Chapter 217: A Gift

"Claire, it's just the two of us. Why did you prepare a whole table of dishes?" Lucas Zeller raised a curious eyebrow as he glanced across the table at her.

"I finally got the chance to cook for you," Claire Grace replied with a warm smile, handing him a bowl of steaming soup. "You've been working so hard lately. Of course, I had to make a feast to show just how much I want to pamper you tonight."

"You're bold to say that," Lucas teased, taking the bowl from her hands. He pretended to be angry, his playful glare making her giggle. "Who was it earlier that turned me into a big bad wolf by the front door, only to run off just as I was ready to pounce? Do you know how frustrating that was? That kind of thing can't be good for a guy's health!"

"You're still upset about that?" Claire brushed her fingers lightly across his nose, grinning. "Such a grouch. Here, drink the soup—it'll cool you down."

"Wait, cool me down?" Lucas froze, the bowl halfway to his lips. His eyes narrowed suspiciously at the milky broth.

"What's with that look?" Claire crossed her arms, pretending to pout. "Are you afraid I poisoned it or something?"

"No, it's just…" Lucas trailed off, his expression turning mischievous. "Hearing the phrase 'cool you down' and seeing this milky soup reminded me of that time last year. You tricked me into drinking one of those so-called 'health tonics' and then—well, let's just say you got exactly what you wanted out of me."

Claire's face flushed crimson as his gaze lingered on her, his voice laced with mock innocence. "You're shameless for even bringing that up!" she retorted, flustered. "If you hadn't faked having an issue back then, I wouldn't have been stupid enough to fall for Lauren's terrible advice and give you that… stuff. Ugh, I still can't believe she tricked me like that."

Lucas burst into laughter, the memory clearly amusing him. Yet, as the vivid images replayed in his mind, his cheeks flushed slightly, betraying a wave of heat rising through him.

"You're laughing? Do you know how mortified I was?" Claire groaned, burying her face in her hands. "I drank the stuff by accident! You said I—ugh—I can't even repeat it."

"Claire," Lucas interrupted, his tone now playful but laced with curiosity. "This soup tonight… you didn't spike it, did you?"

"Of course not!" she shot back, flustered. "What kind of person do you think I am?"

"But it looks the same as that other time. Let me check if your soup is clear—" He leaned over to peer into her bowl, only to be met with a light punch to his forehead.

"Ow!" Lucas yelped, clutching his head dramatically. "Claire, you really hit me?"

"Don't overact. You're being ridiculous." She chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement as she began piling more food onto his plate.

"You're trying to fatten me up like a pig, aren't you?" Lucas muttered, eyeing the mound of food with mock horror. He gestured toward her empty plate. "Why aren't you eating? Lauren's belly is getting bigger because of the baby, but you're just getting thinner. You've lost so much weight."

Claire hesitated, her gaze softening. "I just enjoy watching you eat. Seeing you enjoy the food I make gives me a sense of accomplishment. It makes me happy."

Her words carried a wistful undertone, a fleeting sadness that Lucas immediately caught.

"In that case, I'll eat every single bite tonight to make you as happy as you can be," he said earnestly, his dark eyes locking onto hers. Picking up his chopsticks, he doubled his pace.

"Not so fast!" Claire reached out to stop him, her hand brushing his. "You're going to make yourself sick eating like that. I know you're trying to show me how much you care, but don't push yourself so hard. If you hurt yourself, I'll be even more upset."

Lucas set his chopsticks down, his expression turning serious. "I just want to see you happy, Claire. I want to give you everything—the best of everything. All I want is for you to live without worries, without sadness. I want every single day of yours to be filled with joy."

"Lucas…" Her voice cracked as her vision blurred with tears. She sniffled, her emotions overwhelming her.

Seeing her cry, Lucas felt a pang of distress. "Claire, I'm trying to make you happy, not make you cry. Do you think I'm lying to you?" He moved to her side, pulling her onto his lap. His large hand cupped her cheek as he whispered, "I love seeing you smile."

"You said something so cheesy. How could I possibly smile at that?" she teased, though her laughter broke through her tears. She leaned up to kiss him lightly. "You're getting braver and more stubborn, but you're also more cautious. You're always worried about upsetting me. If I stayed mad all the time, wouldn't I turn into an old hag? You'd probably leave me by then."

"Who said I'd leave you?" Lucas countered immediately. "If you're an old hag, I'll be an old man right alongside you. Beauty fades with time, but love only grows stronger. We'll always be together."

"Always?" Claire repeated softly, her voice tinged with doubt.

"Claire, don't you trust me?" Lucas sighed, a trace of frustration creeping into his voice. "It's hard enough being a man. Being a good husband is even harder."

"I do trust you," she murmured. Then, shifting topics abruptly, she asked, "When will the new perfume line hit the shelves? Now that the campaign's over…"

Lucas blinked, then smacked his forehead. "I almost forgot! Wait here, I've got something for you." He jumped up and headed toward the bedroom.

"It's not another piece of jewelry, is it? You know I don't like that stuff." Claire called after him, sighing. She would much rather have more of his time.