He grabbed my hand to check the burn.

It wasn't serious, just a bit red, but it was my first time cooking in years, and the egg custard I made for Pomelo was ruined.

Martin held my hand under cold water, scolding me, "Don't you know your own cooking skills?"

I pulled my hand back and coldly replied, "You have some nerve staying here after I told you to get out."

After a while under the cold water, my hand stopped hurting. I squatted down and said to Pomelo, "Pomelo, we'll have to order takeout for dinner tonight."

Pomelo nodded, holding my hand and blowing on it, "Mommy, Pomelo will blow on it; it won't hurt anymore."

For some reason, my nose started to sting.

Martin sneered, "If the cameras weren't off, ordering takeout would have people thinking you're abusing the kid."

He's always had a sharp tongue.

He's been like that since he was a kid.

In the past, I might have snapped back at him, but now, all I feel is a deep sense of weariness.

8

Martin said, "Give me the apron."

I immediately ordered him out, "I won't eat anything you cook. It's late. You should leave."

Martin began untying the apron I was wearing, "How about I cook something for the kid?"

Pomelo looked up at Martin, "Daddy, I have a name. I'm called Pomelo, remember?"

Martin asked, "Pomelo, what do you like to eat? Daddy will make it for you."

Pomelo glanced at me with her big, grape-like eyes and sweetly said, "Whatever Mommy likes, Pomelo likes too."

"Alright, you and Mommy go wait outside for a bit," Martin said to Pomelo before starting to search the fridge for ingredients.

I led Pomelo out of the kitchen.

Martin's cooking skills are excellent, though he rarely cooks.

Whatever he makes for Pomelo should be fine.

Pomelo took a peek into the kitchen and then said to me in her sweet voice, "Mommy, you don't seem to like Daddy, do you?"

I was speechless.

How was I supposed to answer such a deadly question from Pomelo?

9

Martin quickly prepared a four-dish meal and a soup.

Without exception, they are all my favorites.

I wasn't sure if Pomelo would like them, so I asked her, "Pomelo, do you like these?"

Pomelo nodded happily, "I love them."

Seeing how much she enjoyed the food made me feel a bit surprised.

This little girl's tastes are just like mine.

I love eating shrimp, but peeling them is a hassle and makes my hands greasy.

When Martin and I were dating, he always peeled them for me.

Even now, he hasn't changed.