Cassian reached out and gently took his shirt back from Lucien. "Kids… what were you doing?" he asked, crossing his arms over his chest, feigning annoyance—but the corners of his mouth betrayed him with a soft smirk.
Livia giggled quietly from the couch, trying not to draw attention, covering her mouth with her hand as she watched the scene unfold.
Mira shot Lucien a sharp "shame on you" look, her eyes narrowing just enough to make him squirm.
Lucien's gaze dropped to the floor, cheeks pink with embarrassment. "I… I'm sorry… Daddy," he murmured, the last word soft, hesitant, yet utterly sincere.
Cassian froze for a heartbeat, his chest tightening slightly. "Hm… I understood your whole plan," he said, voice low, amused—and then his eyes softened as the realization hit. Did he just call me Daddy?
"Yes, Daddy," Lucien repeated, brightening as if confirming a secret. "I'm your Daddy."
Ivy bounced excitedly beside him. "Daddy! Daddy! Pick me up too!"
