Emerging from the kitchen, Mrs. Ziegler noticed a stark difference in Theodore’s demeanor compared to his earlier entrance. He had been a bit cold then, but now he was as warm as a spring day. “Theodore, come sit down. Phoebe made pot roast today. Her pot roast is even better than what you’d find in a five-star restaurant. Give it a try.”

As she spoke, Mrs. Ziegler placed a piece of pot roast in his bowl. Phoebe wanted to stop her but was too late. She said to Mrs. Ziegler, “Mom, don’t serve him. Let him serve himself.”

Theodore was a bit of a germaphobe. While he didn’t insist on using separate serving utensils at family meals, he didn’t like others serving him either.

Phoebe was about to take the pot roast out of his bowl when Theodore, without changing his expression, picked it up and put it in his mouth. She watched him anxiously, fearing he might find it unappetizing.

After chewing a few times, Theodore found the pot roast to be rich but not greasy, slightly sweet, and tender. After noticing that the mother-daughter duo was watching him nervously, he smiled and said, “Hmm, this is the best pot roast I’ve ever had.”

The anxiety in Phoebe’s eyes turned into laughter. “You scared me.”

“Do you ever lack confidence?” Theodore asked.

“Of course, I have plenty of moments when I’m not confident. Not like some people who are always brimming with confidence,” Phoebe replied.

Seeing her pout, Theodore wanted to pinch her lips again.

Mrs. Ziegler silently ate her meal across from them. She believed that Theodore was not indifferent to Phoebe. Otherwise, when she went to him years ago and told him Phoebe was pregnant, he wouldn’t have agreed to marry her without hesitation.

In the early days of their marriage, Theodore was quite good to Phoebe. Despite his busy schedule, he always accompanied her to prenatal check-ups.

She remembered one late night when Theodore came to their apartment with a bag of dough and meat, saying that Phoebe wanted homemade pizza.

While letting him in, Mrs. Ziegler complained about him spoiling Phoebe, especially at such a late hour.

At that time, Theodore replied, “If Phoebe wants it, even if it’s a pie from the sky, I’ll find a way to get it for her.”

His sweet response naturally made Mrs. Ziegler feel reassured and happy.

If only the miscarriage never happened, their family of three would have been so happy now. Alas!

Hearing her mother sigh, Phoebe couldn’t help but glance at her. Mrs. Ziegler put down her fork, wiped her eyes with a napkin, and said, “You two continue eating; I’ll go back to my room first.”

Mrs. Ziegler left the dining room. Phoebe wanted to follow her and ask what was wrong, but she stayed seated and explained to Theodore, “My mom’s been a bit emotional lately due to menopause. Don’t mind her.” Theodore paused, “She’s feeling lonely; isn’t she? By the way, when is your brother coming back?”

“He’s been transferred to Las Vegas and hasn’t kept in touch with us recently. He should be back for the New Year,” Phoebe replied.

Theodore seemed thoughtful.

After dinner, Phoebe washed the dishes. Realizing that her mother hadn’t come out yet, she checked her watch. It was getting late, so she knocked on the bedroom door and went in.

Mrs. Ziegler was sitting on the bed, wiping away tears. Seeing Phoebe enter, she quickly wiped her eyes and said, “Leave the dishes there; I’ll wash them later. It’s late; you two should go.” “I’ve washed the dishes,” Phoebe said, sitting next to her and hugging her waist, then resting her head on her shoulder. “Mom, are you missing my brother?”

“Who misses him? He’s so reluctant to come back from abroad,” Mrs. Ziegler replied bitterly.

Phoebe sighed, “You keep urging him to get married. No wonder he stays as far away as possible.”