Chapter 4The Second Act

I was building blocks with Leo in the playroom.

He suddenly asked: "Mommy, did Daddy do something wrong?"

I was startled.

"Why do you say that?"

"Because Daddy is fidgeting today, just like my deskmate when he got a zero and was afraid to go home."

Me: "..."

Leo sighed like an old man.

"Although Daddy is sometimes immature and talks back to Grandpa, can you not scold him for my sake?"

I was surprised. Before I could ask, Lucas's voice sounded at the door.

"Leo Sterling, what bad things are you saying about me?"

Leo immediately put on a good boy face.

"No, Daddy, I'm saying good things! Ask Mommy!"

Lucas's gaze moved to my face, and he coughed lightly.

"Leo likes butter cookies lately. I'm going to bake some. Do you want to take some home?"

I nodded instinctively.

He said okay and turned to the kitchen.

Leo napped soon after. I closed his door and went to the kitchen.

Lucas wore a dark apron, tall and straight, sleeves rolled up revealing forearms with visible veins.

He was focused on mixing butter and powdered sugar.

I watched from the door for a long time, couldn't help but speak up.

"Um, do you need help?"

His back stiffened for a second, but he was calm when he turned around.

"No need, go rest. It'll be done soon."

I fought the awkwardness of not knowing where to put my hands and feet, trying to act natural.

"I want to learn."

He paused, a smile appearing in his eyes.

"Okay, I'll teach you."

But my chaotic heartbeat made my hands clumsy.

He looked at my face, now comical with flour, and said helplessly:

"Let me do it."

I just wanted to flee, not noticing the egg I dropped on the floor.

My foot slipped. Seeing the floor rushing at my face, I closed my eyes and grabbed Lucas instinctively.

Unexpectedly, he hit the ground before me.

I landed on him unharmed, except our lips were touching.

Lucas's pale pupils shrank, his long lashes trembling non-stop.

His ears turned red instantly.

My first reaction was: We have a kid, how is he still so innocent?

"Lucas, you—"

His mom walked in on this scene and lost her voice.

I scrambled up, waving my hands frantically.

"No, we—"

She said nothing, clutched her chest, and silently closed the kitchen door for us.

Her steps were much faster than usual.

I didn't dare look at Lucas, who was frozen like a statue. I mumbled "Sorry" and fled.