Amelia thought back to a couple of days ago when she took Asher back to the Turner family. Andrew’s mother, Mrs. Hannah, was inquiring about Asher’s mother, and Amelia had to play it off casually. She didn’t want to offend either side, but being caught in the middle was an uncomfortable situation.
While she pondered, Amelia efficiently unpacked Isabella’s luggage. When she almost finished, Andrew returned home.
Normally busy, it was rare for the family of three to sit down together for a meal.
Andrew ate in a disciplined manner, sitting upright and graceful, making no sound while eating. On the other side of him, Isabella fed Asher and herself simultaneously. The contrasting pair, with one being calm and the other lively, laughing and causing a commotion that could shatter the roof, leaving food crumbs scattered on the floor.
The leftovers were pushed directly in front of Andrew, and he had to calmly pick and eat what he could.
The Turners were extremely wealthy, especially Andrew, who held a high social status and didn’t need to eat leftovers. But coming from a military background, he had no habit of wasting food, especially after experiences of surviving on only compressed biscuits and cold water during field marches and missions, understanding the value of every grain of rice.
After the meal, Isabella and Asher sat on the living room carpet by the window. She held flashcards, teaching Asher how to read.
Her youthful fingertips pointed to the words on the flashcards, and Asher followed, reading somewhat blurry.
Isabella smiled, reached out to pinch her son’s chubby cheeks, and continued teaching him the next word.
Meanwhile, Andrew sat on the sofa, going through documents. The atmosphere in the house was unusually warm and harmonious.
Handling paperwork was monotonous, even for him. When he felt bored, he occasionally glanced out the window.
Seeing Isabella and Asher’s playful interaction, his heart softened, a faint smile unconsciously appearing on his resolute lips. Looking back at the documents on the computer, they didn’t seem as dull anymore.
Taking care of a child was exhausting enough, and Isabella had also spent the day traveling. She tried to put Asher to sleep, but ended up falling asleep herself while cuddling him.
Andrew walked into the children’s room and found both mother and son fast asleep on the small bed.
He instinctively tiptoed closer to the bed.
Standing silently, his towering figure blocked the dim light from the bedside lamp, enveloping the mother and son in his shadow.
However, the deeply asleep Isabella and Asher were oblivious, continuing to sleep soundly.
After standing quietly for a while, he picked up a nearby blanket and gently covered them both.
Then, although he should have left, he couldn’t help but lower his head slightly and softly kissed Isabella’s delicate lips.
In her slumber, Isabella felt a slight tickling sensation on her lips. She subconsciously touched her lips, turned over, hugged Asher, and continued sleeping.
Andrew chuckled softly, then quietly left the room.
Isabella had slept on Asher’s small bed for half the night. When Asher woke up to use the bathroom, Isabella handed the child over to Amelia and returned to her room to continue sleeping.
Amelia settled the child to sleep, shaking her head in disbelief. She had raised children for many years but had never seen someone so relaxed and comfortable in their motherhood role.
Isabella slept until the morning of the following day but was woken up by the phone ringing. Olivia announced that her vacation was over and she had to fly to New York for a commercial shoot in the afternoon.
After hanging up, feeling a bit dizzy, Isabella got up from the bed in a daze, slipped on her slippers, and walked out of the room, intending to take a shower.
Standing in front of the bathroom door, just as she reached out to open it, the door suddenly opened from the inside. Andrew, with his upper body exposed, stepped out wearing a large towel around his waist.
Isabella’s mind was in a half-awake state, and upon seeing this scene, she instinctively exclaimed and then covered her face with both hands.
The jarring noise made Andrew furrow his brow as he dried his hair with a towel, walking past her.
He walked to the wardrobe, discarded the towel, opened the cabinet, and pulled out a coat and trousers, swiftly putting them on.
As she turned around, he stood in front of the full-length mirror, tying his tie.
“Early morning, making such a fuss,” he said coldly.
“Who let you stand in front of me disheveled? I seriously suspect you have ill intentions towards me,” she crossed her arms, waiting for his response.
Upon hearing her words, Andrew slightly tilted his head, his deep and cold eyes carrying a hint of mischief. “You sneaked into my room while I was showering. If anything, I should be the one suspicious of your intentions.”
As he spoke, he had already stood in front of Isabella, his profound gaze fixed on her. He advanced step by step, she retreated step by step.
Until her back bumped against the cold wall, pressing her against it, her back against the chilly surface while his warm chest faced her. Andrew lowered his head slightly, his warm breath brushing against her tender cheek, causing Isabella’s face to blush instantly.
“Why so silent now? Hmm?” His tone lifted with a hint of ambiguity and provocation.
She pressed her hands against his chest, rejecting his proximity. If he got any closer, they would be pressed against each other.
However, with her limited strength, how could Isabella possibly stop Andrew? His lips drew nearer and nearer, almost kissing her cheek when suddenly, the room’s door was pushed open. Asher, with his short legs, ran in, looking up innocently at his mom and dad.
Behind Asher, Amelia followed. Catching sight of this scene, Amelia paused for a moment, then quickly pulled the child out, making sure to close the door behind her.
As the door closed softly, Isabella felt inwardly wounded, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment, feeling like she had lost face for a lifetime. Fuming with anger, she lifted her foot and stomped on Andrew’s instep.
He frowned but then sighed in resignation, releasing her.
Raising his arm, he checked the time on his wristwatch. He needed to leave.
Dressed impeccably in a suit, Andrew pushed open the room door and found Asher playing with a ball in the hallway.
“Daddy, hug!” Asher spotted his dad and rushed over on his tiny legs.
Andrew lifted him, gently ruffled his hair, and then handed him back to Amelia.
“I have evening engagements; no need to wait up,” Andrew said before leaving.
Later, Isabella came out of the bedroom, visibly irritated, glaring at Amelia. “Does he often stay out all night?”
“Not often, just occasionally. Men have commitments when they work outside,” Amelia replied.”