Chapter 1369

He had never noticed before just how unpleasant his father’s words could be.

At first, when Aurora had just arrived, it was still tolerable. But as the evening went on, Edward only grew more excessive.

It almost felt as if he was belittling his own son just to lift Aurora higher.

Though Lucas didn’t really mind, since what Edward said wasn’t entirely untrue, it was still a nagging discomfort in his chest.

He wanted to be Aurora’s strongest support, standing by her side, not forever playing the role of her shadow.

Aurora swatted him lightly, annoyed. “Look at you, why take it so seriously? Dad was obviously just joking. This is the first time I’ve ever seen you like this. Weren’t you always the calm and steady one at home?”

Lucas froze at her words.

She was right – why was he acting this way? Why was he even competing with Edward?

All the praise had been for his wife. He should feel proud, not upset.

“You’re right. I was childish today. I don’t even know why I acted like that.”

Aurora looked at his frustrated expression and laughed softly, defending him. “Don’t overthink it. Honestly, this is the most natural side of you. In front of your parents, you’ll always be their child. You’re just showing your true self, that’s all. And to be honest, I think you’re especially cute like this.”

“Cute?”

Lucas had never once heard that word used to describe him.

At the company, people were intimidated by him. Only Aurora would say something like that.

“Of course. You actually got jealous over what your parents said. How is that not cute?"

Lucas instantly knew she was teasing him.

He reached out and pinched Aurora’s cheek. “Don’t tease me anymore. It’s late. Let’s get some rest.”

Aurora batted his hand away. “Don’t pinch my face. What if I lose all my collagen?”

“How could that be? To me, you’ll always be the most beautiful.”

Aurora ignored his smooth talk, grabbed her clothes, and went to wash up.

Lucas only shook his head with a faint smile before heading into the other bathroom to shower.

Bringing Aurora to meet his parents had left him feeling quietly happy. It meant she was now even closer to his side, and he no longer had to worry about her slipping away.

After all, she was wearing the family’s heirloom bracelet now.

At the thought, a flicker of possessiveness stirred in his eyes.

His wish had always been simple – as long as Aurora stayed by his side, he wanted nothing else.

When Aurora finished washing up, she found Lucas already lying in bed.

The moment she climbed in, his long arm reached out and pulled her into his embrace.

Aurora frowned. “What’s the rush?”

“I just missed you too much. We didn’t get to hold each other properly all day.”

Lucas spoke with a blunt honesty now.

He had realized that since she was his wife, why bother with subtlety?

Aurora instinctively reminded him, “We’re in your parents’ house. Don’t fool around.”

“I know. I just want to hold you.”

Relieved, Aurora let out a quiet breath.

She reached up to turn off the night-light, but her hand accidentally pulled open the drawer instead.