Chapter 74
985 Words
When Ethan returned home, he opened the door quietly.
A warm light shone through the crack.
Sophia, dressed in casual home clothes, rubbed her sleepy eyes and came out.
Seeing Ethan, she smiled gently, "You're back? I left some cake and bread for you. Have some."
Ethan felt a surge of warmth in his heart at the sight before him.
Despite his noble status and the countless delicacies he had tasted, at this moment, he felt that the food his wife had left for him was the most delicious in the world.
It was a gesture of love from a wife to her husband and a reminder of the family's concern for him.
At that moment, Ethan was not a revered master but an ordinary man.
Here, he could shed all his pretenses and enjoy the warmth of his family purely.
Ethan looked at her with deep affection, his eyes full of love. "Sophia... thank you!"
Sophia's cheeks flushed with shyness, and she turned her head away. "You... you should eat! I'm going to bed."
Watching Sophia's adorably shy retreat, Ethan couldn't help but laugh from his heart.
He took a small bite of the bread, savoring the rich flavor. It was simply delightful!
'Happiness is that simple!'
***
Ethan had a comfortable sleep that night. The next morning, he woke to find his daughter, July, standing by his bed with a sweet, adorable expression.
"Daddy, you're awake!" July's big, bright eyes sparkled as she looked at him.
Ethan tapped her nose playfully. "Alright, smarty-pants, what are you up to now?"
July pleaded, "Daddy, there's no school today. I want to go out and play."
Seeing July's pitiful look, Ethan's heart melted. He hugged her and laughed. "Okay, Daddy doesn't have classes today either, so let's go out!"
July jumped up with joy. "Yay! That's awesome! Mommy, Daddy said yes! We can play together!"
Just then, Sophia's graceful figure entered the room, and Ethan's eyes lit up.
Sophia had shed her formal work attire and was now wearing a simple white dress. She looked elegant, pure, and slightly coquettish, like a fairy descending to earth, exuding an enchanting beauty.
Ethan was momentarily dazed until July tugged at his arm, snapping him back to reality. He asked, "Sophia, don't you have to work today?"
Sophia tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and said softly, "The company's project is almost completed, and Mr. Cyrus noticed I've been working too hard lately, so he gave me two days off."
***
On the bustling street, July held her father's hand in one and her mother's hand in the other, looking incredibly happy.
Ethan and Sophia also felt a rare sense of relaxation. Although they didn't exchange overly sweet words, there was a subtle shift in their relationship.
The family of three arrived at a famous shopping mall in the capital. The myriads of goods dazzled July's eyes.
On the third floor, July tugged at Ethan's sleeve and pointed to a stall with a long queue, her eyes sparkling with eagerness. "Daddy, what's that? It looks so yummy!"
Ethan pretended to be angry. "Didn't you just have breakfast?"
July pleaded softly, "Daddy, daddy, my best daddy, I want some!"
No one could resist such an adorable plea, and Ethan was no exception. He gave in immediately, smiling warmly. "Alright, alright, I will buy it for you."
Sophia scolded gently, "You didn't eat properly at breakfast, and now you want snacks. You shouldn't spoil her like this!"
July then looked pitifully at Ethan.
Ethan picked her up and laughed. "Just this once, no more next time!"
July cheered, "Yay! Daddy's the best!"
She planted a big kiss on Ethan's cheek, and they played together, a scene so heartwarming that even Sophia shook her head with a smile.
'This is what a family should be like...'
The egg waffle ice cream stall was very popular. After waiting in line for fifteen minutes, it was finally Ethan's turn.
Just as the previous customer left, and before Ethan could speak, someone cut in front of him. "I want one ice cream!"
July's eager expression turned into disappointment as she looked at Ethan, whispering pitifully, "Daddy..."
Ethan's face darkened, and he tapped the shoulder of the young man who cut in line.
The young man turned around, looking puzzled.
Ethan said calmly, "Hey man, buying things follows a first-come, first-served rule. Don't you know such a simple principle?"
The young man, who wasn't much older, waved his hand impatiently. "Go away, don't bother me. You can buy yours next."
Ethan found the young man's entitled attitude amusing. "If you're in a hurry, you could explain, and I might let you go ahead. But cutting in line without proper excuse is not right."
The young man retorted, "What's the big deal! I, Alastor Mcclure, never queue to buy anything! Get lost and stop being a nuisance!"
Ethan's eyes narrowed as he grabbed Alastor's shoulder and applied pressure.
His frail body spun around and fell to the ground with a thud.
The people in line cheered. Everyone had waited patiently, so why should anyone cut in?
Alastor, shocked, said, "You... you dare hit me?"
He stood up, embarrassed by the mocking stares of the crowd, and shouted at Ethan angrily.
Ethan smiled faintly. "Correction, I didn't hit you. I'm teaching you to queue properly. This is a public place, not your home! We're not your parents, and we don't have to spoil you!"
Alastor fumed, "Fine! Just you wait!"
He stormed off, and Ethan, ignoring him, bought the ice cream for his daughter. They enjoyed it together before preparing to leave.
Soon after, Alastor returned with a few security guards armed with batons.
The onlookers, sensing trouble, dispersed quickly.
With his arms crossed, Alastor said smugly, "Let me correct your words. This place is indeed my home! My dad is the chairman of this mall!"
- Writer
