IMDD CHAPTER 262 (Patreon)

The dining room was filled with the comforting aromas of a home-cooked meal, and the sounds of laughter and conversation created a warm, inviting atmosphere. Gaia chatted animatedly with Gage, who sat beside her. And despite Gage’s occasional uncertainty about how to respond, each of the child’s stories seemed to captivate his full attention.

His efforts didn’t go unnoticed by Eva, who watched the interaction with a tender smile, her heart swelling with affection just by watching their bonding.

As their meal progressed, Gage caught Eva's gaze and noticed unshed tears glistening in her eyes. He reached out, picking up a piece of food with his fork and offering it to her.

Eva held his gaze before she opened her mouth, accepting the food, and chewed it with a contented smile, savoring not just the meal but the moment they were sharing.

Then Gaia, ever eager to be a part of everything, extended her own fork towards Eva. "Mommy," she said sweetly, offering her a bite. Eva leaned forward, letting Gaia feed her, her smile widening as she did so.

Gaia then turned to Gage, offering him food in the same way. "Daddy, your turn," she declared with a giggle.

Gage accepted the offering from Gaia, a rare look of pure contentment crossing his features. Afterwards, he returned the favor, feeding Gaia with a playful gesture.

That was the scene that welcomed Hunter when he arrived.

Hunter halted, as if reconsidering his intrusion, but when his eyes landed on Gage's braided hair, a barely suppressed cough escaped him.

The sound drew the attention of the happy trio. "Morning," Hunter greeted, trying to mask his reaction to Gage's new hairstyle.

"Uncle!!" Gaia's face lit up with joy at the sight of Hunter, and she dashed towards him. 

As Gaia ran to Hunter, Eva's eyes moved to Gage, noticing that the intensity was back in his gaze again. Gage was scrutinizing Hunter with a penetrating look, analyzing him as if trying to discern whether he was a threat or not.

"It's really been a long while, big bro," Hunter said as he approached.

Gage remained silent, his eyes following Gaia's interaction with Hunter. He seemed to be observing Gaia's ease and comfort while in Hunter's arms.

Clearing his throat, Hunter attempted to lighten the mood. "You're not going to tell me that I'm not allowed to carry your princess now that you're back, are you?"

Gage looked away, as though he didn't want to bother saying a word. Eva felt like Gage had found the moment to escape, so she desperately signaled Hunter to give Gaia to Gage.

Quickly picking up on Eva's cue, Hunter gently transferred Gaia into Gage's arms. The suddenness of the action caught Gage by surprise, but he still instinctively adjusted his hold to securely cradle Gaia.

"I just dropped by to give this to your mommy, but I'm leaving immediately," Hunter explained to Gaia, maintaining a cheerful tone.

He then handed an envelope to Eva. "Thankfully, we have a few copies at home; I only took the smallest one," Hunter said.

With a brief nod and a friendly but quick farewell, Hunter excused himself from the room.

After Hunter's departure, the atmosphere slowly returned to its earlier warmth.

"By the way, Mommy,” Gaia pulled Eva’s attention. “Now that Daddy's here, we can go to the amusement park, right?" She asked, her voice bubbling with eagerness.

Eva remembered her promise. She had told Gaia that they would visit the amusement park once her father was back. Eva had promised Gaia that because of her worry for her daughter’s safety.

"I know I promised that, but..." Eva glanced at Gage. "We still need to ask your daddy."

Gaia, not missing a beat, turned to Gage with her bright blue eyes twinkling. "Daddy, we will go, right?"

Gage, who looked as though he was wrestling with the idea, seemed on the verge of saying no. But in the end, he relented, giving a silent nod.

"Yay! I'm so happy! Gaia's the happiest in the world right now! Thank you, Mommy, thank you, Daddy. I love you both!" Gaia's joy was infectious, filling the room with her delightful energy.

"Love you too, baby," Eva responded, while Gage just gently patted Gaia's head.

Gaia's eyes danced with excitement as she asked, "When will we go? We can go today, right? Mommy? Daddy?" 

Eva responded thoughtfully, "How about tomorrow? We still need to go to the clinic today."

Gaia's face showed a momentary flicker of disappointment, but she quickly brightened up again. "Okay, promise, we will go together."

Eva nodded, her expression warm and reassuring. "Promise," she affirmed.

Eva extended her little finger, and Gaia wrapped her tiny pinky around it, sealing their agreement with a shared smile.

Gaia also turned to Gage with an expectant look. She offered her pinky to him as well. "Pinky promise, Daddy?" she asked, her voice filled with hope.

Gage hesitated, but again, he couldn't refuse and carefully linked his pinky with Gaia's.

And just like that, with the pinky promises made, the plan was set.

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CHAPTER 263>> 

a/n: whew! I tried my best to write nothing but blissful moments because it's Christmas Eve. though it's 3 am now. XD Merry Christmas guys! I will try my best to update a day earlier next week so that it will be the last update of 2023 and not this one. ^^