Chapter 169: The Reunion

Theon held his breath.

The world around him seemed to slow, the sounds of the room fading into a distant hum. He stood frozen, his eyes fixed on the woman in front of him.

She was nothing like the person he remembered.

Months ago, even though she had been weak and sick, she always had that sharp edge. Always wrapped in baggy clothes and filled with defiance. But now—something had shifted.

She stood differently. In a more softer way. Her presence carried a quiet weight he hadn't noticed before.

Her hair had grown past her shoulders, falling in soft waves that caught the light. It framed her face, highlighting features he had never taken the time to really see.

His heart did something stupid.

"Hi."

Her voice pulled him back. She was smiling.

He couldn't speak. His mouth opened, but nothing came out.

Roman's elbow dug into his ribs.

"Say something," Roman muttered.

Theon blinked, then forced a smile.

"Hi." His voice came out rough. He raised his hand for a handshake.

‘What am I doing?’

He watched her look at his outstretched hand. For a moment, he thought she wouldn't take it. Then her fingers closed around his.

His body went completely stiff.

Her palm was soft and warm. The contact sent a jolt through him. His stomach flipped. He wished time would slow. Just for a second. So her hand could stay in his a little longer.

But good things didn't last.

"Theon, are you going to stand there all day?" Evelyn called from the couch with a light voice.

He let go as if he'd been burned.

"Oh—yes. Sorry. Just—spaced out." He avoided Lena's eyes.

A soft laugh escaped her.

He looked up.

"When did you become so flustered?" Lena's voice was smooth and teasing. "Is it the weather?"

Theon felt his composure slip back into place. The familiar mask of arrogance settled over his features.

"Who's flustered?" He scoffed, turning his head away. "You're the one who came hours after me. And you live in the same country."

Lena rolled her eyes. "Well, if Mrs. Chen hadn't called me, you wouldn't have seen me here at all."

She looked around. "I don't see any gifts. At least I brought something for the baby." She raised the small bag in her hand.

Theon smiled.

"What about me?" Evelyn called from the couch.

Lena snorted. "Eve, I see you every time. Why would I bring you a gift?"

They bickered like old times. Evelyn's baby suckled hungrily at her breast, oblivious to the banter.

"Ouch," Lena said, laughing. "He's going to suck you dry."

Evelyn glared at her. “You’re so supportive.”

—-

Hours later, Leo knocked on the door.

He walked in holding a bouquet of deep red amaryllis and white hellebores, their petals dusted with frost. A gift bag dangled from his other hand.

"Lady boss!" He crossed the room and set the flowers beside Evelyn on the couch. "Congratulations on finally bringing the little boss out. You've been pregnant for like forever."

Evelyn laughed. "That's how it works, Leo. Nine or ten months."

"Really?" Leo scratched his head. "I almost thought the baby was avoiding boss's grumpy face. That's why he took so long."

He immediately clamped his mouth shut when he felt Roman's stare.

Evelyn laughed again. "It's fine. He's just happy to be out."

Leo stretched his neck to get a better view of the sleeping baby nestled in Evelyn's arms. "How can a human be so small?"

Lena emerged from the kitchen, a plate of shrimp in her hand. Her cheeks were full.

"Oh, Leo. You're here?" She chewed and swallowed. "Didn't know you could be so considerate. A gift for the baby and flowers." She smiled. "I always thought you were just a dumb nerdy guy. Turns out you're more okay than some people who walked in empty-handed."

She disappeared back into the kitchen.

Leo blinked. "Who was that? What is she talking about?"

Theon looked up from his phone. "Was Lena just insulting me?"

Leo's eyes went wide. "Wait—that's Lena?!"

"Leo!" Evelyn's sharp whisper made him freeze as the baby stirred.

Leo slapped a hand over his mouth.

Roman's voice came from the side, flat and cold. "One more sound and you're out."

Evelyn whined. "I'm hungry. When will the food be ready?"

Roman stood. "I'll check on Mrs. Chen."

He gestured at Leo. "Come help."

Leo's face fell. "Why me—yes boss.” He immediately trudged toward the kitchen.

Roman paused at the door and looked back at Theon. "Set the table."

Theon stared at him. "What?"

"You can't laze around in my house. Either set the table or I’ll throw you out."

Theon's smile was stiff as he stood and walked toward the kitchen.

Evelyn felt the warmth settle around her. She smiled as she watched them bicker.

A familiar scent enveloped her from behind. Lips pressed against her hair. She turned her head. Roman kissed her temple, then walked away.

From the kitchen, Lena's voice carried.

"I take it back. You're still dumb."

"You changed your appearance, but your mouth is the same," Leo shot back.

"When we get out, I'll make sure you regret that."

Leo started to retort, but Theon cut him off. "One more word and I'll hold you down while she beats you."

Leo's voice rose. "Boss, they're bullying me."

"If you wake the baby, I'll kick all of you out."

Mrs. Chen called from the stove. "Miss Lena and Theon can set the table. So the kitchen can be less suffocating."

Soon Lena and Theon were left alone, arranging utensils on the dining table.

The silence stretched between them—not quite comfortable, but also not awkward.

Their hands brushed as they reached for the same spoon.

Lena went still.

She cleared her throat. "You're surprisingly not making a disaster this time.”

She reached for a plate. “When did you learn to set a table?"

Theon smiled.

"Since the first time I made a disaster at your house. Turns out I was a slow learner when it comes to things like this.”

He paused. “But I’m trying now.”

Lena’s smile faltered. The composure she had been putting on, almost slipped away.