chapter1204

The trepidation Thalassa felt toward Lysander, the suspicion that gnawed at her, the subconscious

belief that he was out to torment her, weighed heavily on his heart.

Though she hadn't said anything, he sensed the barricade she had erected around her heart.

Impenetrable, it stood defiant against all his efforts, unmoved by his attempts.

In the world of business, Lysander was a force to be reckoned with; his desires commanded reality, and

the fates of others seemed to bend at his will. But the human heart, that was something he could not

command.

Especially, the heart of a woman.

"Daddy, why aren't you eating? Have some fish," Elowen's sweet, lisping voice broke through his

thoughts. She clumsily scooped up a piece of fish with her tiny spoon, her small hand reaching out

toward Lysander's plate.

Her arm wasn't long enough to reach his plate, so she just held out her hand, her innocent, hopeful

eyes fixed on Lysander.

Her voice, so tender and endearing, brought Lysander back to the present. His gaze softened as he

looked at Elowen, her adorable, milk-toothed smile touching something deep within him and easing the

pain in his heart.

His expression softened, he picked up his plate, and accepted the fish from Elowen with a low,

resonant "Thank you."

Elowen giggled, her voice bubbly as she said, "You're welcome, Daddy. Eat up."

The little one beamed with joy, her smile reminiscent of Thalassa's—both beautiful and charming.

Children are simple, easily contented with a word of praise or a thank you.

What would it take to bring that same happiness to Thalassa?

After her bath, dressed and refreshed, Thalassa descended the stairs to find the four children clustered

around Lysander on the couch, all of them engrossed in the television.

"Peppa Pig" was playing, Elowen's favorite cartoon.

The children's eyes were glued to the screen, and Lysander, sitting among them, shared their rapt

attention as he joined them in watching the show.

Touched by the scene, Thalassa paused on the stairs. It was such a warm, harmonious picture.

She stopped, pulled out her phone, aimed the camera at them, and pressed the shutter button.

Coincidentally, as she took the picture, the four children and Lysander turned their heads toward her,

their gazes meeting the camera lens.

The moment they all looked her way, the image was captured, frozen in time.

Seeing the photo, Thalassa's lips curved into a pleased smile. "This picture turned out great."

"Wow, Mommy's sneaking pictures of us," Elowen's chubby hand covered her mouth as she laughed

with delight.

"Mommy, why did you take our picture?" Dorian asked with youthful curiosity.

Her bright eyes caught sight of Lysander nearby. With a burst of inspiration, she clambered onto his

lap, beaming at Thalassa, "Mommy, take the picture now!"

Thalassa hesitated, not immediately taking the picture, but instead, she glanced at Lysander, seeking

his approval. Elowen had just plopped herself onto his lap without warning and demanded a photo. She

wondered if Lysander would be okay with it.

"What are you waiting for?" Lysander's deep voice broke the silence, his intense gaze meeting

Thalassa's.

Coming back to reality, Thalassa locked eyes with Lysander. Seeing him embrace little Elowen and

adjust her posture, she understood he was inviting her to take the picture.

He wasn't angry after all.