CHAPTER 256: CHAPTER 256: THE WARMTH OF EVERYDAY LIFE

The man’s dark eyes gazed deeply into hers, and unexpectedly, Tanya saw a hint of pleading in Declan’s eyes.

Tanya was stunned on the spot, at a loss for what to do.

"Declan..."

Her throat felt dry as she called his name, not knowing what to say next.

Declan said softly, "I never disliked you. If I ever made you feel that way, I apologize again."

He just never knew how to approach the princess who was meant to live in a castle.

In front of her, he felt like the little beggar dragging a garbage bag, wandering in front of the castle gate again.

Because he was too insecure, he became sensitive and strange.

"..."

Tanya was momentarily stunned; Declan’s emotions were deep and heavy in his eyes, his presence so palpable that it felt like the air around them was saturated with his essence, giving Tanya the illusion of suffocating.

She never expected that one day, the solitary and aloof boy from her memory would stand before her, bow his head, and say in an almost humble manner: "Pity me..."

"Declan, why have you done so much for me?" Tanya’s voice trembled slightly. "Don’t tell me it’s simply because you liked me back in college! How could such a fleeting feeling sustain you for so many years? Watching me get married and have children, managing my mother’s grave after my marriage, taking care of my grandfather, and even recreating the Sinclair Family’s old house exactly as it was..."

Counting all the things Declan had done for her, Tanya was left in awe.

And as for her, within the span of seven years, she had nearly cast Declan entirely out of her mind... This disproportionate affection, the deeper it was, the more it made her want to escape the insurmountable guilt.

"Declan... I never liked you, why?"

Declan quietly gazed at her. "There’s no reason."

Tanya never had feelings for him, and he had always known that.

"You don’t need to feel sorry, Tanya. Not liking someone isn’t something you need to apologize for." Declan’s voice was gentle, as if he were speaking of a trivial matter. He said, "As long as you don’t hate me, it’s fine."

"..."

Tanya suddenly looked up, seeing the man’s dark, tranquil eyes, as if he could calmly catch all her emotions.

Declan’s gaze softened, and he said gently, "Tanya, I’m not that noble, I have my own selfish desires."

Without permission, he had once privately regarded her as his faith, holding onto her for dear life...

"Mom, I want some apple juice..." Caden had run over at some point, and his youthful voice lightened the atmosphere in the kitchen.

Tanya turned her face away, quickly gathering her emotions.

"Alright, Mommy will get you some."

She walked towards the refrigerator opposite her, and Declan courteously stepped aside to let her pass. His gaze then met Caden’s, who was standing at the kitchen door.

One big, one small—their eyes met in a stare-off.

Though small, Caden’s aura wasn’t weak.

"Uncle Pierce, were you bullying my mom just now? If you’re bullying my mom, I’ll kick you out!"

Before Declan could respond, Tanya had just taken out the apple juice from the fridge, and hearing this, she almost choked on her own saliva.

"That’s not the case, Caden."

"I wouldn’t dare to bully your mom, she bullies me more." Declan chimed in, casting a sidelong glance at Tanya, meaningfully saying, "You didn’t see when she slapped me. It was a hard and loud strike."

Tanya: "..."

She knew that Declan would hold a grudge.

Caden widened his eyes in surprise, his curiosity piqued. "Mom, you actually hit Uncle Pierce? When did that happen?"

Mom was so skinny, and this Uncle Pierce was tall and seemed difficult to provoke. His five-year-old mind couldn’t fathom the gentle mom raising her hand to hit Declan.

Declan probably didn’t remember the slap he received when he was drunk and tried to kiss her; he was likely referring to the time when he spoke ill of Vincent Hawthorne...

Looking back at her once naive affection for Vincent, it seemed like a dark past to Tanya now.

She didn’t want to revisit it.

"Caden, go back to your room and do your homework. Mommy will call you when it’s time to eat, alright?"

"Okay..." Caden was still full of curiosity, reluctantly glancing back at Declan.

Declan said, "Go on, I’ll tell you about your mom’s glorious past someday."

"Great~" Caden’s eyes sparkled with expectation.

Tanya was somewhat speechless; after Caden left, she warned Declan, "Don’t tell Caden any nonsense."

Declan smiled and teased her, "Which part? The time you slapped me twice?"

Tanya was a little startled and realized, her pupils shook, "You remember?"

That night on the sports field, Declan... wasn’t drunk?!

Looking at Tanya’s embarrassed expression, Declan lowered his head and chuckled but didn’t continue the topic.

"Let’s go out, it’s smoky in here."

Tanya was ultimately too embarrassed to let Declan, a guest, cook: "Let me give you a hand."

Declan: "Help me tie the apron."

Tanya picked up the apron, and while Declan was slicing vegetables, she stepped forward with no intention of taking it. Tanya held the apron strings with both hands, passed them over his front, and tied them around his waist.

"Just start the rice cooker." Declan instructed her on the last task.

Tanya cooked the rice, finding there was nothing she could help with. At that moment, her phone, which she left outside, rang. She walked out to get it and couldn’t help but glance back.

Declan’s tall figure lost its sharp edge, confined in the kitchen, but he seemed so well-suited to the mundane atmosphere.

Gathering herself, the call came from Zane Shaw.

Tanya picked up the phone while heading to the balcony.

"Lawyer Shaw."

"Ms. Sinclair, I’ve checked Sean Lynn’s accounts according to the direction you provided, and there are indeed major issues. Economic crimes plus incitement to murder—by combining the charges, based on the current evidence, I’m confident we can get him ten years to start with."

Zane stated calmly, "I just went to talk to Sean Lynn again, and this time he finally relented, saying he’s willing to accept the terms you’ve proposed and meet with you to seek your forgiveness as the victim’s family, hoping to get a reduction in his sentence."

Looking at the night sky and distant neon lights, Tanya said calmly, "Alright, Lawyer Shaw, please arrange a visitation time."

"Okay, I’ll accompany you then."

"Alright, thank you for your hard work."