"I'll break down your walls one by one and sneak into the gates of your icy heart before crushing it into tiny pieces." He murmurs mercilessly as his lips lightly brush my ear, the contact eliciting an indescribable sensation through every inch of m...
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Distant chatters echo through the walls.
Once I arrive on the first floor, I make a quick stop at the kitchen to get a refreshment.
The sight of Dad takes me by surprise.
He seems lost in thought while he boils water from the kettle.
"Hey Dad," I'm the first to speak.
He snaps out of it before acknowledging me, "Hey beta, didn't see you come in."
"Tryna make some tea?" I query before gesturing to the tea bag in the empty cup within his grasp.
Dad nods before asking, "Want me to make you some?"
I shake my head before thanking him.
He goes into silent mode again.
Once I detect familiar voices in the background, I inquire, "The Devereauxs are here?"
I'm almost tempted to burst out in laughter at his reluctant expression.
"Yeah," he begins in neutrality, "your mom's doing a good job hosting our guests. But I'd be lying if I said their visit didn't catch me by surprise. A heads up would've been nice."
I'm used to his reaction.
Dad has always been an introvert and tends to process many things internally, in contrast to Mom.
One of his biggest pet peeves is when guests, regardless if these are his friends, show up at our house unannounced.
As someone who inherited his introverted personality, I share his sentiments.
"Your mom told me you'll be staying at Ludovic's place next week." he says in an unreadable tone.
Nodding, I respond, "Yeah, it'll facilitate the investigation."
Dad throws me a knowing look, "You're sure that's all?"
My cheeks flush in embarrassment. "Dad, can we not do this now?!"
"Fine," The mirth in his eyes doesn't dissipate as he raises a hand in surrender, "but if you ever need anything or any assistance with the investigation, I'm just a call away. No more doing things on your own."
I wear a warm smile. "Will do, thanks Dad."
"Why don't you join them in the living room?" he suggests as he tilts the kettle above the cup to fill it with boiling water. "I'll join you guys later."
"Okay," is all I say before exiting the kitchen.
After I got hospitalized, I noticed how dad has been more present in my life.
He has been checking in on me regularly and has been making an effort to patch up the rift between us since Lita's passing.
Although the hurt and pain he inflicted on me in the past can't be reversed, I think things are progressing for the better.
