marked by midnight: the enemy's heiress-Chapter 42 : Daddy from now on

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!"

Cassian’s smile widened, his heart melting completely. Without hesitation, he scooped both children into his arms, holding them close, laughing softly. "Alright, my little agents," he said, swinging them gently, "Daddy’s got you."

The kids squealed with delight, their laughter filling the room, echoing off the walls in pure joy, while Mira watched, amusement and warmth radiating from her. She brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear, her lips twitching in a smile as she soaked in the moment.

Cassian finally set the kids down, and they planted quick, chaste kisses on his cheeks. For a fleeting moment, he felt like the luckiest man alive. He ruffled Lucien’s hair with a soft chuckle as the children scampered back to their room, their giggles trailing behind them.

"Fine, fine, everyone," Mira said, standing tall, pride in her voice. "Meet my husband... Cassian Draymond."

"Husband?" Mira’s mother raised a brow, leaning back on the couch, arms crossed, a knowing smile playing on her lips. "You sure about that?"

Mira bit her lip, caught off guard, a faint flush creeping across her cheeks.

"Don’t you think he’s not officially your husband yet?" her mother continued, tilting her head, teasing. "It was a contract, wasn’t it? And when is it going to end? I was hoping for a real wedding this time... right, Livia?" She winked at her daughter, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Livia grinned widely, excitement sparkling in her eyes. "Oh, yes, yes! Mom’s right! We’re even planning a honeymoon—and the kids will stay with me!"

Cassian ran a hand over the back of his neck, a faint laugh escaping him as Mira’s cheeks deepened in color. He stole a glance at her, letting her squirm slightly, secretly delighted by her reactions.

"Mom," she said quickly, trying to reclaim her composure, "I’m... I’m not ready for marriage yet."

Cassian’s eyes widened in mock horror, as if the words were a personal betrayal, and he let out a playful groan, pressing a hand to his chest.

Mira tried to slip out of the room, hiding her flushed face, but Cassian followed quickly. "Hey! That’s not fair—listen—"

Livia doubled over with laughter, clutching her stomach as her mother gave her a soft smack on the lap to quiet her. Even Mira’s mom couldn’t resist a quiet chuckle, her amusement warm and affectionate.

Cassian shook his head, smiling, watching Mira disappear into the bedroom, a soft, tender light in his eyes.

He stepped quietly inside, catching Mira gazing out of the window, lost in thought. The late afternoon light softened her silhouette, highlighting the curve of her shoulder and the gentle rise and fall of her breath. He moved slowly toward her, letting the silence stretch just enough to make her notice his presence, before wrapping his arms firmly yet gently around her waist from behind. His chin rested lightly on her shoulder, warm and steady.

"Running away from me already?" he murmured, his voice low, teasing, brushing against her ear.

"Mhm... no," she replied softly. "It’s not like that. I just... got startled by the sudden thought of marriage. It’s not that I don’t want it."

"No pressure," he said, his tone warm, comforting. "Sweetheart, I’ll wait for you my whole life. But just so you know... I’d like the idea of it in this life." His words made her laugh softly, tension melting from her shoulders, a weight lifting off her chest.

"I missed you," he said, tugging her gently onto the bed and seating her, his knees on either side, as he buried his face in her lap. She ran her hands through his hair, massaging carefully, grounding them both, humming softly as she did.

"Mhm... me too," she smiled down at him, her fingers threading through his hair as she leaned back slightly, feeling his warmth sink into her lap.

"Oh well, Mom and Livia are still outside," Mira said, a playful hint in her voice.

"Please, can I stay like this for a little longer?" he asked, lifting his head slightly, peeking at her with a puppy-eyed expression that made her heart melt.

"Oh, uh... kid, time’s up," she said with mock sternness, fingers still running through his hair. "I’ve got to go prepare a special dinner for Mom and Livia. Or else Livia will probably destroy me with her sarcasm—and they’ll make absolutely no sense."

Cassian rolled his eyes, leaning back on his hands in exaggerated defeat. "Yeah... that’s right." He sighed, finally standing, stretching his shoulders. "Fine... go."

Mira watched him linger for a moment, his gaze soft, almost unreadable, before turning to leave. She walked into the hall, catching the scene in the living room: Livia sprawled across the couch, eyes glued to cartoons, kids giggling and pointing at the screen, and her mom watching with a soft, affectionate smile. Mira shook her head with a small laugh before slipping into the kitchen, ready to prepare something delicious for everyone.

Soon, Mira finished preparing her special dishes, the kitchen filled with the rich aroma of spices and freshly cooked food. Her mom and Livia helped arrange everything neatly on the dining table while Cassian took a quick shower, the sound of running water echoing faintly through the hall.

When he returned to the hall, he leaned against the doorway for a moment, watching Mira carry the last dishes to the table, a soft smile tugging at his lips. He gently gathered the kids, guiding them to their seats, making sure everyone was settled comfortably before dinner began.

The children dug in eagerly, chatter and laughter filling the room.

"Mm... wow, Mira, this is amazing," Cassian said, savoring a bite, closing his eyes for a brief moment as he let the flavors settle.

"Thanks," Mira replied, a hint of pride in her smile, her cheeks warming.

Her mom nodded approvingly. "My daughter cooks really well now," she said warmly, eyes twinkling with pride.

"Yeah, but when she was with us," Livia added teasingly, "she didn’t cook much—and when she did, she burned nearly everything!"

"Ahuh? That’s too much, Livia!" Mira protested, rolling her eyes. "I only messed up one dish—it wasn’t the entire kitchen!"

"Ha! Sissy, I love that expression on your face," Livia said, laughing as she took another bite. "It really suits you."

Mira scoffed and settled into her chair, feigning annoyance but unable to hide her smile.

"But sissy... I have something to tell you," Livia continued, leaning in like she had a big secret.

"What is it? Another prank?" Mira asked, raising an eyebrow, curiosity mixing with caution.

"Listen first... actually... I’m seeing someone," Livia said quietly, glancing at her plate, a shy smile tugging at her lips.

"Ahuh? Is it serious this time? You do this a lot," Mira said, half teasing, half curious.

"No, this one’s serious," Livia insisted, brightening. "And he owns a café—a café guy. Coffee. Free. Freeeee!" She gestured dramatically, making everyone laugh, her cheeks flushing with excitement.

"Ahuh... good for you then," Mira said, smiling, her heart light.

"That’s not the point," Livia went on. "I want you to meet him. You’re the best judge of character, so I need your approval if I’m going to keep seeing him."

"Me? No way, I’m not meeting anyone. I’ve got too much going on," Mira said firmly, brushing her hair back.

"Oh, come on... please, sissy?" Livia pouted, giving her best puppy-dog eyes, her bottom lip quivering adorably.

Cassian chuckled from the table, shaking his head. "You’re not getting out of this that easily, Mira," he said, voice amused. "Go on... say yes. You owe your little sister this one."

Mira groaned but gave a mock sigh of surrender. "Fine," she said, rolling her eyes but smiling, a playful warmth in her tone.

"Yay! So we’re meeting him tomorrow!" Livia exclaimed, clapping her hands together, practically vibrating with excitement. "And we’ll bring the kids too—we need to see how he handles them!"

"Oh you’ve already planned everything, didn’t you?" Mira asked, already knowing the answer.

"I knew you’d agree and come with me." livia winked at mira.