𝐆𝐎𝐋𝐃𝐄𝐍 𝐒𝐋𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 | 𝐋𝐍𝟒

𝐗𝐋𝐗𝐈𝐈𝐈

A/N: ‼️PLEASE COMMENT YOUR THOUGHTS ‼️

••••••

The apartment glowed with early evening light spilling through the windows. Outside, the city murmured softly, but inside there was laughter, purring, and the occasional bark of a small dog.

Milaine crouched low on the living room floor, blocking Penelope's reach for Jimmy — the sly cat who seemed to be enjoying the chase far too much.

«Almost got him!» P giggled, lunging again.

Milaine held Jimmy aloft, grinning. «Not today, my dear apprentice.»

P rolled her eyes dramatically. «You're mean! Cats always win!»

Kelly leaned against the doorway, arms crossed, a faint smile tugging at her lips. «Careful. You two are going to knock something over.»

Milaine glanced up with a smirk. «We're fine. It's just... training.» She lowered her voice. «Tactical cat training.»

Max, sitting at the dining table with a glass of wine, chuckled without looking up. «You make it sound so noble.»

P sat back on her knees, glaring playfully. «Milly, stop making excuses. I'm gonna win next time.»

«No chance,» Milaine said with mock seriousness, just as Jimmy darted away, tail flicking.

Max's laughter rang out, loud and easy. «Okay, this is getting too entertaining. I have to join.»

Before Milaine could answer, he crouched beside them. «P, Milly, prepare yourselves. You're under new management.» He lunged toward Jimmy, who sprang off with a burst of energy.

P squealed and dove after him. «Go, go, go!»

Milaine laughed, diving after them, though careful with her shoulder. Nino barked and joined in, weaving between their legs as the chaos spread across the living room.

Kelly sighed, smiling softly but clearly a little frazzled. «You're all going to give me a heart attack. I'm too old for this chaos.»

Milaine shot her a grin mid-chase. «It's not chaos, it's team building.»

«Sure,» Kelly said, still smiling.

Max collapsed onto the carpet, laughing breathlessly. «It's quality chaos. Honestly, I'm impressed.»

P crawled up beside Milaine, giggling. «Can we do this again after dinner?»

Milaine brushed P's hair back with a grin. «Maybe... but you'll have to ask your mom.»

Kelly's voice floated in from the kitchen. «No, P, you have to sleep. And dinner's ready. Everyone, wash up.»

P groaned theatrically. «Already? We just started!»

Milaine laughed softly and shot Max a look. «We weren't done yet.»

Max smirked. «We'll see about that.» He stood and offered his hand to her. «Come on, Chaos Queen.»

She took it, still smiling, then reached for P. «Come on, little partner.»

P bounded ahead, her laughter echoing.

Kelly followed with a shake of her head. «Honestly, I'm too pregnant to deal with this mess.»

⸻

The clinking of plates and the hum of running water filled the kitchen. Milaine rinsed glasses at the sink, hoodie sleeves pushed to her elbows. Max stood beside her, drying cutlery with exaggerated precision.