Sweet Subterfuge

Chapter 723
Freddy opened the door from inside. When Aster got in. Freddy quickly shut the door, as II he was afraid that Larissa would
change her mind.
Chuckling, Larissa got into the front seat. She turned around and asked Freddy. “What game are you going to play with Aster?”
Like magic, Freddy produced an iPad and started a game with colorful visuals. Sounds of cheerful music echoed in the car.
Freddy and Aster were around the same age, so they had common interests. After a while, Aster’s attention was focused on the
game and both of them played together happily.
Lanssa’s worry eased slightly.
Diverting his attention from the boys in the rearview mirror, Allen glanced at the paper bag Larissa placed at her feel. “Do you not
like sandwiches?”
“Oh, no.” Larissa laughed awkwardly and opened the bag. She took out a stuffed sandwich that was wrapped in paper. “It wasn’t
convenient to eat just now.”
She asked Aster, “Do you want some sandwiches? There’s bacon and ham!”
Aster was still engrossed in the game. Staring at the Ipad, he replied without looking up. “Nope, I’m not hungry.”
Larissa took a bite and quipped. “It’s delicious.”
Satisfied with Larissa’s review, Allen focused his attention on the road and said, “I can’t cook, so I can only prepare simple things
like sandwiches. I’m glad you’re enjoying them.”
Freddy chimed in, “This is my Daddy’s first time making breaklast! Isn’t he great?”
He sounded very proud of Allen.
Larissa nodded. “Yes, he is.”
However, Aster seemed to be triggered by this. He chucked the iPad ase
they are all delicious!”
When he said that, everyone else in the car was stunned.
and cut in. “My Daddy’s better! He can cook tons of dishes, and
Larissa almost choked on her sandwich. She coughed violently when the breadcrumbs accidentally went into her windpipe.
Allen quickly opened a bottle of water. He passed it to her and advised her gently. “Be careful!”
Larissa gulped down half of the bottle and managed to catch her breath. At that moment, Freddy interjected, “Don’t tell libs! You
don’t
have a dad!”
The tension in the air thickened. With a dark expression on his face, Allen scolded Freddy in a loud voice. “Freddy, apologize to
Aster now!”

Freddy was taken aback by Allen’s anger. He turned pale with fear,
“Aster, I’m sorry,” he apologized in a soft voice, close to tears.
Aster was usually a kind person. Even if he was bullied, he was ready to forgive as long as the other person apologized.
Unexpectedly, he
did not relent this time.
His eyes red. Aster shouted at Freddy, “I have a dad!” With pleading eyes, he turned to Larissa and asked in a trembling voice,
“Mommy.
aren’t right?
The cautious and expectant hope in his eyes broke Larissa’s last line of defense.
“Yes, of course. You have a dad.” Larissa nodded gravely.
Allen noticed the displeasure in Larissa’s tone and apologized to her, “Larissa, I’m sorry! Freddy didn’t mean what he said. He
definitely didn’t mean to hurt Aster!”
Freddy had burst into tears. He didn’t know why the adults were so mad at him when he only spoke the truth. Aster had no dad,
just like
1/2
“I understand. He wanted to back you up, but he didn’t know how to choose his words carefully.” Larissa knew that Freddy was a
kind and considerate child. Despite that, it was hard to forgive him at that moment.
“Let’s just stop the car, Allen. Both of them aren’t in the mood to go to Disnieland now,” she said calmly.