Her face turned bright red. "You—!" She spun around, ready to hit him with the kitchen towel, but he caught her wrist easily, laughing.
"Hey, hey," he said, smiling down at her. "I'm just kidding."
Daisy glared, trying to pull her hand free. "You think everything is a joke."
Leo softened then, his laughter fading. He leaned closer, still holding her hand, his voice gentle now. "No. But seeing you like this — blushing, talking back — it's… nice. I missed it."
Daisy blinked, caught off guard by the sudden sincerity in his tone. She tried to look away, but Leo's gaze held her still.
Before she could respond, a small voice echoed from the living room.
"Daddy, come play!"
Leo smiled, brushing his thumb softly over her hand before letting go. "Saved by the bell," he murmured, grinning.
Daisy rolled her eyes, but her lips curved slightly. "Go," she said, trying to sound annoyed but failing.
As Leo walked away to join Kulture, Daisy touched her neck again and muttered under her breath, "That stupid mosquito…" — but she was smiling now.
After breakfast, Kulture ran around the living room, her laughter filling the house. Leo leaned against the doorway, watching her with a soft smile.
"Daisy," he said quietly.
She looked up from the dishes she was rinsing. "What?"
"Let's take Kulture out today
Daisy hesitated, drying her hands. "Where?"
"The park," Leo said. "There's one by the lake — quiet, open. She love it. But you did not go
Kulture, overhearing, gasped. "Park! Daddy, can we go now?"
Leo chuckled. "Slow down, princess. Go get your shoes."
Kulture squealed with excitement and ran upstairs. Daisy watched her, smiling without realizing it.
Leo caught that smile. "You're coming too," he said.
Daisy blinked. "Who said I wasn't?"
He grinned. "Good. I was ready to drag you along if you refused."
She shot him a glare, but there was no real anger behind it. "You wouldn't dare."
Leo stepped closer, his tone playful. "You'd be surprised."
She rolled her eyes and went to get her bag, ignoring the way his laughter followed her down the hallway.The park was peaceful that morning. The sun shimmered on the lake's surface, and a light breeze played with Daisy's hair. Kulture ran ahead with her small kite, her giggles echoing through the air.
Leo set up a small picnic mat while Daisy watched their daughter with quiet pride.
"She's growing so fast," Daisy said softly.
Leo nodded, glancing at her. "She's got your smile."
Daisy looked at him, caught off guard by the warmth in his voice. For a moment, she didn't know what to say.
Kulture came running back, her kite tangled. "Mummy, Daddy, help!"
Both of them laughed and bent down together to fix it. Their hands brushed, and for a heartbeat, Daisy felt that same familiar spark — the one she'd tried to bury.
Leo noticed too. He looked at her, eyes soft but unreadable. "You know," he said quietly, "it feels good. Doing this together."
Daisy pretended to focus on the kite, not daring to meet his gaze. "Don't get used to it," she said, though her tone wasn't as cold as before.
Leo smiled faintly. "We'll see."
Kulture raised her kite again and shouted, "It's flying!"
They both looked up — and just like that, all the tension melted away. Daisy laughed freely, and Leo couldn't stop staring at her, sunlight dancing on her face.
They stayed at the park until the sun rose higher in the sky. Kulture had played for hours, running between her parents, her laughter echoing through the open field.
When they finally packed up, Leo glanced at his wristwatch and sighed softly. "I have to stop by the office this afternoon," he said.
Daisy looked at him, a little surprised. "Now?"
"Yeah. There's a meeting I can't miss," he replied, slipping his jacket back on.
Kulture, who was holding onto his arm, frowned. "Daddy, don't go!"
Leo knelt down to her level and brushed her hair away from her face. "I have to, princess. But I'll be back before dinner, okay?"