoebe, I’m starving,” she said softly. “I want some instant ramen. Throw in an egg and sausage.”

Her gloominess didn’t last long. She clung to Phoebe’s arm like a spoiled kid, her mood suddenly light again.

Out of nowhere, she craved instant ramen.

For years, she had avoided junk food–always eating clean for her son’s sake. Sometimes, she’d even force a smile while eating dishes she secretly hated, just to set a good example.

But now? She didn’t have to be that mom anymore.

She could eat whatever she wanted.

“Hmm, look at you,” Phoebe teased, pretending to pout. “You disappeared for years, ditching your best friend for a man. Now you dare ask for food? Wait here, traitor!”

Phoebe rolled her eyes dramatically and went off to cook the noodles.

“Buzz.”

Demi’s phone vibrated on the table. The screen lit up.

Countdown: 11 days.

Another day gone.

In just eleven more days, she’d finally be free of him–completely.

She glanced at the clock and decided to stop by the hospital for her prenatal check–up after lunch.

At the hospital.

Little Orion sat on the bed, fists pounding the blanket, his face scrunched up in frustration.

“I want corn chowder!” he whined.

“Mr. Orion,” said Helga, gently holding a spoon to his lips, “this is corn chowder. Try it again.”

Orion puffed his cheeks, trying not to cry. He took a small bite–then spat it right back out.

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Chapter 11 The Chowder She Wouldn’t Make

Finished

“No! This isn’t how Mommy makes it!” His eyes filled with tears as he turned toward Nevin in hurt. “I want Mommy’s corn chowder!”

Nevin’s brow tightened, irritation flashing in his eyes. He couldn’t stop thinking about Demi’s cold voice over the phone earlier.

He’d tried to use their son as an excuse to make her come home, but she hadn’t budged.

Helga forced a smile and said softly, “Mr. Orion, I promise, it tastes just like your mom’s.”

Helga panicked and hurriedly explained to Nevin. “I followed Ms. Snow’s recipe exactly–every ingredient, every step. She even said my cooking tasted just like hers!”

Nevin frowned. Helga had only been working at the villa for two days. Demi couldn’t possibly teach her anything?

He asked suspiciously, “When did she give you the recipe?”

Helga replied quickly, “The day I arrived. Ms. Snow handed me a thick stack of menus, along with a list of your and Mr. Orion’s eating habits and preferences.”

She had worked in plenty of wealthy households before. Helga could tell right away. Demi was preparing to leave. She wasn’t planning to stay in this house much longer.

Nevin’s expression darkened even more.

Demi had quietly already arranged everything about their daily life behind the scenes?

Had she already decided long ago that she was going to leave them?

Was she really that coldhearted and ready to walk away?

He rubbed the bridge of his nose tiredly.

Nevin hadn’t slept all night. That morning. Orion had thrown a tantrum, insisting he wanted only his mom’s corn chowder. Nevin hadn’t even gone to work. He rushed straight to the hospital instead.

“Mom’s corn chowder! I want Mom’s!” Orion sobbed. “This one doesn’t taste right!”

Nevin’s patience was running thin. After thinking for a moment, he called Rhea and asked her to come

over.

Rhea was on her way to the office. She turned around immediately and hurried to the hospital.

“Don’t cry, sweetheart,” she said gently when she arrived, crouching beside the boy. “How about I make you some corn chowder myself?”

Her tone was soft, almost motherly.

And she wasn’t lying. Rhea actually could make it. She had spent months mimicking Demi, learning every one of Nevin and Orion’s favorite dishes, down to the smallest detail.

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