Inside her mind, Shiya screamed, Just leave already!
But Noel seemed to read her expression. Still, he ignored it.
"Wait a minute. I need to make a call," Noel said calmly.
They went inside. Shiya started playing and spending time with the kids, laughing softly with them. Noel stood quietly, watching her. Shiya could feel his gaze on her.
Stop looking at me… this is so awkward, she thought.
Little Sony came and handed Noel some toys. Surprisingly, he sat down and started playing with them. A small smile appeared on his face.
Shiya was stunned. So… he can actually smile, she thought.
She asked the kids, "What do you want to eat tomorrow?"
"Rice and curry!" Siyan and Siyam shouted together.
Later, Shiya and Noel returned home in his car. Shiya sat stiffly, feeling awkward in the silence.
After reaching home, Noel said, "I've asked my secretary to find a babysitter. From tomorrow, she will help take care of the kids."
Then they went to their separate rooms.
Lying on his bed, Noel stared at the ceiling. He had misunderstood her. Maybe she wasn't a bad person after all. With that thought, he slowly fell asleep.
The next morning, Shiya woke up early and started cooking. Usually, she cooked only after Noel left for the office. But now that he knew about the children, she felt more at ease.
Noel came out of his room. "The office canteen is closed today. I'll have breakfast at home."
Shiya quietly prepared food for him too.
While Noel was eating, Shiya took her plate and started to go back to her room. But Noel stopped her.
"Sit. Eat here."
She was scared to argue, so she sat down. The silence between them made everything more awkward.
After finishing, Noel said, "From now on, I'll have breakfast and dinner at home."
Shiya blinked. "Why?"
"Outside food isn't healthy. I have digestion problems," he replied casually.
Then he left.
Shiya whispered to herself, "Nooo… I don't want this awkwardness again."
Noel turned back and saw her muttering. He suddenly laughed.
Then he froze.
Why am I laughing? Why am I enjoying teasing her? he wondered.
At the office, Noel called his secretary, Kaisen.
"I have a friend," Noel began seriously. "He thought his wife was greedy. But later, he realized she's a good person. Now he enjoys teasing her and likes spending time with her."
Kaisen hid a smile. He knew exactly who Noel was talking about.
"So… your 'friend' loves her," Kaisen said.
"That's impossible," Noel replied immediately.
"Why impossible?"
"He doesn't even know what love is," Noel muttered.
Kaisen leaned back. "When you feel happy being with someone, want to see them smile, and enjoy making them happy — that's love."
Noel went silent.