After the meeting finished, they solved most of the problems. Cristofer even took a break from work and went to the reception room to spend time with Estelle and the kids.
Hence, as Cristofer’s assistant, Vincent decided to take a break too. Later, he and Eva stood outside their office, chatting happily, like two squirrels finding nuts and whispering to each other.
Eva said, “It’s lunchtime, and I’m hungry.”
Vincent checked his watch and realized it was noon. Usually, he would order take-out for Cristofer, or Cristofer would eat Mrs. Moorsum’s cooking. But now that Estelle and the kids were at the company, he wasn’t sure what they wanted to eat.
After thinking for a moment, Vincent decided to knock on the reception room door.
Estelle opened the door and asked, “Is something urgent? Cristofer…”
Vincent replied, “No, Mrs. Hans. I just wanted to know what you’d like for lunch. Would you prefer to go to a restaurant, or should I order some food for you?”
The three kids got excited before Estelle could even respond.
Yohan said, “I want spaghetti!”
Yvonne quickly added, “I want seafood salad!”
Christina’s eyes beamed, saying, “Uncle Vincent, I want spicy fried chicken!”
Hearing their choices, Vincent made a note, “Got it.”
Estelle hesitated and said, “Hold off on the spicy fried chicken. Cristofer has a sensitive stomach, so he can’t handle spicy food.”
With a smile and a nod, Vincent asked, “How about roast chicken then?”
Cristofer, holding his little girls in each arm, walked over to Vincent and whispered, “Actually, go ahead and order the spicy fried chicken. Let the kids eat what they want. Add two pizzas and creamy mushroom soup. Estelle loves that soup. And don’t forget some desserts.”
Vincent suggested, “What about vanilla pudding? Kids usually like it.”
Cristofer cleared his throat and glanced at Estelle, saying, “Well, it’s not just for the kids.”
Vincent was at first surprised, but then he immediately understood what Cristofer was indicating. He then said, “I’ve got it, Mr. Hans. I’ll go order the food now!”
After Vincent left and closed the door, Cristofer and the three children started staring at Estelle.
Yohan said, “Mom, you also like eating desserts. How can you tell us not to eat it?”
“I also want to eat vanilla pudding,” Yvonne said, pouting her mouth in dissatisfaction.
Christina said, “Dad, you are biased. How can you only order desserts for Mom? What about us?”
As he let out a sigh, Cristofer let the children sit on the sofa and explained to them patiently, “Didn’t Mrs. Moorsum bake some cookies for you yesterday? Your Mom worked so hard yesterday that she didn’t have time to eat the cookies, so l want to reward your Mom with a dessert.”
The children could easily accept this reason because Estelle always told them there was a clear rule for reward and punishment. The children needed to apologize and be punished if they did something wrong. And she would praise them and reward them if they did something good. The punishment for the children would be helping their grandma do housework like wiping the tables and sweeping the floor.
Estelle was slightly annoyed after showing some of her weaknesses to the children today. She told Cristofer, “I don’t like eating desserts now, so don’t tell the children about it anymore. We should set a good example for them as their parents.”
To Estelle’s surprise, Cristofer said, “You’re right, but you don’t have to be so strict with yourself. Our children all know their Mom is exhausted and deserves some reward, don’t they?”
Then the three children said in unison, “Yes!”
Hearing that, Estelle was completely speechless now. She thought, ‘Alas! You guys are on the same side. I guess I can do nothing but agree with you. In the past, I always felt regretful that I didn’t offer you a chance to enjoy fatherly love. And I get it, children. Of course, you want to stay with your powerful and nice dad now that you have the chance to do so. So, I’d better not kill the mood while you are enjoying your time with him.’
“Estelle, are you hungry?” Cristofer walked to her and asked, interrupting her trace of thought, “I was so happy when playing with the children that I forgot it was time for lunch.”
“It’s all right,” Estelle said, “We had eaten breakfast before we came here. What about you?”
“I’m a little hungry after working for the whole morning,” Cristofer smiled softly, “But I have no choice. I need to work for my three babies now.”
Estelle smiled involuntarily.
Soon, Vincent brought the food for them and happened to hear Cristofer’s words. When opening the food boxes, he said, “Don’t worry, Mr. Hans. As your assistant, I will make sure you will eat properly.”
Cristofer was in a good mood today, so he happily exclaimed, “I have approved your request for a vacation. You can make arrangements freely as long as you finish all the work.”
After walking to the corridor, Vincent smiled cheerfully and let Eva go with him, though she had just come to see what had happened. “Let’s go have lunch. My treat today!”
“What?” Eva asked in surprise, “Did you win the lottery or what? Why are you suddenly so generous?”
“I just feel good.”
As the two walked away, Estelle gave the children the forks and spoons. Cristofer couldn’t do anything because he was holding Yvonne and Christina, so he naturally let Estelle take care of him.
The family had a great meal, especially the three children. They felt hungry in the new environment and quickly finished their shares without Estelle urging them.
“Well done. I love the ones who are not picky about food,” Estelle said, taking out the tissues to gently wipe the girls’ mouths.
Cristofer stared at her while sitting beside her. Unfortunately, time flew by when people were having fun. He looked at his watch and rubbed the children’s heads reluctantly. “Alright. It’s time for me to go back to work. Behave yourself on your way back home, okay?”
“No. Stay with us!” Yvonne had a good time here and didn’t want him to go. She held his hand and said sweetly, “Dad, do you have to work?”
Before Cristofer could reply, Estelle placed Yvonne on the sofa and patiently explained, “Dad is at work in the company now. He has lots of tasks, just like you have assignments in kindergarten. You and Christina need to finish your kindergarten assignments, right?”
Yvonne reluctantly nodded after hearing Estelle’s words. But Christina had an idea and said, “But we can wait for Dad and leave the company with him when he’s done working.”
Yohan joined in, clapping his hands, “Yeah, Mom, I can take care of the girls.”