Chapter 453

Lily, clutching her mother's hand, blinked in surprise. "Mommy! You look...different today!"

Sophia immediately frowned. "What do you mean, sweetheart? Why are you dressed so lightly? Aren't you cold? Did you wear this little all day at kindergarten?"

Lily pouted, crossing her arms. "Hmph! You're only noticing now? I've been running laps around our neighborhood ever since Uncle Nathan dropped me off! You didn't even see me! What if a bad man had snatched me away? By the time you realized, I could've been halfway across the world!"

Sophia's cheeks flushed with guilt.

She had been so focused on Ethan stepping out of the car that she'd completely overlooked her daughter.

"I'm sorry, baby," she murmured sincerely.

Lily grinned, her tiny nose scrunching. "Fine! I forgive you!"

In most households, mothers doted on their children.

But in the Blackwood residence, it was the child who pampered her mother.

Typical.

"Come on, stinky Daddy! Let's wash our hands!" Lily chirped, tugging Ethan toward the bathroom.

At the doorway, Ethan glanced back at Sophia.

She bit her lip. "Go wash up."

The man's jaw tightened.

He had planned to ask her about the rumors of her being ostracized at work. But the moment they returned from washing their hands, Sophia's phone buzzed on the dining table—a rare occurrence, given how few people in Harborview City knew her.

Was it Liam calling?

Sophia instinctively glanced at Ethan, her stomach twisting at his darkened expression. Swallowing hard, she checked the caller ID.

Relief washed over her.

An unknown number.

Deliberately, she answered on speakerphone. "Hello? Who is this?"

"Sophia! It's your colleague, Daniel Carter—the handsome guy sitting to your left at work," a cheerful male voice announced.

Sophia froze.

Daniel continued, chuckling. "Don't worry, I already clocked you out. The design director approved your leave. Said you had an emergency. So relax, everything's handled. Oh, and—"

"Thank you, Mr. Carter," Sophia cut in hastily.

But Daniel barreled on. "Seriously, Sophia, the guys and I all agree—you're nothing like those gossipy women in the office. They call you plain, but you're easily the prettiest one there. We—"

"My noodles are boiling over. Gotta go!" Sophia hung up, mortified.

Then she met Ethan and Lily's stares.

"Mommy, you're so popular! Is that uncle handsome? If he is, invite him for dinner!" Lily beamed, oblivious to her father's thunderous expression.

Sophia's mouth went dry.

Ethan's glare could have frozen hell. Even from meters away, she felt the icy fury radiating off him—sharp enough to draw blood.

Terrified, she bit her lip and glanced at Lily.

How was the girl not sensing her father's murderous aura?

Sophia wiped her sweaty palms.

But Lily, still holding Ethan's hand, tilted her head. "Daddy, let's have dinner with Mommy's admirer! Then he'll see you're way handsomer!" She stuck her tongue out playfully.

Sophia nearly choked.

Then—miraculously—Ethan's expression softened. He squeezed Lily's hand gently. "Let's eat, princess."

Sophia exhaled in relief.

Her back was drenched.

To avoid further calls, she powered off her phone. Few people contacted her anyway. No friends, no family—just Lily. Shutting it down wouldn't hurt.

Settling across from Ethan and Lily, she nudged the noodles toward him. "I...I know I'm not the best cook. Last time, the fish was too salty. But these noodles are my specialty. Try them."

She avoided his gaze.

Would he throw the bowl? She could never read him—his emotions were a locked vault.

Then she heard chopsticks clink.

He was eating.

"Daddy, slow down! Mommy's noodles are the best! If you finish first, you can't steal mine!" Lily giggled.

It was her favorite home-cooked meal—yet their first time having it since moving to Harborview City.

The aroma was intoxicating.

Ethan, though silent, devoured his portion with surprising speed. Lily matched him, and soon, both bowls were empty.

Ethan stood, taking Lily's hand.

"Where are you going?" Sophia asked.

"Yeah, where?" Lily echoed.

Ethan's tone was calm. "Your earlier comment reminded me. After meals, we should walk around the neighborhood. Builds stamina."

Sophia relaxed slightly at his neutral tone.

"Mommy, come with us!" Lily insisted.

Nodding, Sophia joined them.

As they descended, she left her powered-off phone behind. Outside, she sat on a bench, watching Ethan and Lily stroll hand-in-hand beneath the golden sunset.