You More Than Anything In The World
Chapter 580

"They're my children. If I don't do these, who will?" Arissa retorted, shooting Benjamin a sidelong look.

Nonetheless, she did agree that what he said made sense, so she added, "I'll be careful."

These are things that I do at home, and there's nothing wrong with doting them occasionally. Unlike him, who always looks so stern and serious. No wonder the kids are afraid of him.

After setting plates in front of Oliver, Jasper, and Jesse, she began serving them food.

"Eat up, Sweethearts!"

Even after she sat down and started eating, she did not forget to continue getting more food for them. "You should eat more. You'll be going to the hospital later to spend time with Mdm. Mary, and there won't be anything to eat there. You'll have to wait until lunchtime."

Then, she paused when she noticed Tim had left some food on his plate untouched. "Tim, why aren't you eating? Does it not taste nice?"

Tim bit his lip. "I... It's nice. It's just that I want to bring some for Grandma."

Arissa felt a pang in her heart. Patting his head affectionately, she said, "We'll pack some for her later. These are for you, so hurry up and eat."

She scooped up a mouthful of food and held it up to his mouth.

Tim quickly took the spoon from her and ate it by himself, sneaking a peek at Benjamin.

When Arissa saw that, she felt her chest tighten and glared at Benjamin. It's all because of what he said earlier. Now, I can't even feed my child.

Benjamin's heart wrenched in pain when he saw the look of disappointment on her face and that she was on the verge of tears.

"Arissa," he called out.

She ignored him and continued eating with her head lowered.

I like bonding with my children. I'm not like him, cold and distant.

"Take some omelet for me," he ordered.

She gritted her teeth when she heard his voice, then lifted her head and glared at him.

Benjamin froze when he saw her fix him with a death stare. Did I go overboard with what I just said?

Suppressing her anger, she snapped, "You just told me off and wouldn't let me help the kids. But now, you want me to get some food for you? Are you a big baby? Can't you get it yourself? You're a... fiend with double standards!"

Having noticed the instant darkening of his expression, she had forced herself to change her last sentence. I wonder if he'd kill me if I'd called him a dog instead.

Thinking that Benjamin had gotten what he deserved, the children snickered to themselves.

Gavin was especially gleeful, secretly giving his mother's actions his stamp of approval.

If Arissa had not been fuming with anger, he would have burst out laughing.

Benjamin pressed his thin lips together tightly and flung down his knife and fork. "I'm full!"

Arissa watched him walk away with a smug look. Full from rage, I suppose.

Unable to contain his laughter anymore, a giggle escaped from Jasper.

"Hush!" Arissa hissed, motioning for him to watch his behavior.

Benjamin is someone who holds grudges. It'll be bad if he overhears them laughing.

The children finally continued eating after giggling quietly for a while.

"You should all eat more. There's still a lot of food. This one here and that one are nice too. Here, have some milk."

Her soft and gentle voice would drift over to Benjamin from time to time, and he could feel his rage intensifying.

The sight of the seven around the table was such a happy and heartwarming scene that he felt the urge to join them. However, he could not let go of his pride.

Hence, he sat reading the newspaper in the living room. But only he knew how much he actually read as his gaze kept getting drawn toward the dining table.

"Mommy, I want to eat this!"

"Mommy, this is for you. It's a little hot, so be careful!"

"Okay!"

Benjamin could not help feeling envious when he saw how close she was to the children and began reflecting on his behavior.

Was I too harsh? Is that why the children behave so differently when they're with me compared to how they are with her? They share such a close bond with her, but with me, they feel afraid. Even Zachary, who has been by my side since he was little, is sometimes somewhat scared of me.

He pursed his lips as the thought crossed his mind. Since he was a child, Darius had raised him in a military-style setting with strict expectations, and he had been envious of the other children's freedom.

Gazing at the kids, Benjamin fell into deep thought.