"This is acceptable, but I have one more request. Once you get there, you must call me every morning and evening."
If reality had allowed it, Lance would have accompanied Deanna.
Deanna saw the reluctance in his eyes and nodded sweetly. "I will."
The two little ones realized that Mommy would be leaving for several days and were also reluctant to part.
"Mommy, you must come back soon."
"We will miss you very much."
Her children's soft voice softened Deanna's heart even more.
Just as she was about to say something, the two little ones spoke up righteously, "Mommy, don't worry about us. We'll take good care of the house."
"That's right. I'll also keep an eye on Daddy and won't let any bad women near him."
Deanna choked on her own saliva, looking at the two little ones in astonishment, followed by a sense of helplessness.
She knew these words must have been learned from Julia.
Lance didn't expect the two little ones to be so 'mature,' feeling both amused and exasperated. "What, do you have so little faith in me?"
Oops, they had forgotten Daddy was still here.
The two little ones groaned inwardly and then smiled sheepishly at Lance. "Hehe, Daddy, that's not what we meant."
"Then what did you mean?"
Lance looked like he wouldn't let it go.
The two little ones frowned, trying to think of a way to explain themselves.
Seeing them struggle, Deanna wanted to enjoy the show, but time didn't allow it.
"Alright, stop making excuses and eat your breakfast, or you'll be late for school."
"Okay, Mommy. We'll eat right away."
The two little ones responded eagerly, as if they had been saved.
Lance glanced at them with amusement, then turned to Deanna and leaned in close, whispering so only they could hear, "Do you not trust me either?"
Deanna was momentarily stunned before understanding his meaning.
"Then just assume I don't trust you. After all, you've flirted with other women more than once."
She pretended to glare at him angrily.
Lance was momentarily speechless at Deanna bringing up old issues, not knowing what to say.
Luckily, the two little ones saved him. "Daddy, Mommy, we've finished eating. When are we leaving for school?"
"Right now. Go get your backpacks."
After arranging everything for the kids, Lance turned to Deanna, avoiding the previous topic. "Are you going to the office today or staying home to pack?"
Deanna read his thoughts and wanted to laugh but decided to let it go. After a moment of thought, she replied, "I'll go to the office first to make some arrangements and then come back to pack."
"Alright, I'll take you to the office."
With their separation imminent, Lance didn't want to miss any opportunity to be with her.
Soon, the family was ready-those going to school went to school, and those going to work went to work.
Lance drove Deanna to her office but didn't let her get out of the car immediately.
He held her hand gently. "Let me know when you're done. I'll come pick you up."
"You're coming back with me?"
Deanna was a bit surprised.
Lance nodded, not hiding his reluctance. "You're leaving for who knows how many days. I need to spend as much time with you as possible."
"You're a sweet talker now. You weren't like this before."
Deanna laughed and poked Lance's chest but didn't refuse his offer.
As he said, she didn't know how long she would be gone. The thought of their upcoming separation made her feel uneasy.
Lance held her mischievous hand and spoke heartfelt words effortlessly. "I wasn't like this before because I hadn't met you. Ever since I met you, I've changed completely. And this change is something I cherish deeply."
Hearing such straightforward words of affection made Deanna blush. Her fair cheeks turned rosy, making Lance's eyes darken with desire.
"Deanna..." Lance whispered passionately, tightening his embrace and leaning in closer.
Deanna knew what he wanted and felt even shyer.
But thinking about her imminent departure and feeling reluctant to leave, she boldly wrapped her arms around Lance's neck and initiated a passionate kiss.
The temperature in the car rose rapidly.
It was unclear how much time had passed before Lance, using his remaining self-control, abruptly pulled away from Deanna.
He didn't dare look at her for fear of losing control.
At that moment, Deanna was irresistibly tempting.
She leaned weakly against Lance's chest, her cheeks as red as ripe apples. Her swollen lips parted slightly as if inviting another taste. Her eyes were hazy and seductive like an enchantress fallen from heaven.