🅃🄷🄴 🅄🄽🄱🄾🅄🄽🄳 🄻🄾🅅🄴 -7

The morning after their unforgettable night of celebration, Lugh, Dia, and Seraphina busied themselves packing for their journey back home. Though they wished to meet Evangeline and Ophelia one last time before leaving, their packed schedules made it impossible, so they promised themselves a reunion soon. By the afternoon, they boarded their flight, carrying with them cherished memories and a renewed sense of happiness. Upon landing, an hour later, they made their way back home, feeling a deep sense of comfort in returning. At the airport, Chloe was already waiting, and after warm goodbyes, she took Dia home, leaving Seraphina and Lugh to settle back into their usual routine.

As the evening settled into a peaceful hush, Seraphina stirred awake from her rest. Glancing toward Lugh, she noticed he was still deep in sleep, his expression calm yet weary from the whirlwind of events. Not wanting to disturb his rest, she quietly slipped out of the room and made her way to the kitchen. The familiar aroma of brewing tea filled the air as she prepared two cups, adding a plate of light snacks to the tray for a comforting touch.

With everything set, she returned to the room, only to find Lugh awake, sitting upright on the bed, his gaze fixed on his newly restored hand. There was a certain stillness in his expression—one of awe, contemplation, and perhaps a hint of disbelief. Placing the tray gently on the table by the couch, she called out to him with warmth in her voice.

"Lugh, come over and have some tea first," she said, offering him a reassuring smile, hoping to ease whatever thoughts were running through his mind.

Lugh plopped down onto the couch, grabbing his cup of tea with both hands, relishing the warmth that seeped through his fingers. He took a small sip, letting the familiar taste bring him comfort as he picked up a light snack.

“Mom,” he began, his voice steady yet filled with anticipation, “now that I’m completely fine and healthy, do you think I’m ready to start my career?”

Seraphina glanced at him thoughtfully, stirring her own tea as she took in his eager expression. “Hmm… I can see how excited you are to take over after me, but I don’t think you should rush into it. I want you to gain some experience first.” Her tone was gentle, yet firm, filled with the wisdom of a mother who had seen the world.

Lugh nodded, understanding her concerns. “I know, Mom. And I’m not saying I want to take over from you right away. I know I still have a long way to go before I can reach your level or earn the respect you have. What I mean is… can I start working now? I want to keep myself busy with something—something that’ll keep my mind from wandering back to the past.” His voice faltered slightly at the end, but he quickly masked it with a small smile.

Seraphina watched him closely, her heart aching at the unspoken weight behind his words. She reached out, placing a comforting hand over his. “I appreciate your decision, sweetheart, I really do. But I’m not entirely sure about it yet.”

Lugh chuckled softly, squeezing her hand in reassurance. “No rush, Mom. Take your time. I have some other things to take care of in the meantime.”

Seraphina raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Oh? And what kind of business are you dealing with, mister?”

Lugh smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes. “Now, that’s a secret I’m not allowed to tell you.”

Seraphina crossed her arms, narrowing her eyes playfully. “And who exactly decided that I shouldn’t know, huh?”

Lugh laughed, setting his cup down. “It’s something Dia and I have been planning for a long time, ever since we got our results. Just a little project we wanted to work on.”

Seraphina sighed, shaking her head with a knowing smile. “I see… Just promise me it won’t be something weird or ridiculous, like the pranks you both pulled in high school.”

Lugh groaned, covering his face. “Mom, please! Can we not bring that up again? I’ve learned my lesson, okay? We’d never do anything like that again.”

Seraphina chuckled, clearly amused. “How can I not bring it up? It’s about you, so of course, I’ll always remember it.”

Lugh let out a dramatic sigh, picking up his tea again. “Alright, alright. Let’s just finish our tea before you dig up more embarrassing stories from my past.”

Seraphina smiled warmly, taking a sip from her tea, her heart swelling with pride for the young man her son had become. Their laughter filled the cozy evening air as they continued their conversation, enjoying each other’s company over tea and snacks. The bond between them felt stronger than ever, a comforting presence after everything they had been through.

Once they finished, Seraphina gathered the empty cups and plates, heading toward the kitchen to prepare dinner, while Lugh stretched lazily before making his way to the bathroom for a refreshing shower. The rhythmic sound of running water filled the house as Seraphina busied herself with cooking, the aroma of a warm, home-cooked meal spreading through the air.

Nearly an hour later, they sat down at the dining table, sharing a quiet yet pleasant dinner with lighthearted conversation. The peaceful clinking of cutlery against plates was accompanied by the occasional chuckle, making the evening feel just right—simple, warm, and full of love.

After dinner, Lugh insisted on helping Seraphina with the dishes, working side by side in comfortable silence. As soon as they were done, he stretched his arms with a satisfied sigh and started walking toward his room, ready to call it a night. Just as he reached the doorway, a gentle but firm tug on his t-shirt stopped him in his tracks.

He turned around, a questioning look in his eyes, only to see Seraphina standing behind him with a knowing smile. “Not so fast,” she said playfully, her tone laced with something deeper—something motherly and affectionate.

Lugh paused, looking at his mother with a mix of confusion and warmth. He scratched the back of his head before letting out a small chuckle.

"Hey, Mom, is there anything left to do?" he asked, assuming she had another task for him before bed.

Seraphina hesitated for a moment, then smiled gently. "No, it's just… aren't you supposed to sleep with me?"

Lugh blinked in surprise, tilting his head. "Um, what does that mean?"

Seraphina sighed softly, her expression turning tender. "It means that I didn’t buy a large bed just for myself, you know. I bought it for both of us, so we could sleep peacefully—more relaxed, together."

Lugh’s lips curved into a half-smile, but there was a flicker of hesitation in his eyes. "I get it, Mom, but I think… if I still sleep with you, it might not be the best thing for us."

Seraphina frowned slightly. "Ruin us? How so? Explain yourself, mister." She playfully narrowed her eyes at him, though her tone held genuine curiosity.

Lugh exhaled deeply, choosing his words carefully. "Mom, I’ve noticed something. You have a habit of moving around a lot in your sleep, but whenever I sleep next to you, you stop yourself from doing that. I know you’re trying to be careful not to disturb me, but that means you’re not sleeping comfortably."

He looked at her with soft eyes, filled with concern. "I don’t want to see you sacrificing even the smallest things for me. You remember what I told you before my surgery, right? I just want to see you happy—truly happy, comfortable, and with that beautiful smile on your face."

Seraphina's heart swelled at his words. She reached out, placing a hand over his. "Yes, honey, I do remember that. And thank you for always thinking about me. But believe me, this—this is what makes me happy. You’re not a burden, Lugh. You’re my son, my heart. After you start working, I know we’ll both get busier than ever, and life will naturally pull us in different directions. That’s why I want to cherish these little moments with you while I still can."

Lugh felt a lump form in his throat at his mother’s words. He appreciated her more than he could ever put into words. Still, he hesitated. "Thanks, Mom. I really appreciate it, but… I’m not sure if it’s right or wrong. You know how society is… they might see it as inappropriate or immoral."

Seraphina let out a sigh, shaking her head with a small, knowing smile. "Come with me to the living room. Let’s sit and talk properly."

She led him to the couch, where they both settled in, facing each other. There was a warmth in the room, a sense of comfort only a mother and son could share.

Lugh looked at his mother, sensing the weight in her voice. There was something unspoken, something pressing on her mind. His gaze softened as he leaned in slightly. "Mom, now tell me, what’s going on?"

Seraphina exhaled slowly, choosing her words carefully. "Lugh, I just want to say this clearly… spending time together, having fun, and even sleeping in the same bed as my own son—it’s not wrong. There’s nothing immoral or inappropriate about it. You are my child, my blood, and our bond is sacred. People might judge, but their views don’t define what is pure and what isn’t. We aren’t doing anything that should be questioned."

Lugh gave a small nod, his expression thoughtful. "I understand what you’re saying, Mom. I know where this is coming from. Society is quick to label things, to twist simple, innocent relationships into something they’re not. The way people think… it’s problematic. They assume that if a mother and son are close, if they are open with each other, then somehow, there must be something inappropriate involved. But that’s not true. They fail to understand that the bond between a mother and her son is built on trust, love, and respect. It is one of the purest relationships that exist."

Seraphina sighed, shaking her head. "Exactly. People claim we live in a modern world, yet their minds are still shackled by outdated, baseless fears. It’s frustrating how easily they misjudge things they don’t understand."

Lugh tilted his head slightly, considering her words. "You're right, but sometimes, traditional values do have their place in society. Not all old ways of thinking are harmful."

There was a moment of silence before Seraphina met his gaze with a serious expression. "Lugh… have you ever, even for a moment, felt that way about me?"

Lugh blinked, caught off guard. He stared at her for a moment, trying to gauge the depth of her question. "Mom… why would you even ask me that?"

Seraphina’s voice was calm and steady, but there was an underlying vulnerability in her tone. "Because I need to hear it from you. I trust you, but I need to know your thoughts."

Lugh let out a slow breath, a faint, almost ironic smile forming at the corner of his lips. "Aren’t you afraid of what I might say?"

Seraphina returned his gaze, her expression unwavering. "I won’t lie. Yes, I am. But more than afraid, I would be disappointed if your answer would be ‘yes.’"

Lugh shook his head firmly. “Mom, I want you to know something. Back in my school days, I knew a w—handsome, intelligent, a great athlete, a role model for so many. But his family was rigorous. They didn’t allow him to have friends, especially female friends. They thought friendships and socializing would distract him from success. Over time, this isolation made him bitter. Eventually, he turned to unhealthy habits and made mistakes that ruined his life.”

Seraphina listened intently. “That’s heartbreaking. People don’t realize that too many restrictions can push someone in the wrong direction.”

Lugh nodded. “Yes, and I never want to go down that path. You raised me to be respectful, understand boundaries, and treat people with kindness. You taught me about personal space, about right and wrong, about how to support and respect women without crossing any lines. And most importantly, you’ve always trusted me.” His voice grew firmer. “I have never, and will never, think of you in any inappropriate way, Mom. You’re my mother. You’re the one who shaped me into the man I am today. I would be ashamed of myself if I ever felt something inappropriate. But I don’t, and I never will.”

Seraphina’s eyes softened, a mix of relief and pride washing over her. “I know, Lugh. I trust you completely. And hearing this from you makes me even more sure that I raised you well.”

Lugh smiled. “Thank you, Mom. It means a lot that you trust me. Society is quick to judge, and it’s unfair. If a girl laughs loudly, she’s considered cheerful, but if a boy laughs loudly, he’s called mannerless. If a girl is sweet, she’s charming, but if a boy is sweet, he’s accused of flirting. If a girl spends money shopping, she’s stylish, but if a boy does, he’s wasting money. It’s frustrating how differently people view the same actions based on gender.”

Seraphina sighed. “You’re right. Society has become so harsh on young people, whether boys or girls. It judges without understanding, labels without knowing the full story.”

Lugh leaned back, exhaling deeply. “Well, all I want to say is… thanks for trusting me. I love you, Mom.” He gave her a tired but warm smile. “For a second, I felt overwhelmed, but now, I feel clear-headed again. So… can you read me a story before I sleep?”

Seraphina chuckled, her heart swelling with affection. She reached out to tousle his hair. “Of course, my big little boy. Let’s go to bed.”

With that, they walked together toward the room, the warmth of their unshakable bond stronger than any judgment society could place upon them.

Lugh nestled under the blanket, wrapped in the warmth of Seraphina’s embrace. Her gentle presence made him feel safe, just like in his childhood. As she softly began telling him a bedtime story, her soothing voice lulled him into a deep, peaceful sleep. Noticing that he had drifted off, Seraphina smiled tenderly and, feeling the weight of exhaustion herself, soon dozed off beside him.

The next morning, as the golden rays of the sun filtered through the curtains and the melodies of chirping birds filled the air, Lugh stirred awake before Seraphina. He gazed at her peaceful, sleeping face, a wave of gratitude washing over him. Wanting to show his appreciation for her endless love and care, he decided to surprise her with a special breakfast.

Slipping out of bed quietly, he freshened up and headed straight to the kitchen. With focused determination, he began preparing a meal from the heart—delicate carrot and cucumber sandwiches paired with creamy green onion sauce pasta. As he worked, the rich aroma of fresh green onions and warm bread filled the kitchen, making the entire house smell deliciously inviting.

After an hour of careful preparation, he plated the dishes beautifully and set the table, ensuring everything was perfect. With a satisfied smile, he made his way back to Seraphina’s room, ready to wake her up to a morning filled with love, gratitude, and a delicious homemade breakfast.

As he entered the room, he found Seraphina already awake, sitting on the bed and gazing out the window at the birds fluttering outside. With a warm smile, Lugh walked over to her and placed a gentle, affectionate kiss on her cheek, a silent gesture of love and gratitude.

As the morning sunlight streamed through the window, Lugh approached Seraphina with a bright smile. He leaned in and placed a soft kiss on her cheek before greeting her warmly.

"Good morning, my lovely Mom. Did you sleep well?" he asked, his voice filled with affection.

Seraphina turned to him with a gentle smile. "Good morning, my love. Yes, I slept well," she replied, her eyes still reflecting the peaceful serenity of the morning.

Lugh followed her gaze outside the window and noticed the soft rustling of leaves as birds chirped melodiously. "What are you watching outside?" he asked, curious about what had captivated her so deeply.

Seraphina pointed towards a small bird nestled among the branches. "I'm watching those birds. See, there's a baby bird—it looks like it was just born," she said with admiration.

Lugh leaned in closer, his eyes lighting up as he spotted the tiny creature. "Oh, yes! There’s actually a baby bird. It looks like it's trying to take its first steps, and the other birds are helping it. This is such a lovely scene," he said, his voice tinged with awe.

Seraphina let out a soft chuckle, her heart swelling with nostalgia. "Yes, it's so soothing. It reminds me of you as a child, when you were trying to walk on your own. Every time you fell to the ground, you would come running to me, crying, and I would tell you that this wound is your award for not giving up," she said, her voice filled with warmth and longing.

Lugh turned to her, a playful smile on his lips. "You still tell me that even now, and honestly, I love this method of never giving up," he admitted, his heart brimming with gratitude for the lessons she had instilled in him.

Seraphina laughed softly, reaching out to ruffle his hair. "Hehe, you're a good boy. I don’t ever want to see you sad or crying," she said, her voice laced with motherly concern.

Lugh straightened up and flashed her a bright grin. "Let’s not dwell on negative things. Now, get up and wash your face—I made breakfast for you," he announced proudly.

Seraphina raised an eyebrow in pleasant surprise. "Oh? Is that so?" she asked playfully.

"Yes! And today, I’m feeding you with my own hands," Lugh declared with determination.

Seraphina gave him a curious look. "Why so suddenly do you want to feed me? I’m not even sick or anything," she teased.

Lugh pouted slightly, crossing his arms. "And I don’t want to see you sick, either, okay? I want to feed you because I want to, that’s it! Otherwise, I won’t eat," he said stubbornly, his childlike insistence making her smile.

Seraphina sighed dramatically, though her heart melted at his gesture. "Okay, okay... You can be so childish sometimes, huh!" she said with a fond chuckle. "You go ahead, I’ll be there in a minute."

Lugh nodded eagerly. "Okay, but don’t keep me waiting too long!" he called out before dashing toward the dining room, leaving Seraphina smiling at the depth of her son's love.

Seraphina headed to the bathroom to freshen up while Lugh made his way to the dining table, eagerly anticipating her arrival. After a short wait, she joined him, taking a seat beside him with a warm smile. Without hesitation, Lugh carefully served the dishes onto their plates and, with a tender touch, began feeding her, his eyes gleaming with affection and care.

As Lugh held a forkful of pasta, he smiled playfully at Seraphina and said, "Mom, say aa!"

Seraphina giggled, a slight blush creeping onto her cheeks. "Hehe, you're making me blush," she said before taking a bite. As the rich, creamy green onion sauce melted in her mouth, a satisfied smile spread across her face. "Mmm, it's absolutely delicious, Lugh. Thank you for making this, especially the green onion sauce pasta—it’s my favorite!"

Lugh grinned, puffing his chest out proudly. "Of course, after all, I'm the best chef in this house!" He smirked, expecting some playful banter.

Seraphina raised an eyebrow, smirking back at him. "Oh? Is that so? Then from now on, you'll be in charge of breakfast, lunch, and dinner for both of us. Sounds good?"

Lugh’s eyes widened in mock horror. "Ahh! That doesn’t sound good at all! I may be a great chef, but I love the food you make, Mom. Nothing can compare to your cooking!" He pouted slightly, hoping to win her over.

Seraphina chuckled mischievously, tapping her chin as if deep in thought. "Hmm... too late! I've already made up my mind. I'm officially free from kitchen duty!"

Lugh groaned dramatically, slumping in his seat. "Mom, don’t tease me like that! You know how much I love your food… But," he exhaled, glancing at her with soft eyes, "if you really want me to cook for you, then fine, I'll do it for you."

Seraphina laughed, gently patting his head. "Hehe, I was just joking! Relax, relax! I know how much you admire my cooking. I’ll keep making meals for us, okay?" She smiled warmly. "Now, don’t be so dramatic; feed me already!"

Lugh let out a relieved chuckle, shaking his head at her playful teasing. He then picked up another bite and brought it to her lips, feeling a deep sense of warmth and love in this simple, precious moment.

They enjoyed the food with every inch of it with lots of laughter & happiness. After finishing breakfast, Lugh let Seraphina rest for a bit and did all the dishes. Later a while, Lugh joined Seraphina in the living room who was reading a magazine. Lugh snuggled into Seraphina's lap & started playing with her fingers. 

Lugh gently held Seraphina’s hand, tracing his fingers over hers as he smiled softly. “Mom, your fingers are so, so soft… I always love playing with them.” His voice was laced with comfort as if touching her hand brought him peace.

Seraphina chuckled, shaking her head slightly. “I know, honey. You’ve loved playing with my hands since you were little," she said warmly. Then, in a more serious tone, she added, “But don’t disturb me right now, okay?”

Lugh pouted slightly. “Uh… are you busy with something?”

Seraphina sighed gently, her eyes still scanning the page in front of her. “Um… I’m reading something important.”

Lugh tilted his head curiously. “Oh? What’s it about?”

A small smile played on Seraphina’s lips as she glanced at him. “It’s about new tricks and crucial insights in hospitality.”

Lugh hummed in approval. “Oh, very good… but what should I do while you’re busy reading?” His voice held a playful whine, hoping to steal her attention.

Seraphina exhaled with amusement, closing her book. “Oh, fine. I’ll get plenty of time to read later. Let’s focus on you for now,” she said with a loving smile. “What do you want to play?”

Lugh hesitated, his fingers tightening slightly around hers. His expression turned serious as he looked down. “Mom… if it’s okay—if… then, can you please tell me about the man I asked about before I lost my hand?” His voice was soft, unsure, but filled with a quiet determination.

Seraphina’s body tensed slightly, her breath hitching. She looked at her son, searching his face for any signs of doubt. “Baby… do you really want to know?” Her voice was gentle, and hesitant, as if she was bracing herself for the pain of reliving the past.

Lugh nodded slowly, his gaze unwavering. “Yes, I want to know. But… I also don’t want to hurt your feelings.” He gave her hand a reassuring squeeze. “So, if you don’t want to tell me, it’s okay. I’ll wait for the right time.”

Seraphina swallowed, her heart warming at his thoughtfulness. She brushed her fingers over his cheek, a bittersweet smile forming. “Baby… I’m ready to tell you. But… I don’t know where to start.” Her voice wavered slightly, the weight of memories pressing down on her.

Lugh exhaled softly, giving her an encouraging nod. “Just take a deep breath and start by telling me his name, okay?” His voice was gentle, and steady, offering her the support she needed.

Seraphina took a deep breath, her chest rising and falling as she steadied herself. “Okay,” she exhaled, her voice barely above a whisper. “His name was Duke Hicky… He was your… your biological father.” She paused, her eyes softening with old memories. “I used to love him very much, ever since my college days. And he loved me too—or at least, that’s what I believed. We got married, and for a while, everything was beautiful. We were so happy.” She smiled faintly, but sadness clouded her expression as she continued. “But after a year or two after you were born… he left us behind.”

Lugh’s brows furrowed, concern evident in his eyes. “What happened between both of you?” he asked cautiously, his voice laced with hesitation. “Or… am I the reason for your—”

Seraphina cut him off before he could finish that thought. “Shh!” she hushed him firmly, placing a gentle finger against his lips. “No, you were never the reason for our splitting. Never think that not even for a second. Do you understand?” Her voice was filled with warmth and reassurance, her gaze unwavering.

Lugh nodded slowly, still seeking answers. “Then… what made him part ways with us?”

Seraphina lowered her gaze for a moment as if battling the weight of the past. Finally, she spoke, her voice tinged with pain. “Because he… he secretly married someone else while he was abroad for a business meeting.” She clenched her fists slightly as she recalled the betrayal. “I only found out through one of his colleagues. When I learned the truth… I was shattered. I felt so lost, so broken that, for a moment, I even thought of ending my life.” Her voice trembled, but she steadied herself, glancing at Lugh with deep affection. “But you… you saved me, Lugh. You were the reason I kept going. From that moment on, I decided that man was dead to me. I never wanted to talk about him or see his face again.”

Lugh’s heart ached for his mother. Without hesitation, he sat up from her lap and wrapped his arms around her tightly, holding her close. “Don’t worry, Mom,” he whispered, his embrace firm and comforting. “I’ll never bring up that man again, and I promise you, I’ll never go looking for him. You don’t need to cry.” He reached up, gently wiping away the tears that had slipped down her cheeks. “There… there. You’re not a child, my Mom is a brave girl.” He offered her a small smile, trying to lighten the moment. “Come on, let’s go shopping together. You’ll love it. After all, it’s Sunday today, and you don’t want to waste it, do you?”

Seraphina let out a soft laugh, sniffling as she smiled at him. “Thank you, Lugh, for always knowing how to cheer me up,” she said, stroking his hair affectionately. “And yes, let’s go shopping.”

Lugh grinned mischievously. “Will you get me a banana parfait from the mall café?”

Seraphina chuckled. “Of course, honey. I know how much you love bananas… just like a little monkey.”

Lugh gasped dramatically. “Are you calling me a monkey? Hmpf!” he pouted, crossing his arms.

Seraphina smirked playfully. “Why not? After all, we all evolved from monkeys.”

Lugh huffed, then smirked back. “Then… then that makes you Tinker Bell.”

Seraphina flipped her hair dramatically. “It suits me very well,” she said proudly.

Lugh groaned. “Huh! Don’t tease me anymore. Let’s get ready!”

Seraphina laughed, ruffling his hair. “Okay, okay! Let’s go.”

The heaviness of the past lingered, but in that moment, there was warmth, love, and a bond that no betrayal could ever break.

Both of them got ready in an instant & ready to go to the Mall. As they stepped out of the house, the golden sunlight bathed them in its warmth. The streets buzzed with people enjoying their Sunday, and the air carried a mixture of freshly baked bread, blooming flowers, and the distant melody of a street musician playing his violin.

Lugh excitedly led Seraphina towards the mall, his eyes shining with childlike enthusiasm. “Mom, let’s go to that new clothing store first! I saw they have some cool jackets last time!”

Seraphina chuckled, walking beside him. “Oh? You and your obsession with jackets, huh?” she teased, playfully nudging him.

Lugh grinned. “Of course! A good jacket makes a man look cool, don’t you think?” He gave her a dramatic pose, flipping his imaginary collar.

Seraphina laughed. “Oh, absolutely! But let’s see if your taste is as great as your confidence.”

They entered the store, where racks of stylish clothing awaited them. Lugh eagerly picked up a few jackets, trying them on one by one, showing off to Seraphina like a runway model. She nodded approvingly at some and playfully wrinkled her nose at others.

“Mom, what do you think of this one?” Lugh asked, wearing a sleek black leather jacket.

Seraphina tapped her chin. “Hmm… I like it, but do you think it’s comfortable?”

Lugh stretched his arms in it and sighed. “Yeah… maybe it’s a little stiff. Let’s find something softer.”

After some browsing, he finally found a stylish yet comfortable navy blue bomber jacket. Seraphina clapped her hands. “Now that one suits you perfectly!”

Lugh grinned. “Alright! This is the one.”

Seraphina smiled. “Okay, now my turn. Let’s go to the women’s section.”

Lugh groaned playfully. “Oh no… this is going to take forever, isn’t it?”

Seraphina smirked. “Absolutely.”

Lugh sighed dramatically but followed her without complaint. As Seraphina browsed through dresses, tops, and skirts, Lugh gave his honest opinions, sometimes making exaggerated expressions that made Seraphina laugh.

“Mom, this dress is nice, but it kinda makes you look like a fancy cake,” Lugh teased.

Seraphina gasped, feigning offense. “A cake? Lugh, how dare you!” She swatted his arm lightly.

Lugh burst out laughing. “Okay, okay, try this one instead.” He handed her a simple yet elegant floral dress.

Seraphina admired it. “Hmm… this is actually really nice.” She went to try it on and stepped out a few minutes later. “Well? How do I look?”

Lugh gave her a genuine smile. “Beautiful, as always.”

Seraphina blushed. “You’re too sweet. Alright, I’ll take this one.”

After finishing their clothing shopping, they headed towards the food court. Lugh’s eyes instantly landed on the café. “Mom! My banana parfait!”

Seraphina laughed. “Alright, alright. Let’s go get it.”

They ordered their treats—Lugh got his beloved banana parfait, while Seraphina enjoyed a strawberry shortcake with a warm cup of tea. They sat by a large window overlooking the cityscape, the sunlight casting a warm glow over them.

As Lugh dug into his parfait with excitement, he sighed happily. “This is the best, Mom. Spending time with you like this… it’s my favorite thing ever.”

Seraphina gazed at him lovingly, gently stroking his hair. “Mine too, sweetheart.”

They spent the rest of the afternoon exploring different stores, trying on accessories, and even stopping by a bookshop, where Seraphina picked up a few novels while Lugh got a new sketchbook.

As the evening approached, they decided to take a slow stroll through the park before heading home. The golden hues of the sunset painted the sky, and the cool breeze carried the soft scent of blooming flowers.

Lugh stretched his arms and sighed. “This day was perfect.”

Seraphina nodded. “Yes, it was. I haven’t laughed this much in a long time.”

Lugh smiled at her. “Then let’s make more days like this. Just you and me, enjoying life.”

Seraphina wrapped her arm around his. “That sounds like a perfect plan.”

As they walked home, the bond between them felt even stronger. No matter what hardships they had faced in the past, they knew they would always have each other.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of crimson and gold, Seraphina and Lugh finally reached home. The warmth of the day still lingered in the air, but a soft evening breeze carried a refreshing coolness, making it the perfect time to unwind with a cup of tea.

Seraphina walked into the kitchen, setting down the shopping bags with a satisfied sigh. "That was a wonderful day," she murmured, stretching her arms.

Lugh plopped onto the couch, resting his head on the cushion. "Yeah… I wish every day could be like this," he said dreamily. "No worries, no stress. Just fun, shopping, and—" he sat up suddenly, his eyes lighting up, "—food!"

Seraphina chuckled. "Speaking of food, do you want something with our tea?"

Lugh thought for a moment before grinning mischievously. "Cookies. The ones you make."

Seraphina raised an eyebrow. "Didn't you just have a banana parfait, and now you want cookies?"

Lugh crossed his arms, pouting. "Hey, don't expose me like that! Desserts don’t count as real food."

Seraphina shook her head, laughing as she grabbed a container of homemade butter cookies from the pantry. She then put on the kettle, letting the scent of brewing tea fill the air.

A few minutes later, they both settled at the dining table, the soft clinking of tea cups and the distant chirping of crickets creating a peaceful atmosphere.

Lugh took a sip, humming in satisfaction. "Mmm… nothing beats your tea, Mom. It's always the best."

Seraphina smiled warmly, watching him with affectionate eyes. "I think it's just because you’re drinking it with me."

Lugh nodded. "That too." He dunked a cookie into his tea before taking a bite, then leaned back in his chair, gazing at Seraphina thoughtfully.

"Mom," he said softly. "Thank you… for today."

Seraphina tilted her head. "For what, sweetheart?"

Lugh shrugged. "For everything. For spending time with me, for laughing with me, for sharing your feelings with me… I just—" He looked down at his cup, swirling the tea gently. "I want you to know that you're never alone, okay? No matter what happened in the past, you have me. Always."

Seraphina felt her heart swell with emotion. She reached out, gently cupping his face. "Lugh, my love… You don’t know how much that means to me."

Lugh leaned into her touch, closing his eyes for a moment before chuckling. "Of course, I do. I'm your son, after all."

Seraphina laughed softly, taking another sip of her tea. The room was bathed in the golden glow of the evening lights, wrapping them in a cozy serenity.

After a moment of peaceful silence, Lugh suddenly grinned. "So… what do you think we should do tomorrow? Another shopping spree?"

Seraphina playfully flicked his forehead. "Oh no, mister! We just went today. Tomorrow, you’re helping me clean the house."

Lugh groaned dramatically. "Ugh… I should have stopped while I was ahead."

Seraphina smirked. "Too late for that."

Lugh sighed in defeat but then smiled. "Alright, alright. But only if you promise to make me pancakes for breakfast."

Seraphina chuckled. "Deal."

With that, they continued sipping their tea, enjoying the warmth of the moment, knowing that no matter what the future held, they would always find joy in the little things—together.

As the evening breeze drifted through the open window, Lugh leaned back in his chair, twirling his teacup in his hands. His gaze was steady as he looked at Seraphina, determination shining in his eyes.

"Hey, Mom," he started, his voice laced with a mixture of excitement and anticipation. "Can I start working at your company in the upcoming month?"

Seraphina, who had been taking a slow sip of her tea, sighed and set the cup down. She looked at him with motherly concern, already knowing where this conversation was heading. "Honey, we already talked about this," she said gently. "Don't put too much pressure on yourself for now."

Lugh let out a small chuckle, shaking his head. "I know, Mom, but I’m feeling perfectly fine now. I don’t want to rest anymore—it's boring." He leaned forward, placing his elbows on the table. "You always taught me that it's good to keep ourselves busy, to avoid laziness in life."

Seraphina tilted her head, a small smirk playing on her lips. "Yeah, I did. But I also taught you that we have to take breaks when our body needs them, to refresh and recover."

Lugh sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah, I get that… but this break has already taken over a month. I don’t feel like I need any more rest." His voice held a slight plea, hoping his mother would understand.

Seraphina exhaled, shaking her head. "Enough, Lugh. I don’t want to hear another word about this, okay?" She softened her tone, hoping to put an end to the discussion before he could argue further.

But Lugh simply grinned. "That’s why I said I’ll start from the next month."

Seraphina blinked, then chuckled as realization dawned on her. "Oh," she muttered, shaking her head. "I didn't listen properly. That’s about two weeks from today." She folded her arms, pretending to be deep in thought before finally nodding. "Okay, I guess I can permit you to work."

Lugh’s face lit up instantly. "Thanks, Mom! But…" He hesitated, glancing at her mischievously. "I also want another favor from you."

Seraphina arched an eyebrow, giving him a playful yet suspicious look. "I don’t know when you became so demanding like girls," she teased. "Go ahead, ask me."

Lugh smirked but quickly turned serious. "I want to work there secretly… like a normal employee. Without anyone knowing that I'm your son."

Seraphina's eyes widened in surprise. "What?" She placed her hands on the table, studying him intently. "But why? I mean, we are already normal people, but why do you want to hide that I'm your mother? What kind of wish is this?"

Lugh leaned back, a playful glint in his eyes. "It’s kinda weird, but I really want to do it. I’ve read about these things in a lot of light novels, and I’ve seen so many shows about it."

Seraphina narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "First of all, I want to know what kind of shows you’ve been watching lately."

Lugh burst into laughter, waving his hands. "Jokes aside, Mom, please let me do this." He leaned forward again, his voice now serious. "You know… by doing this, we’ll be able to understand how people really feel about the company. What do they think about you? About us."

Seraphina tapped her fingers on the table, considering his words. She had to admit, there was some logic behind his reasoning. "Well… it doesn’t sound like a bad idea," she admitted. "But I’m concerned about your safety. What if someone finds out and tries to use it against you? What if they try to harm you?"

Lugh reached across the table, gently squeezing her hand. His touch was reassuring, his eyes filled with unwavering trust. "Mom, as long as you’re with me, nobody will be able to harm me," he said confidently.

Seraphina sighed, defeated by the sheer determination in her son's eyes. "Alright," she said at last, shaking her head with a fond smile. "As long as you're happy."

Lugh’s face brightened, and he squeezed her hand once more. "Thanks, Mom! I promise I won't do anything that would upset you."

Seraphina chuckled, ruffling his hair. "You better not, mister."

And with that, the mother and son sat back, finishing their tea under the soft glow of the evening lights, knowing that no matter what path Lugh chose, Seraphina would always stand by his side.

Continue.....