A Stay-at-home Dad’s Restaurant In An Alternate World

e paused a moment.
“Women should always do as men want.
They’re men’s accessories.
If they can find someone to marry, that is.”

Cyril took a look at Lance, sneered, and bowed his head again like a biddable child.

Aurora, Herty, and Hernie looked at Gloria gloatingly as if she were the only woman in the room.

Lance rose to his feet.
“There’s nothing disgraceful about my job.
I love teaching.
I chose to become a teacher of my own accord.” Then he took a glance at Gloria, and raised his voice.
“Women are not men’s accessories.
They can do what we can do.
I may be a fool to you, but it is fools like me that will change the world!”

Gloria looked up at her father, who had renounced his title as the heir of Jeffree, and suddenly found him admirable.

Jeffree laughed.
“You must be out of your mind.” He leaned back in his chair, staring at his firstborn, whom he had once put all his faith in, in disappointment.
“You couldn’t have changed the state of your daughter’s illness if you hadn’t been born into Moreton Family.”

“You’re making Father mad, Lance,” Cyril said disapprovingly.

“I…” Lance gritted his teeth, and bit back his words.
He stood there for a moment, and then sat back down weakly.

Gloria’s hands were shaking.
She looked as if she would stand up any minute now.

Mickey held her hand and shook his head.
Although aged just 10, he could tell his grandpa was very angry.
He didn’t want to see Gloria scolded.

Jeffree dropped his gaze to his food, and picked up the knife and fork.
“The world will never change.
The wealthy will stay wealthy, and women will stay useless,” he said, his voice low but filled with certainty.

The others’ faces lightened with relief; they picked up their knife and fork as well.

Suddenly, Gloria rose to her feet.
“I agree with Father, Grandpa.
Women are not useless.
I’ll prove it to you someday,” she said in a determined voice.

The others froze, shocked.
They had never thought such a meek girl would dare to stand up to Jeffree.

Lance turned to look at Gloria as if he were seeing her for the first time.

“If you’ll excuse me.
I’m not hungry,” Gloria said, and left quickly.