Chapter 53 Can Dad Cook for Us Every Day?

Charlotte, being a mother, harbored concerns about her daughter potentially facing similar hardships in the future. Andy called out to his sister, "Let's go, Lilya. It's time to head up." Lilya, having just learned to swim, was reluctant to leave but hunger pangs eventually convinced her to swim over. Charlotte bent down to lift Lilya. "How was your day?" Lilya replied, "Andy taught me how to swim today, and I was so happy. Mommy, can you take us out like this more often?" Charlotte felt apprehensive. Though she had some experience, she lacked confidence in her ability to care for them on her own. "We might have to wait for your daddy to be free to take us out. You know my abilities are limited, and I might not be able to take care of you well." Lilya nodded; being out with her family made her happy, no matter what they did. "It's so nice to be with you and Daddy. Haven't they caught any fish yet?" "Let's go check." Having just come out of the water and feeling a chill, Charlotte wrapped herself in the shawl she had brought, ensuring the children were also well-covered before proceeding. Radiating happiness, Sofia snuggled close to Caelan, looking every bit the contented woman. Charlotte had never seen Sofia with such an expression, but it was clear that Sofia was very fond of Caelan. Charlotte asked, "How goes the battle?" Luke first packed up the fishing gear, and then he took his daughter into his arms. "We've got enough for tonight's dinner, but we can't have it here. We should head back, as the tide will rise soon." As the evening began to settle in, everyone hurried to gather their belongings and load them onto the yacht. The sight of the sunset over the sea was therapeutic for everyone, making them wish to stay there forever. The thought of returning to endless work and dealing with various people seemed unbearable compared to the comfort of the beach. Luke steered the yacht with one hand, while Charlotte gazed at his silhouette, feeling somewhat unworthy of such a man. Once the yacht docked, they methodically unloaded their things. Luke started a fire, while Caelan headed to the kitchen to clean the day's catch. The men, who needed no help from the women, handled everything effortlessly. Caelan emerged with a bowl full of tonight's meal. "Is the fire ready?" "Just waiting on you. Come over," Luke replied. Charlotte and Sofia first took the children for a shower, feeling uncomfortably sticky after swimming in the sea. Upon their return, Charlotte and Sofia were greeted by the aroma of cooking, finding the men unexpectedly skilled at the task. Sofia didn't hold back her praise. "Not bad at all. I thought Luke never cooked, but he's quite good at it." "Caelan is impressive too," Charlotte added. "I wouldn't know how to prepare seafood like that, and he did it so skillfully." Sofia, who had never cooked for herself and relied on the household staff or dined out, nodded, acknowledging her dependence on others. Charlotte, modestly capable, admitted her skills were limited, finding these tasks challenging despite being sufficient for childcare. Near the grill, a small dining table, complete with orange juice, was thoughtfully set up, waiting for them. "Come and eat, it's best enjoyed fresh off the grill. It won't taste as good once it's cold," Luke called out. Charlotte asked, "Why don't you two join us? You must be hungry after working all day." "No need. We're fine snacking as we cook. You go ahead, don't wait for us," Luke replied. Sofia, already famished, didn't hesitate. She sat down and began devouring several skewers of grilled squid. Lilya was equally impressed, never having tasted such delicious barbecue. It seemed her father's cooking skills were commendable, and she resolved to encourage him to cook more at home. Lilya, ever the charmer, complimented, "Daddy, I love the food you make." "If you like it, I'll try to leave work early and cook for you more often," he said warmly. Charlotte felt a twinge of jealousy at her daughter's flattery. "Does that mean you don't like my cooking? You've been eating it for years." Lilya, young but astute, diplomatically replied, "Your cooking is also delicious, but it's different from Daddy's. Both of you have your own special way of making tasty meals." Charlotte felt slightly appeased by Lilya's words, acknowledging that Lilya still had the grace to charm her. Noticing Charlotte's expression, Sofia teased, "Are you really getting jealous over this at your age?" "You don't understand the sense of achievement it brings. You'll know once you have kids," Charlotte retorted. Sofia scoffed, "You always say that. 'You'll understand when you find someone you love,' and now, 'when you have kids.' Is it so hard to explain? Do I really have to experience it myself to grasp the joy?" "Yes, some things you truly understand only through personal experience." Sofia raised an eyebrow playfully. "Alright then, I won't pry. Your descriptive skills are limited, I get it. Just enjoy your meal." Wiping sweat from his brow, Luke yearned for a life always as simple and fulfilling as this, contrasting the deceitful business world. He pursued success only to earn his father's recognition. Caelan felt the same way; having grown up together, he and Luke shared many viewpoints. "I don't want to go back to work or travel for business. It's too exhausting." Luke looked at him and agreed. "Who doesn't feel that way? I'm sick of it too. If only I could find someone else to handle my responsibilities." Caelan sighed, weighed down by the thought of returning to his demanding job. "At least you can delegate your work. I have to travel frequently, and I don't trust anyone else to do it." Luke nodded in understanding. "It's different for you. You deal directly with high-level arrangements. Others might see it as a sign of disrespect or undervaluing the work. Just bear with it for a few more years. Things will get better."