novelraw Chapter 702
Chapter 702
When Delphine came downstairs, she saw Nicholas sitting on the sofa reading a book, while Benjamin was dressing up his pet rabbit in fancy clothes.
The man was cooking at the open kitchen counter. When he saw her coming down, his deep, penetrating gaze swept over to her.
Delphine instinctively avoided his gaze, feeling her cheeks slightly warm. Her thoughts had been a muddled mess the night before. By the time she woke up the next day, though she regretted being too emotional, she was still more silent than usual.
She was struggling to adapt to this new relationship; an inexplicable emptiness lingered in her heart.
"Big Bao, Little Bao, time to eat," the man said in a low voice, placing the prepared Western dishes on the dining table.
At his words, Benjamin quickly tossed aside his rabbit and dashed to the table. Nicholas, on the other hand, leisurely placed a bookmark in his book and walked over. Seeing the table laden with fragrant, colorful lunch dishes, he let out a whistle of admiration.
"My daddy’s cooking is super delicious," Benjamin said proudly, his legs seemingly glued to the floor, as he flaunted to Nicholas.
"My mommy’s cooking is also delicious," Nicholas countered, refusing to be outdone as he backed up his mommy proudly.
"Go wash your hands," the man said, dressed in minimalist cotton and linen lounge wear that radiated a cool aloofness. His tall, well-defined figure, paired with his handsome but gentle features, exuded an effortless grace as he playfully tapped Benjamin on the head.
The little girl darted off, clutching her head, and climbed onto a small stool in front of the sink to wash her hands.
Ignatius Leclair’s culinary skills were impressive. During his years living in the United Kingdom, he often vacationed during winter and summer breaks and disliked outside food, so he took to cooking himself. However, in recent years, he rarely had the opportunity to step into the kitchen.
Ignatius arranged the plates, bowls, and cutlery neatly. When he noticed Delphine standing off to the side, her loose T-shirt only accentuated her fragile slenderness and paleness. The faint marks of last night’s passion were still visible on her collarbone. His gaze darkened as he softly said, "Delphine, wash some fruits."
Meanwhile, Benjamin and Nicholas had finished washing their hands and were sitting obediently at the table, waiting to eat.
Delphine froze for a few seconds before walking over to the fridge to get some fruit.
"Wash the grapes," the man murmured as he approached, his handsome face close to her ear. His deep voice resonated against her skin. Her eyes, dark and round like black grapes, had always captivated him. Both Benjamin and Nicholas had inherited those eyes from her, and over time, he’d developed a unique fondness for this particular fruit.
The crisp scent of pine and his masculine pheromones overwhelmed her senses from behind, leaving Delphine feeling weak all over. She nodded quickly and went to wash the grapes, her ears turning crimson red.
Seeing her reaction, Ignatius curved his lips into a faint smile. She really was as shy and innocent as she had been back then.
Noting her avoiding gaze—from waking up until now, she hadn’t dared look straight at him—his narrowed, fox-like eyes filled with suspicion. Was he not thorough enough last night? Or had she regretted it? For the first time, the refined and elegant man doubted himself just a little. Had he scared her?
The lunch was unbelievably delicious. Not only did the two little ones eat more than usual, but even Delphine found her appetite better than normal, and for a moment, all three of them were quietly immersed in eating.
Seeing this, Ignatius felt an inexplicable sense of fulfillment. He mulled over the idea of asking Maximilian to bring fresh vegetables and fruits regularly so he could cook more himself.
From now on, he’d take on the role of househusband. Delphine could go out and earn the money to support the family, while he looked after the two little ones—and her. Yes, it was a rather good plan.
After lunch, the man rolled up his sleeves and elegantly set about washing the dishes.
Delphine, unaccustomed to the sight, asked Benjamin, "Does your daddy usually cook and wash dishes at home?"
Benjamin shook his small head and, clutching his little bottom, replied, "Daddy’s mean. He spanks me."
While they spoke, the man walked over, his gaze deep as he looked at Delphine and the two little ones. "It’s time for a nap," he said in a low voice.
Hmm, his time for some "benefits."