You don't need to act like a gentleman," she said, but she let him help her anyway.
"I'm not acting," he said softly.
They walked inside together. Kulture was placed gently on her bed, tucked in and kissed by both parents.
When Leo straightened up, Daisy turned to leave — but he caught her hand. Not tightly. Just enough to ask her to stay.
"Let's start over…" he whispered. "No more hurting. No more misunderstandings."
Daisy hesitated. Her heart had been bruised too many times. But seeing the earnestness in his eyes… part of her wanted to believe again.
"Okay," she breathed.
Leo's smile widened — slow and relieved. He leaned forward, brushing a soft kiss on her lip.
"Thank you, Daisy."
She didn't pull away this time.
That night they slept together peacefully
Sunlight streamed through the curtains as Daisy slowly opened her eyes. For once, she wasn't waking up to pain or fear… just warmth.
A soft giggle echoed from the hallway.
"Kulture?" Daisy rubbed her eyes and stepped out of bed carefully.
What she saw made her heart flutter—
Leo was in the kitchen, sleeves rolled up, hair slightly messy, with Kulture sitting on the counter wearing a tiny apron. Her chubby hands were dusted in flour.
Leo turned and smiled when he saw Daisy.
"Good morning, sleepy head."
"You're cooking?" Daisy raised a brow.
"Trying to," he corrected with a grin.
Kulture proudly held up a pancake that was… very questionable.
"Mama! Look! Daddy made round bread!"
Leo laughed. "It's a pancake, princess."
Daisy covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. "It looks… unique."
"Oh? You think you can do better?" Leo smirked playfully.
"Of course I can."
She moved closer, brushing past him to grab a pan — but Leo leaned in, whispering near her ear:
"Be careful. I might fall in love again."
Her heart skipped. "You talk too much, Leo."
"And you blush too easily, Daisy."
Kulture banged a spoon loudly. "Daddy kiss Mommy!"
Daisy choked on air. "Kulture! Eat your pancake!"
Leo laughed, full and genuine.
"See? Even our daughter ships us."
Daisy tried to stay annoyed, but she couldn't stop smiling.
The tension between them wasn't painful anymore — it felt warm, sweet, hopeful.
Leo flipped a pancake perfectly this time.
"Look. I'm improving," he said proudly.
Daisy leaned her elbow on the counter and whispered, soft but honest:
"Maybe we both can…"
Leo turned, his eyes locking with hers — gentle and full of promise.
Daisy finished plating the pancakes, pretending to ignore Leo's eyes following her every move.
Kulture was happily munching, completely unaware of the tension building between her parents.
Leo leaned closer, arms folded.
"You know," he murmured, "you missed me."
Daisy scoffed. "Please. Don't flatter yourself."
"Oh really?" Leo stepped closer, his voice dropping low.
"Then why did you agree to come back without a fight?"
"I came back for Kulture," she corrected.
Leo nodded slowly.
"Right… but you stayed for me."
Daisy froze for a second — and that was all the confirmation he needed.
He grinned wickedly.
"You did miss me."
"No. I didn't."
She stepped back.
He followed.
"You did."
"Did not."
"You did."
He tapped her nose lightly.
Daisy pushed his finger away, cheeks heating.
"You're delusional."
Leo bent slightly, whispering near her lips:
"If I kiss you right now, you'll melt."
Her heart jumped — she quickly grabbed a pancake and shoved it into his mouth.
"Eat and shut up."
Leo chewed, still smirking with victory in his eyes.
"What flavor is this? Love?"
Daisy glared.
"Next time I'll poison it."
"I'll gladly risk it," he said, stepping behind her to wrap an arm gently around her waist.
"For you? Always."
Kulture clapped loudly.
"Mama is blushing again!"
"Kulture!!" Daisy covered her face, embarrassed.
Leo only chuckled, tightening his hold slightly as he whispered:
"I'm going to make you fall for me all over again… slowly."
Her pulse raced — and she hated that he noticed.