THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 228: The Legendary Campus Belle

The dining room was specially illuminated by soft lighting, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere.

Shawn pulled out a chair for Kathleen to sit and did likewise for the children who have already chosen two seats on the right and left of the chair at the head of the table.

Elvis and Eleanor, still in doubt that they were finally seated at the same table having dinner with their father, exchanged shy glances and hesitant smiles.

As Shawn watched them, his eyes overflowed with deep affection and joy.

He pressed a small bell somewhere around the table and Mr Felix, the manager, who had been on standby, entered with a warm smile, followed by the chef and the waiting staff carrying silver cloches covering each course.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs Hudson," then he politely nodded at the children.

Of course the form of address did not go down well with Kathleen, but she chose to ignore it for the sake of the children. Besides she was still legally married to Shawn and can only dispose of that title after the divorce.

"We have specially curated a three-course meal that our talented chef has prepared just for you," the manager continued ignorantly.

Taking the cue, the chef nodded respectfully as he unveiled the first course.

"We’ve curated a special menu to ensure a delightful culinary experience for the kids. They are all a variety of kid-friendly dishes and desserts."

Eleanor’s eyes lit up at the mouth watering dishes that were placed before them one after the other as the chef explained each dish.

Shawn could tell that his adorable daughter loved food a lot.

As the chef continued, Kathleen observed that all the dishes mentioned were indeed dishes that appealed to children’s taste, not only that, they were also healthy.

After performing their assignments, the manager and his crew left the beautiful family of four to enjoy their dinner.

"So, how was your day at school?" Shawn asked the children as they dived into the first course which was an assortment of appetizers; a selection of seafood with a variety of sauces, crispy chicken bites with a side of homemade ranch dressing, and a delicious vegetable platter with assorted dips.

Eleanor hesitated, then glanced at their mother who nodded her consent.

After getting her mother’s permission, Eleanor started sharing her day’s adventures, and those of previous days as well, and before long her usual talkative self was restored.

"I guess you are the legendary campus belle," Shawn joked.

Eleanor’s little brow went up in confusion.

"A campus belle is usually the most beautiful and popular girl on campus," Kathleen explained before sending a piece of the crispy chicken into her mouth.

"Oh I see," Eleanor nodded in understanding.

"What title will Brother be given then? Everyone is always talking about how handsome he is and wants to be close to him, especially the girls."

"Eleanor!" Elvis yelled, his little ears gradually turning red as he glared at his sister.

’Why must she always draw me into her foolish talks. She even chose today in the presence of their father. What would he think of me now?’

Shawn saw the blush on his son’s handsome face and knew that he was embarrassed.

"I was also being chased after by lots of girls when I was a boy in school," he laughed in an attempt to make Elvis comfortable.

But the little guy took it the wrong way.

"Even though I don’t want Eleanor to talk about it, must you steal my show?" he grumbled and shot his father a disgruntled look.

Shawn didn’t know how he had offended the little guy, but still went ahead to make some jokes about his school days.

They were so funny that the children responded with giggles and wide smiles, and soon the brief tension melted away as they laughed at their father’s childhood escapades.

As the dinner progressed to the main course, Shawn asked their opinion on the food and their preferences which they happily shared.

He discovered that most of their preferences were not much different from his and Kathleen’s. So his choice of food for the main course was not a flop.

Shawn effortlessly shared stories about himself and at the same time encouraged Elvis and Eleanor to talk about themselves.

Eleanor, curious and intrigued, began asking questions about their father’s life, his favorite things, and hobbies.

Elvis, though more reserved, was equally eager to hear their father talk about himself. He listened attentively, occasionally chiming in with his own question.

Over dessert, which was a selection of indulgent delights ranging from chocolate lava cake, classic vanilla ice cream sundae with all the toppings and a fruit tart made with berries, Shawn continued to recount some of his playful childhood memories and funny stories.

Laughter filled everywhere and even Kathleen was not spared as she let go of her prejudices for the first time and enjoyed a wonderful evening with the children.

She never knew Shawn had this hilarious side.

Shawn also found himself laughing boisterously from time to time as the children expressed themselves.

His characteristic coldness was nowhere to be found as he listened attentively to his adorable daughter and son.

"Guess what guys?" Shawn said when they were done with dinner.

"I’ve prepared some fun stuff for you to pass the time."

Eleanor was instantly interested.

"What is it, daddy?" She asked, her eyes gleaming in delight.

She loved calling him daddy, a name she had hardly used all through her almost six years on earth.

"Come with me."

Shawn took them to the room where the game selection and other things for their recreation were placed.

Having a nark for drawing, Eleanor rushed straight to the drawing board as she couldn’t wait to put down something. 𝕗𝐫𝐞𝕖𝕨𝐞𝗯𝚗𝕠𝘃𝐞𝚕.𝐜𝗼𝚖

Elvis on the other hand, was more interested in the high end games and went for that straight away.

Shawn chose a seat beside Kathleen and didn’t fail to thank her at intervals for the opportunity to meet and spend time with the children.