Chapter 2

"Lucas, your mom is really good to you. When you grow up, make sure you treat her well.

"Your dad has been overseas for years. It's all thanks to your mom that the family has been managing. You and your dad are really lucky."

The others in the hospital room were teasing Lucas.

I gave an awkward smile.

My mind wandered back to the argument Zachary and I had before he left for his trip.

I had just given birth and was supposed to be resting after delivery.

He mentioned there was a paid opportunity for further training at his company, something rare and valuable.

I cried and complained.

"I'm still recovering from giving birth, and you're already leaving for overseas.

"And you'll be gone for years. How are we supposed to live without you?"

At first, Zachary tried to patiently calm me down.

But soon, his patience wore thin. He grabbed a pillow and threw it hard onto the floor.

"You women never understand! I can't stand being controlled!

"I've already missed so many opportunities because of you. If you keep being so difficult, I might as well quit my job!

"Damn it. How did I end up marrying a woman like you?"

Lucas' laughter snapped me back to the present.

"Mom, when is Dad's flight next week? After he comes back, I want him to take us on a trip!

"Mom, you've been working hard. I'll give you a kiss."

For the past few months, since Lucas fell ill, I'd been the only one taking care of him.

During the day, I had to work, so I hired a nurse.

I had once complained to Zachary, asking why his mother couldn't come and help.

He yelled at me for being unreasonable.

"My mom's an intellectual. How could she do something as dirty as taking care of a child?

"Handling poop and pee, doesn't that disgust her?

"Figure something out yourself."

So, I had no choice but to hire help.

But then Zachary was upset about that, too.

"I only make so much money in a year, and you spend it all!"

What he forgot to mention was that he stopped sending money home a long time ago.

He said there were plenty of places to spend money overseas, and he needed to save it for emergencies.

Even so, I still didn't want to go against his wishes.

So, I lied to Lucas, who wasn't even three yet.

"Mom and Dad both have to work, so there's no one to take care of you during the day.

"But Dad says he trusts you. You're a man now. You can take care of yourself, right?

"If you need help, you can always ask someone."

And that was how we made it through.

Finally, we heard the news that Zachary was coming home.

But I never imagined we'd be reunited under these circumstances.

That evening, Zachary brought Madeline and her child back to our house.

I was about to head to the hospital to stay with Lucas when I ran into all three of them.

Even Zachary's mom was shocked.

Madeline gave Zachary's mom a warm hug and then grabbed her son's hand, asking him to call her grandma.

Zachary stood there, smiling and watching.

I didn't have time to admire their harmonious scene. I pushed through the crowd.

"Excuse me."

Zachary stopped me.

"Where do you think you're going? You've been avoiding us ever since we arrived. Who are you acting all cold to?

"Go serve them some food. Madeline doesn't eat basil, thyme, or anything spicy. See if we need to cook a few more dishes."

I awkwardly smiled and mocked him, "Should I make you a feast while I'm at it?

"Why should I bother cooking for you?"