NovelNext Chapter 23
Chapter 23
Ethan Smith tied an apron around his waist, busy in the kitchen. On the counter lay neatly arranged dumplings he had just wrapped. His fingers moved with practiced ease, each pleat perfectly formed.
"Daddy's dumplings are the best!" Emily Smith stood on her tiptoes by the counter, her bright eyes fixed on the plump, white dumplings.
Grace Sullivan leaned against the doorframe, a soft smile playing on her lips. "When did you learn to make dumplings?"
"In the past..." Ethan paused briefly before continuing, "Now, I just want to make them for you."
At the New Year's Eve dinner table, Emily stuffed her cheeks happily, still remembering to serve her parents. Watching her lively demeanor, Ethan's heart melted. The usually well-behaved child rarely let herself relax like this.
As they stayed up to welcome the new year, Emily excitedly pulled Ethan into a game of checkers. But as soon as the clock struck midnight, she began yawning, her little head nodding like a sleepy kitten.
"Time for bed, sweetheart," Ethan murmured, gently lifting her into his arms.
"No... want to stay with Daddy..." Emily mumbled drowsily, her tiny fingers clutching his shirt.
He pressed a tender kiss to her forehead before carefully tucking her in. The moment he closed the door, arms wrapped around him from behind.
"Me too," Grace said, her voice carrying a rare hint of playfulness.
"What do you want?" He pretended not to understand.
Before he could finish, warm lips met his.
The next afternoon, sunlight bathed the park as the trio strolled leisurely. Emily skipped ahead, full of energy.
"Ethan!"
The sudden call made all three turn. Sophia Sinclair and Luna Smith stood a short distance away, their faces drawn but their eyes locked onto Ethan.
"Just one conversation. After this, we won't bother you again," Sophia pleaded.
Ethan frowned, turning to Grace. "Wait for me."
Grace nodded, tightening her grip on Emily's hand.
Inside the pavilion, Ethan regarded the mother and daughter with indifference. "Speak."
Sophia suddenly seized his hand. "The system is malfunctioning! Luna... she's fading away!"