Chapter 178 178
"H-Huh?" That was all I could say.
"Huh?" Luca said, also sounding confused, as he came to his senses.
I just blinked as we stared at each other, as if we didn't know what to say. I scratched the back of my neck and looked away from him.
"You w-want to live here?" I asked.
"D-Don't get me wrong, Crescent. It's just temporary. Until Vanna and I become completely close. Don't worry, I just want to be closer to her. I don't have any other plans in mind, just that," he explained.
I just smiled. "You're being too defensive, Luca." I chuckled. "Don't worry, I trust you and your intentions."
Luca smiled and scratched his nape. "Thank you, Crescent... If it's not okay with you, that's fine too. I won't force you if you're not comfortable with it... Choose the decision that you're comfortable with, hmm?" He smiled at me. "If you agree for me to stay here, I won't do anything else but take care of Havannah. I'll focus on her while protecting both of you from any harm. I will clean the house, I will take Vanna to school, I'll take care of her and everything... to lessen your work."
I was stunned by what he said... He seems serious about it. "B-But what about your work? Don't you have a job too? You might not be able to rest?" I asked, worried.
"I can manage my time. I'll just bring my paper works here, and besides, Vanna sleeps early. I can take care of it at night and when she's at school. I'll be more than happy to take care of our daughter... So, if it's okay with you, please let me stay here. I can sleep everywhere, even on the couch."
I bit my lower lip and nodded. "I can't really say no to your determination..." I smiled and scratched my arm. "I'll let you stay here, Luca."
His smile widened because of what I said. "R-Really?"
I nodded. "Yup. There's an extra room you can use. You said it's just temporary anyway, and if it will help Vanna get closer to you, I'll agree," I said with a smile.
"Thank you so much, Crescent... I'll do my best."
I smiled and shook my head. "We will do our best, Luca... as Vanna's parents."
Luca IS FINALLY staying in our house just like what we decided. Vanna and my siblings are not against it. I can tell that Vanna is becoming close to Luca even if she doesn't admit it. Sometimes, I even feel like she prefers talking to Luca more than me, especially since I've become even busier with work.
Luca is the one who mostly does things around the house. I haven't heard him complain about it even though he also has his own work to take care of; he seems happy with what he's doing.
We are just casual with each other. At first, I admit I was a bit uncomfortable with him staying in the house, but I became comfortable later on. Luca didn't do anything to make me feel awkward. He's always smiling and so attentive to Vanna and the house; we don't talk much, but we talk about things related to Vanna thoroughly and properly.
"Luca?"
Luca stopped picking up Vanna's toys on the carpet and looked at me. I feel like he's the mom between the two of us... but he seems happy with what he's doing so I don't object.
"Hey, Crescent... have you had dinner yet?" he asked after putting away Vanna's toys.
I smiled at him and shook my head. "Actually, not yet... Is there any leftover food?" I just asked.
Luca nodded. "Of course... Wait, I'll reheat it for you," he said and immediately went to the kitchen.
I wanted to stop him and say that I'll do it, but I couldn't do anything when he already went to the kitchen. I just followed him and sat down, then placed my bag on the chair next to me.
I just stared at Luca and watched him reheat the food. I just smiled when I saw curlers in his hair. He also has drawings with colored pens on his arm, which was probably Vanna's doing... This man really changed a lot. I never imagined he would be this kind of father, or maybe he's just a good person. I was just too blinded by jealousy back then that I immediately thought he was a bad person.
"It's done... Go ahead and eat," Luca said and served me.
I smiled. "Thank you."
I started eating. He cooked adobo, and it was really delicious... Luca brewed coffee and sat across from me afterward. He just quietly drank his coffee while watching me eat.
"Is Vanna asleep already?" I asked.
Luca nodded. "Hmm, she just fell asleep."
I just smiled and continued eating. "You look tired because of Vanna's naughtiness today... Don't forget to take a rest, okay? You might get sick," I just said and took another spoonful of rice.
Luca touched his nape and nodded. "I'm enjoying this, don't worry. I'm also taking good care of myself... Thank you for the concern."
I looked at him and smiled. "You should take care of yourself for Vanna; she just doesn't admit it, but she's becoming comfortable with you. You're doing a great job as her father, Luca. Vanna sees your efforts."
Luca smiled at what I said. "Do you really think so?" he asked. He looked like he was giddy because he kept looking away from me.
I just laughed and nodded. "Yup, so don't give up. Next time, she'll be able to call you Daddy... she'll be more comfortable with you."
I can see how much he loves our daughter... His efforts will surely pay off.
"Crescent! Good thing you came home early," Luca immediately greeted me as soon as I entered the house.
He was wearing an apron and had flour on his cheek... What is he doing now?
I chuckled and removed my pumps. "Hey... What's going on?"
Luca smiled at me and crossed his arms. "Today is an important day. Havannah is Top 4 in their class. I'm planning to bake a cake for her and surprise her. I also bought gifts for her earlier... You should join me. The two of us should congratulate her, so she'll feel it more," he said and immediately went back to the kitchen.
I just smiled and went to my room to shower and change my clothes. I immediately went to Luca in the kitchen afterward. He was busy putting whipped cream on the strawberry cake. I went closer to him to help.
"Where's Vanna?" I asked.
"She's with Cherry right now. They're at the mall; I just asked for Cherry's help to take Vanna out for a while so I could prepare this," Luca said and smiled.
I unconsciously smiled too while staring at him. I just shook my head. "How can I help you, Luca?"
"Hmm, just help me with these cupcakes. You just have to put these sprinkles on top. Please do it neatly," he pleaded.
I chuckled and nodded. "Yes, chef."
Luca just laughed softly and continued what he was doing. We both became busy preparing the desserts. I couldn't help but look at Luca; he was so serious about what he was doing and it looked like he really put a lot of effort into this. I wanted to tell him that Vanna always gets high grades, but I just let him be... I'm sure Vanna will love what he did.
"Crescent... I considered buying a Barbie company for Vanna. I will name it after her, what do you think?" Luca asked and crossed his arms... He looked really serious about what he was asking.
I blinked and tilted my head. "Y-You don't have to do that, Luca. I know you're filthy rich, but Vanna might get too spoiled. I love her but I don't want to spoil her too much."
Luca nodded and scratched his nape. "Sorry, I was just too eager to give her everything," he said and smiled shyly.
I just smiled and patted his shoulder. "I understand you... but you don't have to do those things. It's so obvious how much effort you put in. What you're doing for her is already more than enough."