Chapter 205: Just How Many Should We Have?

Claire Grace stepped out of the car, her eyes filled with a mixture of curiosity and confusion.

"Lucas, why are—" she began but was swiftly interrupted.

"Didn't we agree to use 'husband' and 'wife' when there are no acquaintances around?" Lucas Zeller teased as he approached her, slipping an arm around her shoulders and raising a playful eyebrow.

"Fine, *husband,*" Claire replied with a grin, rolling her eyes. "But why are we at this luxury jewelry store all of a sudden?"

"Because I have something to give you." He gently guided her inside.

"Welcome!" A sales associate greeted them warmly, her professional smile impeccable.

"What are you planning, exactly? I told you I wanted to visit Lauren at the hospital," Claire pressed, allowing him to lead her while her curiosity got the better of her.

"Didn't I promise you a wedding? Coming to a luxury jewelry store is, of course, to choose everything we'll need for it—including our wedding rings," Lucas explained, his eyes scanning the display cases with purpose.

Claire looked up at him, confused. "Didn't we already buy the wedding rings? Why would we need new ones?"

"Because those were different. When I bought them, my mindset wasn't the same as it is now," Lucas replied with a calm certainty.

"And how is it different now?" Claire asked, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Lucas chuckled softly and tapped her nose. "You already know the answer," he said, before turning to the store manager. "Bring out your newest limited-edition sets, please. Full collection."

"Of course, sir. One moment," the manager replied, her expression brightening at the prospect of such a significant sale. She quickly instructed her team to assist.

Once the sales staff had stepped away, Claire sidled closer to Lucas, her small frame pressing gently against his chest. "Come on, tell me. How were your feelings different then compared to now?" she asked again, her tone teasing yet earnest.

Lucas leaned in, lowering his voice just enough to make her cheeks flush. "Wife, don't be so sentimental in public. You're making it hard for me to resist," he said, his dark eyes glinting with unmistakable affection as he glanced at their close proximity.

"Stop it, you flirt!" Claire whispered, her voice laced with both shyness and reprimand. She turned away, her face glowing with warmth.

Lucas let out a quiet laugh, capturing her chin gently with his hand and guiding her gaze back to him. "Back then, I was choosing jewelry to fulfill my mom's wishes. But now, it's because I love you. I want you to have everything a happy woman deserves. Whatever others have, I want you to have more. Do you understand?"

Her heart swelled at his words. "Lucas..." she murmured, her eyes shimmering with emotion. "What if I get used to you treating me so well? Then what?"

Lucas stroked her hair with tender affection. "Silly girl, it's not about getting used to it. I wasn't good at showing you how much I cared before, but now I'm making up for it. From now on, I'll spoil you even more—and the baby you're carrying will be just as cherished."

"But what if you spoil me so much that I become unbearable?" she asked, the thought of losing his affection someday causing a fleeting pang of worry.

"I'll spoil you until you love me even more, not until you become unbearable," he said with a chuckle, pressing a soft kiss to the crown of her head. "Besides, I enjoy spoiling you."

She giggled, her fingers absentmindedly brushing against her belly. "What if the baby's a girl? She and I will team up to keep you on your toes!"

Lucas smirked, his expression suddenly thoughtful. "Then why don't we have two daughters and two sons? A perfect balance."

Claire's laughter burst forth as she pretended to scold him. "Do you think I'm a pig? Four kids? Really?"

Before Lucas could respond, suppressed chuckles from the store staff echoed around them. Claire's eyes widened as she realized they weren't alone in their playful banter. With a mortified squeak, she buried her face in Lucas's chest, shielding herself from view.

"Claire," Lucas murmured, trying to stifle his amusement. "Hiding won't help. You walked in here without a mask. Everyone knows what you look like already."

"I don't care. I'm not buying anything. Let's just go home," she mumbled into his chest, refusing to budge.

Lucas sighed, patting her back soothingly. "Come on, pick something you like, or the staff is just going to laugh more."

The suppressed laughter from the staff proved his point, causing Claire to groan in frustration. Reluctantly, she allowed herself to be coaxed back into the task at hand. After much deliberation—and half an hour of persuading her to leave his arms—they finally selected a complete set of jewelry and left the store.

As they drove away, Lucas brought up his earlier suggestion again. "You know, having four kids isn't a bad idea. It's like the saying: 'Spring, summer, autumn, and winter—fortune all year round.' For someone in business, that's auspicious."

Claire shot him a playful glare. "Why stop there? How about six for 'smooth sailing,' or ten for 'perfect ten'?"

Lucas's grin widened mischievously. "If you're willing, I wouldn't mind a 'perfect ten.'"

Claire rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress a laugh. "Seriously? Ten kids? What next, forming a basketball team or playing bridge with three full tables?"

Lucas immediately picked up on her exasperation and softened his tone. "I was just joking. One is enough. You're already doing so much," he said, reaching over to hold her hand.

Claire fell silent, touched by his thoughtfulness. Yet, a glimmer of resolve sparked in her eyes. If this was his way of showing love, maybe she wouldn't mind giving him just a little more.