ด้วยรักตลอดไป (With Love, Forever)

Filler Chapter

The evening after the court hearing unfolded with a quiet sense of relief that Jackson had been craving. He, Jeff, Xinxin, Mrs. Luo, and the helper all sat down together at a cozy, local restaurant—one of those hidden gems that Jackson loved for its comfort food and warm atmosphere. The conversation was light, the clinking of silverware and the occasional burst of laughter filling the space, but there was an undercurrent of something new between Jackson and Jeff.

Xinxin was busy with Mrs Luo, back to her usual vibrant self. She was mostly caught up in her conversation with Mrs. Luo, who sat across from her, a smile never leaving her face. The helper was busy discussing the day's events, and Jackson could hear her gentle voice as she and Mrs. Luo exchanged pleasantries.

But every so often, Jackson's eyes would meet Jeff's across the table, and something unspoken passed between them. It was subtle at first, just a flicker of acknowledgment, a quiet smile, or the way their conversations seemed to thread together seamlessly. Jackson could feel it—this shift, this shift in the air between them—and he could sense it wasn't just him who was noticing.

Mrs. Luo, who had been keeping a very keen eye on things, leaned toward the helper with a knowing look.

"You notice anything different about them?" she asked softly, her voice almost too low for Jackson to overhear.

The helper, who had been more involved in her own conversation with Xinxin, blinked before glancing toward Jackson and Jeff, their casual conversation now framed by an ease that hadn't been there before. "Now that you mention it..." she said thoughtfully. "They seem... lighter. More comfortable, maybe."

Mrs. Luo nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yes, I think they've been through a lot together. But today, something feels different, doesn't it?"

The helper gave a small, almost sheepish smile. "I think they've started figuring it out."

Jackson, oblivious to the women's quiet observations, turned his attention to Xinxin, who was happily chatting with Mrs. Luo about something inconsequential. For a moment, he just let himself relax into the hum of the evening. There was a weightlessness to the air now—Xinxin's future was secured, and that alone seemed to bring a sense of calm over him. He felt lighter, almost as if a burden had been lifted.

Jeff caught his eye again, his expression quiet, but there was something in the way he looked at Jackson that sent a soft flutter through his chest. It wasn't just gratitude anymore; it wasn't just friendship. There was something deeper there, something Jackson wasn't sure how to name, but he could feel it in the way their gazes lingered just a bit too long.

Xinxin reached over, tapping Jackson's arm excitedly. "Daddy! We should go to the playground after dinner! Mrs. Luo said I could go with Jeff!"

Jackson smiled down at her, a warmth spreading through him. "I think that sounds like a great idea, sweetheart."

"And then we can all go get ice cream!" Xinxin added, her voice brimming with the enthusiasm that only a child could carry.

"Yeah, ice cream," Jeff echoed with a grin, his tone light, like he was all in for this little impromptu adventure. He leaned back in his chair, looking between Jackson and Xinxin with an easy smile.

Mrs. Luo chuckled at the sudden surge of energy from Xinxin. "It sounds like the evening will end with a little bit of fun after all," she said warmly.

"You're right," Jackson agreed, his voice laced with affection. "We could all use a bit of fun."

As the evening continued, it was clear to everyone at the table that something had changed between Jackson and Jeff. The way they spoke to each other—more freely, more openly—wasn't lost on Xinxin, who giggled softly when she noticed the two of them exchanging a shared joke. Even the helper and Mrs. Luo seemed to share a quiet knowing smile at each other, as if they both recognized the subtle but undeniable shift.

By the time dinner had ended and they were all on their way to the playground, the lightness between Jackson and Jeff was palpable. Jackson, for the first time in a while, felt like he could breathe. Everything seemed to be falling into place—his relationship with Xinxin, the court hearing, and now, this unexpected but welcome change with Jeff.

Xinxin skipped ahead with the helper, laughing as she ran toward the swings. Jackson and Jeff walked side by side, just a step apart but connected by something unspoken.

"You know, I think she might be right," Jeff said, his tone light. "I think we could use a little bit of fun, too."

Jackson chuckled, glancing over at him. "Yeah? What did you have in mind?"

Jeff raised an eyebrow with a playful grin. "Maybe you should stick with me for ice cream first. I might know the best spot."

Jackson smirked. "You and your secret ice cream spots."

"Well, we'll see if you like it," Jeff said, his voice suddenly a little more serious.

There was a shift in the way they looked at each other then—a lingering moment of understanding. Jackson felt the weight of it, the pull, and for the first time in a long while, he felt like things were moving in a direction that made sense.

As they reached the playground and Xinxin squealed with delight, Jackson felt the warm glow of contentment fill him. He wasn't alone in this anymore. He had someone by his side, and not just anyone—someone who had become an anchor in the middle of his storm.

And whatever this was between them, whatever it could be, Jackson was starting to realize that it was exactly what he needed.