Chapter 78 Are You Feeling Unwell?

"That also shows how much Andy and Lilya love you, thinking more than other children might," said Denise. Luke entered the room, noticed the two in conversation, and approached softly. He then whispered, "Your father has already left." Charlotte felt somewhat drained. "Good that he's gone. I hope he doesn't bother me again." Luke looked at her with a pained expression, noting her gaunt appearance. "Why don't you rest here for a while? I'll go upstairs to check on the children." Charlotte stood up and stretched languidly. Then she replied, "I'll come with you. I'm a bit tired today, too." Luke extended his hand, helping her up. "I was thinking you should take a nap." Charlotte shook her head stubbornly, insisting, "It's okay, don't worry about me." Lilya, holding a doll, turned her head upon seeing her mother approaching. She then dropped the toy and rushed to embrace her. "Mommy, are you feeling unwell?" Charlotte bent down to hug her daughter, kissing her forehead affectionately. "With you here, how could I be unhappy? You are my little angel." Lilya, grinning widely, snuggled closer. She loved being with Charlotte the most, but these days Charlotte had been particularly busy, often out of sight by the time she woke up. This thought saddened Lilya, but she didn't want to worry her mother. She reminded herself to be a well-behaved and understanding child. Andy was engrossed in programming in his room, a stark contrast to the affectionate scene of his parents and sister nearby. Concerned that Andy might feel unloved, Luke took the initiative to approach and ask about his son's activity. Andy, deep in concentration, missed his father's call. Luke stood by his side for a while. When Andy paused, contemplating his next steps, he was startled to notice his father's presence. "Daddy, what are you doing here?" "I came to see what you're up to. You were so engrossed, you didn't even notice me standing here." Andy propped his chin with his hands. "I can't figure out this part. I've tried several solutions, but none seem satisfactory. Looks like I need to experiment more." Luke moved a stool over, sitting down beside his son. "Let me take a look." Andy looked up at Luke with wide, surprised eyes. "You understand this stuff, Daddy? How come you never mentioned it?" Luke, who was a finance major in college, also had a keen interest in computer programming. Hence, he had chosen computer science as his elective without hesitation. Though it had been years since he dabbled in it, he could still understand it at a glance. At the moment, Andy was programming a smart lock. Luke scanned the code briefly and noticed an error that caused the simulated door to occasionally remain locked when shut. Luke adeptly resolved and enhanced the programming issue. After his modifications, the simulated door lock operated smoothly, now with added video and voice capabilities. Witnessing this, Andy's admiration for his father soared. Ever since they moved here, Andy had been diligently working on this program. His young age meant some concepts were hard to grasp, but with guidance, everything became clearer. Andy looked at Luke with reverence. "Daddy, you're so amazing. Can I come to you with questions in the future?" Luke affectionately ruffled his son's hair, smiling. "Always welcome." Charlotte observed Luke's tender care for their children, feeling heartened. She felt joyous about today's happenings, but recent exertions had left her somewhat drained. Luke was a man of action. Charlotte, looking at the heartwarming scene, felt content with their life. She remembered every promise Luke had made, each meticulously fulfilled. Suddenly, Charlotte's thoughts drifted to Frank. In contrast to Luke, Frank seemed despicably inferior. After tucking the children into bed, they descended to enjoy a drink. Just as they reached the bar, Sofia, accompanied by Caelan, entered. "What a coincidence! I was just about to join you for a drink. I didn't expect you two to start without me." Luke stood up, warmly welcoming Sofia and Caelan. "Then let's all enjoy it together." Caelan, with a smile, placed the wine he brought on the bar. Charlotte, seeing her close friend, immediately prepared a plate of fruit for the group. She skillfully sliced an orange, offering a piece to Luke. "Would you like some?" Luke usually didn't favor sweet things, but seeing the effort his wife put into preparing the fruit, he considered trying some. However, Caelan, quicker to react, took the slice intended for Luke. "He's never been fond of sweets since childhood. I'll have it instead." Caelan devoured the whole orange in one go, oblivious to Luke's piercing gaze. After finishing, he sipped his wine. "Fruit with wine has a unique flavor." Luke's eyes, almost glaring, seemed to bore through Caelan. He thought, 'Finally, a chance to enjoy fruit cut by my wife, and he just doesn't see it? Next time we drink together, I'll make sure he can't stand up!' Charlotte blinked and asked, "Don't you like it? Our son adores fruits, so I thought you'd be the same." "It's okay. You can cut another one for me. I'll finish it this time." Smiling, Charlotte prepared another slice for Luke. "Here, you eat this one." Caelan looked at Luke in surprise. "Since when do you eat these things? Changed your tastes after getting married?" Luke said dryly, "I've noticed you're particularly talkative today." Caelan couldn't quite understand the change in his childhood friend's demeanor. The orange's freshness confirmed the superior taste of farm fruits. "I was just making conversation," he replied. Charlotte cut a slice for everyone present. "Have some, everyone. There's plenty more in the fridge, freshly picked from the farm this morning, delivered by Denise."