Melody leaned back against the sofa, staring up at the ceiling.
"Mom, I feel like I don't even know him."
Her mother took her hand. "Then take your time getting to know him. Marriage isn't built in a day or two; it's a lifelong commitment. You have plenty of time to figure out exactly who a man is."
Melody remained silent, offering only a gentle nod.
She truly hoped her mother was right.
...
Lyra Bay.
Seraphina was curled up on the sofa, locked in an intense staring contest with Little Bean.
To be more accurate, Little Bean was glaring at her.
Because Seraphina had just sneaked a spoonful of ice cream, and Little Bean had caught her red-handed.
"Mommy, you're nursing. You shouldn't be eating cold things," Little Bean's displeased voice echoed in her mind, sounding exactly like a stern parent.
"I just had one bite. Literally one tiny bite." Seraphina guiltily hid the ice cream tub behind her back.
She had seen the ice cream earlier and craved it so badly.
She hadn't dared to touch the stuff during her entire pregnancy.
Now that she had finally given birth, she just wanted a tiny taste to satisfy her craving.
Who knew she would get busted by her own baby?
"Even one bite is cold."
Little Bean scrunched his tiny brows together, looking incredibly serious. "What if I get an upset stomach? What if you get mastitis?"
Seraphina: "..."
How on earth did this baby know words like "mastitis"?
She seriously suspected he had been an obstetrician in his past life.
"Alright, alright, I won't eat it." Seraphina tossed the tub into the trash and raised both hands in surrender.
"You little boss, you're even stricter than your dad."
Little Bean nodded in satisfaction. "It's for your own good."
Seraphina couldn't help but reach out and pinch his chubby cheeks. "You little grown-up, when are you going to start acting like a normal baby who only cares about drinking milk and sleeping?"
Little Bean rolled his eyes mentally. "I *am* a normal baby. I just happen to worry on the side."
At 7 PM sharp, Lucian arrived home.
Susan had laid out a massive spread—BBQ ribs, pan-seared sea bass, garlic butter broccoli, and creamy corn soup—filling the entire dining table.
Seraphina had just put Little Bean to sleep and was coming down the stairs exactly as Lucian walked through the door.
She walked over and took his coat as he slipped it off.
"You're home early today."
"Yeah, wrapped things up and headed straight back."
Lucian leaned down to kiss her forehead, then made his way to the dining room. "Smells amazing. Susan's cooking keeps getting better."
Susan happened to be carrying the final dish out, beaming from ear to ear. "As long as you like it, sir! The missus specifically asked me to make all your favorites."
Lucian glanced back at Seraphina, the corners of his lips curling into a soft smile.
Feeling flustered under his intense gaze, Seraphina looked away. "What are you staring at? Eat your dinner."
They sat down across from each other, enjoying a quiet, peaceful meal.
The simple domesticity made Seraphina feel incredibly grounded.

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