CHAPTER 149: CHAPTER 149: LAST NIGHT WAS MY FIRST KISS

This was Hector Chaucer’s first kiss.

He didn’t even know what to do next.

His adam’s apple, sexy and upright, rolled up and down three times.

Breathing intentionally light.

As if he was afraid of scaring the tense Tiana Linden in front of him.

The more he tried to restrain himself, the hotter his breath became.

It seared Tiana’s mind into a standstill.

She stood there frozen, not moving an inch.

Hector Chaucer kissed her?

He actually kissed her?

She was like a fawn that stumbled into a trap, her lashes trembling cautiously.

The tips of her ears blushed a peachy color.

The thunder of her heartbeats in her chest seemed about to burst out of her throat.

Finally, after a few seconds, she instinctively drew back.

But his large hand dominantly grasped the back of her neck, his fingers holding her gently.

"Tiana, don’t hide!"

He had waited twenty-four years for this day.

When he was nine, he was tricked and pushed into the water.

Six-year-old Tiana, disregarding everything, rushed toward him with a tattered swimming ring, calling out in her tender voice - ’Hector Chaucer, don’t be afraid, I’m here to save you.’

He made a silent vow.

When he grew up, he would definitely marry her as his wife, he would definitely become her man.

This warmth on his lips was the culmination of twenty-four years of longing.

He wouldn’t allow her to refuse.

When she was utterly frozen, he casually took the cotton swab and iodine from her hand and set them aside.

The kiss continued, becoming more invasive, probing in...

This scent of cedar came torridly, scorching.

Tiana’s world suddenly froze over.

A small whimper escaped her throat, interweaving with their intertwined breaths.

Uneasy, she pushed against his palm.

Hector tightened his grip on her neck, his hold growing firmer, "Don’t move, or I won’t be able to control myself."

...

On the second floor.

Daisy was drowsily asleep.

She remembered that her mom had just been telling her a bedtime story.

Even though she really liked the stories her mom told her.

Every time her mom tells a story, she plays the roles of every character, narrating with great animation.

Even the animals in the stories, the sound of the wind, thunder and rain, she could mimic so realistically.

But still, Daisy wanted Mr. Chaucer to tell her a bedtime story.

Ever since moving to Mr. Chaucer’s place, Daisy got addicted to having a dad love and care for her, and say good night to her every day.

Today, Mr. Chaucer wasn’t home.

Daisy felt so disappointed.

She waited and waited.

Unknowingly fell asleep.

Not long after, woke up suddenly.

Opened her eyes to find only a small nightlight by the wall glowing dimly in the room.

"Mommy, Mommy?"

She got up, barefoot, opened the door, and walked out.

A tiny silhouette came to rest by the second-floor railing.

Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she looked down.

Her mom was pinned onto the sofa by Mr. Chaucer.

The two were kissing!

The little girl covered her mouth, chuckling secretly.

Then, crouching her small frame, she crept back to her room step by step, cautiously.

She was afraid of disturbing her dad and mom.

...

On the first floor.

Tiana suddenly pushed Hector Chaucer away from the sofa.

At that moment, she mustered all her strength.

Her eyes wide with panic, too scared to lift her gaze.

Appeared somewhat upset.

"Hector Chaucer, you don’t seem seriously injured, treat the wounds yourself."

"I have to meet with Elder Sterling in the morning, I’m heading upstairs to sleep first."

Hector remained seated on the sofa, watching as Tiana, her ears blushing a peach color, made her escape. His lips curved slightly upward.

She was truly feeling shy!

Just like a young girl.

He thought, after what she endured with Aiden Grant, she wouldn’t care about romance anymore.

Who would have thought just now she’d actually feel shy around him?

...

The next morning.

After finishing her morning routine, Tiana stood before the door.

She held the doorknob but hesitated to open the door and go out.

She had no idea how to face Hector Chaucer after stepping out this door.

There was no way she could pretend last night’s events never happened.

The heartbeats she missed last night seemed to have a delayed effect built in.

They’ve continued, still out of sync even now.

As usual, whenever Hector was home, he’d definitely be up earlier than her.

He’d be up early to Daisy’s room, coaxing her to get up.

He’d prepare her toothpaste, pick out her favorite dresses and skirts.

He’d even patiently help do her hair.

Recently, Daisy’s hairstyles never repeat.

To the world, isn’t this man seen as ruthless, merciless, cold and indifferent?

How is he attentive enough to even do a little girl’s hair so beautifully?

She’s been raising a daughter for more than five years now.

Even her, Daisy’s biological mom, doesn’t braid as many styles as Hector Chaucer does.

When did Hector Chaucer learn to do this?

As Tiana held the doorknob and drifted into her thoughts, voices - one big and one small - emerged from outside the door.

"Daddy, you promised that you and Mommy would give me a little brother or sister, when will that happen?"

"That’s a question for your mom, the decision falls to her."

"But Mommy is still in bed like a lazy piggy!"

"Daisy, go downstairs for breakfast first. Daddy’ll wake up your lazy piggy mom."

"Daddy, give Mommy a good morning kiss then."

"Mhm!"

Pat-pat-pat.

Daisy’s footsteps tapping down the stairs outside the door.

Once Hector saw Daisy go downstairs, his well-defined fingers lightly knocked on Tiana’s door.

Tiana grasped one corner of her clothes tight, calming her breath before finally opening the door.

Hector saw Tiana standing inside the doorframe, his lips curling into a slight smile, "Morning!"

Tiana nodded, covering up her nervousness, giving a faint smile, "Morning, I just woke up."

"Mhm." Hector nodded calmly and naturally, "Aunt Lowell and Butler Lowell have breakfast ready, head down to eat."

Finishing up, he strode away with long legs heading downstairs.

Took a couple steps before turning back to look at her.

That expression, calm and steadfast as ever.

Showed no hint of what he might be thinking.

Then, he called her name, "Tiana!"

A voice deep and captivating, brushing by Tiana’s ear.

Her breath faltered again.

"Mhm!"

He looked at her, continuing, "Last night was my first kiss."

With that, this man turned away calmly, leaving her to digest what was said as she stood there in shock.

First kiss?

Even knowing how he never had women around him.

But that his first kiss could stay intact until thirty-three?

Information overload.

The more Tiana thought about it, the redder her ears got.

Downstairs, Butler Lowell and Aunt Lowell had breakfast ready.

Daisy, a small bundle, sat at the dining chair, patiently waiting for mom and dad.

Seeing Hector come down, little Daisy asked, "Daddy, how come Mommy isn’t here yet?"

As she spoke, Tiana followed suit into the dining room, taking the seat beside Daisy.

Aunt Lowell saw Tiana’s flushed cheeks and asked concernedly, "Miss Linden, are you having a cold, or feeling unwell?"

Only Tiana knew, she was still processing this: Hector Chaucer’s statement from last night – that it was his first kiss.

She downcast her eyes, fibbing lightly, "Perhaps a little."

She never lies in front of Daisy, the more she fibs, the more her ears burn.