Toph dashed out but halted abruptly, his usual carefree grin replaced by a somewhat serious look.
Lina was puzzled. "What's the matter?"
Toph forced a smile and replied, "I... I don't think I'm going after all."
Lina asked, "Why?"
"Well, Arya knows how to get back, and we're not in the middle of nowhere. She can always call a taxi, and the
Bayers won't let her travel alone. Even if she doesn't call a cab, there will be bodyguards to pick her up... I-I don't
need to worry about her!"
Zuko caught the hint. He understood that Toph's past relationship with Renee had left him emotionally scarred,
nearly preventing him from loving again.
However, life had to move forward. Toph couldn't spend his whole life dwelling in that shadow.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtToph avoided their gazes, saying, "Come on, give me the little princess. You two can go on your date or do whatever
you want. Leave the baby to me. You can rest easy! Haha!"
He took Persephone from Lina's hands. The little one cooperated exceptionally well, not crying or fussing. She just
looked at her uncle with big, cute eyes and her fingers in her mouth.
Zuko softly sighed and shook his head.
Lina quietly asked him, "Do you think... he and Arya have a chance?"
"Let things unfold." Zuko smiled faintly. "Toph is currently focused on his career, and that's a good thing. He needs
to learn to grow up."
-
In the evening, Lina received a message from Lena, letting her know she was safe. Lina couldn't help but smile.
"From the timestamp, it seems like she sent this yesterday," she said, looking at Zuko. "But I only received it today.
It shows that the signal over there isn't very good."
"Anyway, they won't be gone for long," Zuko commented as he tousled her hair. "Can't you even wait for a week?"
"That's true, I do miss Lenny when she's not around."
"Hmm?" Zuko turned to her, their foreheads touching, and brushed his nose against hers. He teased, "You're saying
you miss someone else in front of your husband?"
Lina giggled. "You're being silly."
"Sometimes, I envy the relationships between you women."
Lina nestled in his embrace, her fingers lightly tapping on his chest.
Zuko inhaled her scent. Considering she had just given birth, she had become even more plump. Since she was still
breastfeeding, she had a faint trace of a milky scent...
He felt a stirring within him and hugged her tighter. It was one of those late, quiet moments at night.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmThe desire between them seemed to awaken, starting to stir.
"Honey..." Zuko gently held her as they lay on the bed.
Lina understood his intentions. Her cheeks turned slightly red, but she couldn't deny she also missed him. Her hands
slid onto his broad shoulders, and she gently kissed the corner of his lips.
Encouraged, Zuko acted swiftly.
However, just as they were about to reach the most crucial moment, a loud cry suddenly echoed from the crib
beside them.
Zuko froze, and Lina was also surprised. She immediately pushed Zuko, who was above her, and rushed to the crib
to pick up Persephone, gently comforting her.
Zuko's slow movements revealed reluctance and helplessness. He took his time to sit up, retrieved his clothes from
the floor, and sighed deeply.
"What's wrong with this little one again?" he asked with a wry smile.