10
Erina's POV
Neo's words made me feel a little better. I could sense the sincerity in his voice, and it helped me see the situation from a different perspective. Although I still felt uncomfortable with the comparison, Neo gave me the encouragement I needed.
My frown slowly brightened. “You really know how to make me not be mad at you,” I said, smiling shyly.
Neo also smiled happily at seeing me. “I’m not just sweet-talking you; you really are beautiful in anything.”
Hearing that compliment warmed my heart. My self-confidence returned, and I felt better about myself. “Alright then, thank you, Neo. You always know how to make me feel better,” I replied gratefully.
We exchanged smiles, and the atmosphere between us felt more intimate. This moment made me realize how valuable Neo's support was in my life.
Finally, my lips curved into a smile. “You’re really good at making me not be upset with you.” I turned to face Neo, wrapping my arms around his neck.
“Don’t make me late for work,” Neo whispered as he felt me press my chest against his.
I chuckled softly, feeling the warmth between us. “Yes, yes, I promise. But just for a little longer, okay? I want to enjoy this moment a bit more.”
Neo shook his head while smiling, but I could see how happy he was at that moment. Simple moments like this made me feel closer to him, and I was determined to cherish them.
“Why are you working on Saturday?” I frowned.
“I’m meeting with my dad to talk to a potential new supplier,” Neo replied.
“Aw, so I’ll be home alone?”
“Aren’t you going out with your friends? If you’re bored at home, it’s fine to go out,” he offered.
“Let’s see later,” I responded casually before pressing my lips to Neo’s.
It made me feel better. Although there was a slight sense of loneliness, that kiss provided the warmth I needed. Neo smiled, and I could feel how much he cherished every second we spent together.
Maisie's POV
I just woke up around eight in the morning. Alexander had just entered the room after exercising downstairs, still wearing sweat-soaked sportswear.
"Did you just wake up?" he asked, casually, while taking a sip of mineral water.
I nodded, rubbing my face, trying to gather my consciousness.
"Still hurts?" Alexander asked again, standing at the foot of the bed with both hands in my pants pockets.
I sat leaning against the headboard of the bed, pulling the blanket to cover my bare body. I could still feel a faint ache and soreness in several parts of my body from the heated struggle with my husband last night. "It doesn't hurt that much anymore," I replied, trying to sound calm even though the memory of that night was still fresh.
Alexander nodded, looking a little relieved. "Good then. Maybe we can have breakfast together later."
I smiled slightly, feeling the warmth of his offer. That simple moment felt calming, as if everything that had happened before could be forgotten for a moment. Slowly, I began to feel better, ready to face a new day.
“Oh yeah, maybe after work I’ll go out with my friends. So I won’t go home straight away,” I said.
Alexander just nodded, not looking too surprised. Maybe he was used to my sudden plans. However, I could feel a slight wrinkle on his forehead, as if he was considering something.
“Okay, be careful. Don’t stay out too late,” he said, his voice full of concern.
I nodded, feeling happy that he cared. Deep down, I hoped I could enjoy my time with my friends without thinking too much about what was happening at home. When Alexander turned to leave, I felt a little relieved, but there was also a sense of anxiety that was hanging over my mind. This moment brought me to the question of what really happened between us and how we were going to deal with it all.
After getting ready, I headed to the dining table. Well, today I was too lazy to cook, so we ate the food that the maid had prepared.
I didn’t see Neo and his wife, Erina. “Do we need to wait for Neo and Erina?” I asked, hoping we could share a meal together.
“No need,” Alexander answered briefly, looking focused on his plate.
I nodded, accepting the decision even though I felt a little lost in my heart about the opportunity to gather. While eating, I tried to enjoy the atmosphere, even though there was a feeling of emptiness that hung over me.
The sound of spoons and forks hitting plates filled the silence. This moment felt simple, but it also reminded me of how important it was to be together, even in small things like eating together. At first glance, I hoped that our relationship could be warmer like before, without the burden that felt too heavy.
“Dad, why did you leave us to eat again?” Neo asked, her voice full of protest.
I smiled lopsidedly, feeling a little tension in the air. Neo often complained about Alexander’s habit of sometimes preferring to focus on his work rather than gathering with his family.
Alexander stared at Neo for a moment, then answered calmly, “You know that breakfast is at 7 and now you don’t see what time it is?”
I shrugged, not wanting to get involved further in the argument. I’d rather just continue eating, trying to ignore the tension.
Erina looked annoyed, stomping her foot quite loudly. “Can you be more polite at the dinner table?” I reprimanded, trying to keep the atmosphere calm.
Hearing my reprimand, Erina fell silent for a moment, but her gaze still showed dissatisfaction.
Alexander just sighed, seemingly trying to hold himself back. I hoped that everything would calm down soon so that we could enjoy our time together without any disturbing conflicts.
It was fun being their stepmom. I would make them feel uncomfortable in this house, thinking that maybe this was a way to test their endurance.
Every interaction was an opportunity to show boundaries, and I was determined not to let them take my position for granted. In my mind, I planned small steps to clarify my role in this family, even though sometimes feelings of doubt crept in.