For years, Astrella had done all the housework, sweeping, mopping, laundry, cooking, even fixing doors and unclogging drains. Every time she asked him to do something as simple as washing a dish, he would flatly refuse, claiming it was a woman’s responsibility.
But with Norella, it seemed the rules changed.
Astrella tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear, her lips curving into a faint smile. “Sorry, I’ve been busy lately. Don’t fuss over such trivial matters.”
Raiden frowned, his brow furrowing in confusion. What could possibly keep a housewife so busy? His gaze dropped and his long fingers hovered over the laptop just as he was about to open it and see what she was working on.
Suddenly, a sharp scream pierced the air, followed by the unmistakable sound of something shattering.
Raiden sprang into action, rushing out the door with Astrella hot on his heels.
He moved quickly, his tall frame shielding Norella as he gazed down at her tear-streaked face, his heart clenching painfully in his chest.
“Your hand is injured. I’ll take you to the hospital.”
“Daddy, I want to come too!” Reaghan jumped off the couch, his eyes wide with concern as he looked at Norella. “Auntie, I’ll blow on it for you. Mommy says it won’t hurt if I blow on it.”
As her words left her lips, both Reaghan and Norella turned to her, surprise flickering in their eyes.
Reaghan quickly dropped Norella’s hand, his cheeks turning a shade of red. “No need for a hospital. A band-aid will do.”
Raiden’s gaze shifted to her, sharp and expectant, silently demanding the first aid kit.
Once, a look like that would have sent her scrambling, her hands already reaching for the kit before he could show a hint of impatience.
But now? It didn’t matter. She didn’t care anymore.
“The kit’s in the second drawer of the TV cabinet,” she said, unmoving, her voice steady.
Raiden’s jaw clenched and the flicker of irritation in his eyes didn’t go unnoticed.
Instead, Norella crouched down, her fingers swiftly finding the first aid kit. “Raiden, it’s right here, iodine and cotton swabs, too.”
Reaghan leaned in with a curious gaze and Norella’s eyes sparkled. “Reaghan, you’re growing up fast. Do you think you can help Auntie clean the wound?”
“Of course!”
With a serious nod, Reaghan carefully dabbed iodine on the wound, his little breath gently blowing on it as if it could ease the pain.