Elliot had not come to dinner because he was with Zoe.

That was, however, not what had caused Avery the most hurt.

The most painful thing for her was remembering the fact that Elliot and Zoe had once shared a child together.

Moreover, Zoe had accused Avery of murdering her child… and Elliot had believed her.

If not for his belief, Avery would not be pregnant with his child.

At this point, her eyes filled with tears.

She hung up as all the energy drained from her body, and she had to hold onto the dining table for support.

When the children noticed the change in their mother's demeanor, they immediately leaped out of their seats.

"Mommy! What's wrong?!" Layla exclaimed as her eyes glistened with tears.

"Is he not coming, Mommy?" Hayden guessed. "Don't cry, Mommy. Let's go home!"

Avery forced herself to swallow her tears, then guiltily said, "You're both hungry, right? Let's go somewhere else for dinner."

The children shook their heads in unison.

"I'm not hungry, Mommy! I'm