Chapter 200: Reliving an Old Dream (Part 1)
Ian Monroe grew tired of walking and sat on the sofa. Melody Monroe walked over to help him into his slippers.
"Mommy, are you tired? Come sit and rest for a bit." Ian Monroe quickly patted the spot beside him.
"You know your mother is tired, yet you keep running around," Evan Fairchild chided gently.
"This place is just so beautiful, I wanted to look around too," Melody Monroe quickly explained.
She had just sat down when Evan Fairchild walked over with a pair of slippers and placed them in front of her.
"Change your shoes. We’ll be dining in the sunroom shortly."
Melody Monroe realized the slippers were for her and immediately said, "Thank you." Once she changed into them, she felt much more comfortable.
"Is this a private estate?" Melody Monroe asked, her curiosity piqued.
"Yes. The current owner is a Michelin-starred chef. He spent his career abroad, but now that he’s older, he’s returned home to open this private kitchen. He and my grandfather are old friends. Otherwise, you’d probably have to wait a year to get a reservation here."
"Oh, I see."
A waiter entered and asked Evan Fairchild respectfully, "Mr. Fairchild, shall we begin serving?"
"Yes, you may." Evan Fairchild nodded, then turned to Melody Monroe. "Let’s head to the sunroom."
Melody Monroe took Ian Monroe’s small hand and followed him.
They passed through a corridor and arrived at the sunroom Evan Fairchild had spoken of.
The so-called "flower hall" was a room with various flowers growing inside. All four walls were made of glass, just like a sunroom.
A lavish, decorative birdcage hung from the ceiling. Though the room was filled with flowers, it didn’t look the least bit cluttered.
Melody Monroe noticed a heart-shaped box on the dining table. It was filled to the brim with fresh roses, their petals still glistening with tiny droplets of water.
The table was set for only three people: two adults and one child.
Everything was exclusively arranged for treasured guests.
Melody Monroe couldn’t help but wonder, ’How much must a day like this cost?’
"Mommy!" Ian Monroe had already picked up the box of flowers from the table. "These are for you."
Evan Fairchild was speechless.
Melody Monroe took the box and sniffed the roses. "They smell wonderful."
"Do you like them, Mommy?"
"I love them!" Melody Monroe nodded immediately.
"Are these...?" Melody Monroe turned to Evan Fairchild, unsure if the flowers were a gift for the patrons or simply a centerpiece for the table.
"They’re for you," Evan Fairchild replied before taking his seat at the table.
Cradling the box of flowers, Melody Monroe sat down at the table.
A waiter opened the door, and several staff members filed in.
They proceeded to set the table with exquisite cutlery, candlesticks, and a small bucket filled with ice.
Two more waiters entered. One placed several bottles of fine wine into the ice bucket, while the other carried a tray of delicate pastries.
Once everything was arranged, they all departed.
Melody Monroe looked at the bottles of wine, a little surprised.
’The original novel seemed to have a passage about this. After getting drunk and sleeping with the original Melody, Evan Fairchild swore off alcohol completely. So why is there wine here today?’
Ian Monroe picked up a pastry from the table and took a bite.
Just as Evan Fairchild was about to get one for Melody Monroe, Ian Monroe quickly grabbed another and placed it on his mother’s plate.
"Mommy, this pastry is so yummy! Quick, try it! I already had some."
"Thank you, sweetheart," Melody Monroe said with a nod.
It was already evening, and she didn’t dare eat too much. But faced with such tempting pastries, she couldn’t resist picking one up and taking a bite.