Chubby Mommy: Scheming Daddy, Surrender Now!

Chapter 209: The Siblings’ Grand Plan

The goofy girl Honey is always easy to persuade, and with a little effort, Seth Sterling can get her to see things his way. So this time, his point of persuasion with his sister is Jack.

He knows Honey sees Jack like a prince and definitely wants to be friends with him. But every time they meet, it’s never quite pleasant, and she never manages to muster the courage to speak up.

"Just right, we have a science experiment class this week and need to make a simple experimental device. I’ve never done it before, so I thought of asking Jack to come over and help. You can chat with her then." Seth believes the conditions he’s offering are tempting because Honey’s eyes light up at the thought, but after a moment of hesitation, she sidles up to him. In a super quiet voice, ensuring their mom can’t hear, she whispers to her brother: If dad knows mom is dating another man, he’d surely be upset.

At this point, Seth knows he can’t say anything more, because the image of his father is quite similar to that on TV. He can’t be straightforward but also doesn’t want him to live unhappily.

Seth sighs, feeling he can’t communicate with Honey.

Ruby Sullivan listens to the increasingly serious conversation between the two kids and worries they might start arguing before reaching home. So, she deftly changes the topic and asks about their weekend plans.

Seth mentions that he needs to prepare experimental tools but might have to visit the market to see if there are any suitable materials.

Honey puckers her lips, her dimples rounding on her cheeks, and says mischievously, "I have big plans for the weekend."

Ruby Sullivan glances at her through the rearview mirror and can’t help but laugh, "Big plans?"

Seth interjects, "I know, it’s definitely about building castles in the sandbox with Nina."

Indeed, Honey’s recent big plans always seem to involve Nina.

"No, it’s not!" Honey rebuffs loudly, "I can tell you it has nothing to do with Nina this time, but it’s a secret for now."

Ruby Sullivan nods, "Alright then, mom will ask you about it tomorrow."

Honey happily nods upon hearing this.

"Mom, can I invite Jack and his dad over tomorrow?"

Ruby Sullivan thinks about it and feels she needs to have a good talk with Seth; the state of this pair of siblings could use a little balancing.

"If you really need Jack’s help, you can ask him to come, but I don’t want Jack’s dad to visit." She wasn’t familiar with that person at all. Having him over was a bit too much.

Seth feels a bit disappointed but finds mom’s reasoning sound and says, "Alright, I’ll ask Jack if he’s free tomorrow."

Honey frowns and appears unhappy, "Why does he have to come home to hang out? Can’t we choose another day?"

"Aren’t you fond of Jack?" This leaves both Ruby Sullivan and Seth confused, what exactly is Honey’s big plan for the weekend?

"I do like him, but..." Honey trails off mid-sentence.

Ruby Sullivan can’t help but sigh; her daughter, who’s about to grow up, truly gives her a headache. What could she be thinking about every day?

In the evening, Ruby Sullivan first lulls Honey to sleep, "Can’t you tell mom your plans yet?"

Honey nods.

Ruby Sullivan feels helpless, "Alright then, mom respects your thoughts. But since you won’t tell me what you’re up to, I won’t prepare snacks for you and Nina." Ruby Sullivan decides to use food to entice her daughter.

Honey thinks of mom’s snacks and feels a bit swayed but ultimately sticks to her resolve, "That’s alright, no worries."

Her daughter’s response leaves Ruby Sullivan feeling defeated and she doesn’t even want to tell stories. After confirming Honey wants to sleep, she turns off the light and steps out.

She really doesn’t like her daughter having secrets.

When Ruby Sullivan goes to Seth’s room, he is reading a book. He plans to create a tornado simulator that allows people to visually witness the formation and terrifying nature of tornadoes on a screen.

Seth pulls out his notebook to show mom, "Mom, I probably need these materials." Ruby Sullivan checks it carefully and thinks it’s only available in a bigger market, "Alright, I’ll go with you on the weekend to buy them."

After speaking, she looks at her son wanting to say something.

Seth catches the expression on her face at once, "Mom, do you want to talk about Ian?"

Ruby Sullivan nods, "I think he’s good, but Honey currently resists this idea, so I want to take it slow."

Seth doesn’t understand why things can’t be explained more clearly to Honey. He’s still a child, and isn’t he very clear about everything too? Adults often underestimate children’s understanding.

"Will you still be with dad?" Seth asks directly.

Ruby Sullivan thinks seriously, then carefully answers, "Probably not."

"Though it’s possible, it’s unlikely." Seth clarifies with mom’s affirmation, then speaks frankly, "I think Jack’s dad is a good father because Jack told me a lot about Ian. I think you could try to understand him first; you might like him as a good man and missing out would be a pity."

That’s the argument he planned to use before coming home, surprised he got to use it now.

Ruby Sullivan knows her son means well and doesn’t want to discourage him, so she can only smile and say, "Mom promises to seriously consider."

Only then does Seth smile and nod, "Waiting for your good news."

Early Saturday, Ruby Sullivan is set to take Seth to the market to buy materials. Thinking such places are always bustling and noisy, she can’t manage two kids alone, so she wants Mama Bennett to accompany them.

But Honey, who typically loves roaming around excitedly, opposes this time.

"I want to stay and watch the house with Mama Bennett; my big plan is not complete yet." Honey says proudly.

Ruby Sullivan refuses to dwell on how many secrets her daughter keeps from her to spare herself pain. If Honey says she’s not going, then she won’t go and can instead make time for a date with her son or something.

Seth tells Jack he can have lunch at their place because mom’s cooking is just too good, and he believes Jack will love it, so they have limited free time. Seth practically insists on going home after buying necessities to avoid neglecting his friend.

After all, it’s his first real friend visiting at home, so a bit of nervousness is justified.

At Seth’s urging, Ruby Sullivan arrives home ahead of the agreed arrival time, and upon entering, she spots Mr. Sterling, who seems to have been busy enough to need an assistant managing his company.

Ethan Sterling smiles, "Our daughter said she wanted the family to go to Wonderland, so I happen to have some time and came over."

Ruby Sullivan laughs; indeed daughters are like the little lovers men had in their past lives. For the short time Ethan has shown up, the daughter has already learned to hide things from her.