Chapter 117
After lunch, I went to sleep.
Levi got called away by a phone call - something about the company's annual party. I've already left the Morgan Group, so this year's party has nothing to do with me anymore.
If I actually went, it wouldn't cause any trouble anyway. After all, the few times I've been to the office recently, my colleagues still thought I was just on leave because I wasn't feeling well.
I don't care about all the gossip. I know what I want, and that's what matters.
The New Year was coming soon. At past annual parties, I never won any big prizes in the lottery. It's like being the boss's wife means you don't expect these perks.
I was lying in bed, already awake for a few minutes. I glanced at the time, my mind filled with memories from the past.
Back then, everyone looked forward to the benefit distribution part the most, and Levi always kept his speech really short so we could get to the fun part faster.
One year, he asked me what I wanted as a New Year's gift. I said I just hoped the family would be safe and sound. He must have thought I was so boring.
I vaguely heard laughter from downstairs. I got out of bed curiously, but there was nothing in the yard.
"Probably they're playing around..."
I muttered casually. Maybe because I just woke up, I felt groggy and tired.
Chase's visit really upset me, and I've been exhausted lately. I really want to find some time to slow down my pace of life.
The lazy sunlight poured down. If only I could enjoy this peaceful moment with a calm heart...
I paced back and forth, then remembered I should go spend time with my daughter.
"Dad, do you think Mom will think this is too ugly? This is our first time making these, and we have no experience, haha, the sugar coating only went halfway."
"No, this is all your love. She'll like it."
Celestia clapped her hands. "Dad, you're right. This is Celestia's love-made candied fruit, Mom will definitely like it. When she wakes up, we'll give it to her."
Their voices got clearer and clearer. Levi was actually home - at this time, he should be at the company, busy with the annual party.
"Your mom loves strawberries, make a strawberry one."
"Dad, do you like strawberries? I think cherry candied fruit doesn't taste good."
"Yeah, not good."
Is Levi just making Celestia happy? Doesn't he love cherries the most?
"Dad, I remember when Auntie Jessa gave you big cherries, you threw them all away. When she was teaching me piano, why didn't you just refuse her if you don't like them?"
"Your syrup is burning. If you don't coat it with syrup now, your mom probably won't like how this one looks."
Levi threw away the cherries Jessa gave him?
I couldn't believe what I was hearing. Back then, they were so close that I got sensitive just seeing cherry cake.
"Oh no, oh no, almost failed. This one I made is just perfect. I want to go wake Mom up right now and show her."
"Don't go yet, let her rest."
Celestia pouted. "Okay, but Dad, is that person who came to our house today really my grandpa?"
"Mrs. Morgan, Mr. Morgan and Celestia are making candied fruit. The two of them almost made the kitchen smoke."
When Indigo called me, they both looked over. I wanted to listen to them talk more.
"They're just doing it for fun." I smiled. Levi never cooks, so he probably can't make anything good anyway.
Celestia walked toward me, holding the candied fruit, giving her dad a look that probably meant "just watch this."
"Mom, I made this candied fruit for you with my own hands. It's the love edition."
Red strawberries coated in clear syrup - my heart instantly warmed up. I haven't eaten candied fruit in over ten years.
"Thank you."
My nose tingled, and I almost cried.
"You're welcome, Mom. There's lots more. Come join us and make your own favorite combination."
Celestia pulled me over. Levi handed me a bamboo stick and pushed the fruit in front of me. "Go wild."
"Dad, you just handle the syrup. I think you're really talented at it." Celestia gave him a thumbs up - she loves flattering him.
Levi held his head high. "Absolutely talented."
Celestia picked a few fruits and handed them to me. "Mom, let's use these. So many colors, it'll look so pretty. When we're done, we'll let Indigo try some."
"Oh, I'm looking forward to it. Celestia, give me some when you're done." Indigo smiled warmly.
I was really touched. I never expected them to make candied fruit. My childhood, which I never dared to touch, was suddenly healed by them in this way.
When Chase brought out the candied fruit today, I felt like my mind was splitting - remembering my childhood while being hurt by the person in front of me.
That feeling was awful.
But Levi and my daughter still made me love-edition candied fruit with their own hands. Are they trying to heal me from deep within?
My messy, painful life that I didn't want to remember - is it finally going to be over?
"Mom, let me coat it with syrup. You take a bite of what I made for you first."
Celestia volunteered to make more, sharing my burden.
I took a gentle bite. The moment the strawberry juice burst on my tongue, I was truly touched by the sweetness. My tears fell helplessly.
If nothing had happened, if I had grown up normally, would my mom have bought me candied fruit one day?
But she had it so hard. Those days of struggling alone must have been so hopeless. She couldn't hold on anymore, so she'd rather leave me behind and choose to end the pain forever.
Why was it Chase who did wrong, but she had to suffer all the pain?
"Mom, what's wrong?"
Celestia gently tugged at my arm. I wiped my tears and forced a smile.
"Dad, comfort Mom. I don't know what's wrong with her."
Celestia turned to Levi for help. My tears worried her.
Levi turned off the heat, stood up, and walked to my side.
He raised his hand and wiped away my tears. "Too sweet? We can use less sugar."
"Oh, so Mom got overwhelmed by the sweetness. Dad, reduce the sugar. I forgot - Mom's drinks lately are all low-sugar."
Kids are still easier to fool. She quickly believed whatever the adults said.
Though Levi's excuse was funny, it successfully stopped our daughter from worrying. I'm grateful he did this for me.
He and our daughter made candied fruit for me with their own hands. I was truly moved. I never imagined that one day our family of three could be this happy.
I finished the whole stick of candied fruit. It's not that I don't like sweet things - I'm just afraid that if it's too sweet, it'll hurt more when I lose it one day.
"Dad, make it again, make it again. Time to test your skills."
Celestia laughed and played around. I was also looking forward to his performance.