Chapter 42: Operation “Win Back Lee”

Gen lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, arms spread out dramatically.

Lee had never been this mad before. Sure, she got annoyed all the time, but this? This was serious.

Alright, Gen. Think.

She turned her head slightly, watching Lee's back from across the room.

Step one: Apologize.

Gen rolled onto her stomach and peeked over the edge of the bed. "Lee?"

No response.

Gen sighed. "Baby?"

Still nothing.

Gen pouted. "Wifey?"

Lee let out a deep breath, but she didn't move.

Gen groaned. Okay, this is bad.

She climbed off the bed and tiptoed to the couch, kneeling beside it. She reached out and poked Lee's arm.

"Hey."

Lee shifted but kept her eyes closed. "Go. Away."

Gen clutched her chest dramatically. "Ah! A knife to my heart."

Lee ignored her.

Gen sighed. "Okay, okay. Look, I know you're mad. But I swear I wasn't trying to make things weird with your mom. I just—" She hesitated. "I just wanted to be close to you."

Lee finally opened her eyes, turning her head slightly. "And you thought that was the best way?"

Gen gave her an innocent smile. "It was worth a try?"

Lee glared.

Gen groaned and rested her forehead on the couch cushion. "Fine. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you."

Lee studied her for a moment, then sighed. "…I don't even know why I'm surprised. You're always like this."

Gen smirked. "Exactly. You should be used to it by now."

Lee rolled her eyes and turned back toward the couch. "Good night, Gen."

Gen frowned. "Wait, wait! So you're still sleeping here?"

Lee smirked. "Yep."

Gen gasped. "You can't just abandon me like this!"

Lee closed her eyes. "Watch me."

Gen pouted. "But the bed is cold and lonely without you."

Lee smirked against the pillow. "Sounds like a you problem."

Gen sighed, defeated. She sat beside the couch, resting her chin on the cushion. "Fine. Then I'll stay right here."

Lee peeked an eye open. "You're going to sleep on the floor?"

Gen nodded stubbornly. "If my wife won't let me in bed, then I shall suffer beside her."

Lee groaned. "You are so dramatic."

Gen smiled. "But you love me."

Lee turned back around, muttering under her breath. "Unfortunately."

Gen chuckled. Alright, maybe she's still mad, but at least she's talking again.

Step one: somewhat complete.

Gen woke up with a stiff neck. Sleeping on the floor had not been her best idea. She sat up, rubbing her sore muscles, and glanced at the couch.

Lee was still asleep, her face relaxed, her breathing steady.

Gen smiled. She's so cute when she's not mad at me.

But then she remembered—Lee was still mad at her.

Gen sighed. I need a plan.

She tiptoed out of the room, heading straight for the kitchen. If there was one thing that could soften Lee's heart, it was food.

The Breakfast Plan

Gen worked quickly, preparing Lee's favorite breakfast: soft scrambled eggs, toasted bread, and fresh fruit. She made sure everything was plated perfectly, arranging it neatly on a tray with a glass of fresh juice.

Alright, time for step two: the peace offering.

She carefully carried the tray back to the room. Lee was sitting up now, stretching her arms with a small yawn.

Gen grinned. "Good morning, beautiful."

Lee blinked at her. "What are you doing?"

Gen knelt beside the couch, placing the tray on the small table next to her. "Making it up to you."

Lee glanced at the food. "You made this?"

Gen placed a hand on her chest. "Babe, I'm a chef. Of course I made this."

Lee sighed. "You think food will solve everything?"

Gen smiled. "Not everything. But it's a good start, right?"

Lee hesitated before finally picking up a fork. She took a bite of the eggs, chewing slowly. Gen watched her like a hopeful puppy.

"…It's good," Lee admitted.

Gen smirked. "Obviously."

Lee rolled her eyes but kept eating.

Gen decided to push her luck. She scooted closer and rested her chin on Lee's knee. "Still mad at me?"

Lee ignored her.

Gen pouted. "Wifey, please forgive me."

Lee exhaled through her nose. "You're so annoying."

Gen grinned. "But you love me."

Lee finally looked at her and sighed. "…Yeah, I do."

Gen's heart skipped a beat. She said it!

She sat up, beaming. "So does that mean I can sleep in the bed now?"

Lee smirked. "No."

Gen gasped. "What?! But I made you breakfast!"

Lee calmly sipped her juice. "Try again tomorrow."

Gen groaned and flopped onto the floor. Winning Lee's forgiveness was going to take more than just food.

Time for step three… whatever that

Gen sat cross-legged on the floor, staring at Lee like a puppy who just got scolded.

Lee, still enjoying her breakfast, didn't even glance at her.

Gen sighed dramatically. "I cooked, I apologized, I called you beautiful, and you still won't let me sleep in the bed?"

Lee wiped her lips with a napkin and gave her a calm look. "Correct."

Gen groaned. "Babe, you're too stubborn."

Lee leaned back against the couch. "And you're too shameless."

Gen smirked. "That's why we make a perfect pair."

Lee scoffed but didn't argue.

Gen suddenly sat up straighter. "Okay, how about this—give me a trial night. Just one night, and if I do anything to annoy you, I'll willingly go back to the couch. No complaints."

Lee raised an eyebrow. "And what happens if you behave?"

Gen beamed. "Then I get permanent bed rights!"

Lee stared at her, considering the offer. Gen clasped her hands together in a silent plea.

Finally, Lee sighed. "…One night. No funny business."

Gen gasped dramatically. "You don't trust me?"

Lee gave her a look.

Gen chuckled. "Fair. But I promise, I'll be good."

Lee shook her head. "You better."

Gen grinned as she quickly grabbed her pillow from the couch. "Oh, wifey, we're gonna have so much fun!"

Lee pinched the bridge of her nose. "I'm going to regret this, aren't I?"

Gen winked. "Definitely."

As Lee sighed, Gen happily settled into the bed, feeling victorious. Mission: Convince Lee—Completed!