marked by midnight: the enemy's heiress-Chapter 34 : Banana milkshake??

Then he looked at Mira, a familiar glint in his eyes.

"So," he asked casually, leaning back against the counter, arms crossed, "what would you like to eat, my dummy?"

She shrugged lightly. "I’ll go with some fruit."

"Fruit?" he repeated, amused.

She nodded and climbed onto the table beside the kids, reaching into the basket. She grabbed a banana and began peeling it slowly, listening to Ivy chatter beside her.

"Oh," Cassian said, watching her with interest. "So that’s your favorite fruit?"

She glanced at him briefly. "Not really. But it’s healthy. And I can eat it."

"Hmm. I see."

He kept his gaze on her, far too focused for his own good. His thoughts betrayed him instantly, drifting somewhere they absolutely shouldn’t, especially not now.

Get a grip, Cassian.

Kids. Kitchen. Morning.

He swallowed hard, forcing his expression neutral.

Mira noticed.

The faint tension in his jaw. The way his shoulders stiffened. The way his eyes flicked away too quickly.

And just like that, a mischievous spark lit up in her eyes.

She deliberately licks it without them watching as if it’s a popsicle, slow and unhurried, pretending not to notice him at all, though her awareness of him was razor sharp.

Cassian’s breath hitched before he could stop it.

"Oh shit..." he muttered under his breath, rubbing the back of his neck. "Get a grip."

She stole a glance at him this time, lips curving just slightly as she continued eating, far too calmly for someone who knew exactly what she was doing.

Cassian turned away abruptly, focusing on the counter, the fridge, anything but her.

The kids, blissfully unaware, continued sipping their hot chocolate.

Then Mira looked up again, this time meeting his eyes directly.

Cassian froze.

That was it. He knew it now, She was doing this on purpose.

He exhaled slowly, then walked over and placed both hands on the table, leaning in just enough to bring his voice low, but careful.

"You know," he said quietly, a smirk tugging at his lips, "I might give you something better than fruit later."

Mira raised a brow innocently.

"And what would that be, Mr. Cassian?"

Before he could answer-

"A milkshake?" Lucien asked seriously, looking up at him.

"Oh! Oh! I know!" Ivy bounced in her seat. "A banana milkshake!"

Cassian blinked.

Then he laughed, straightening immediately.

"Yes," he said, nodding firmly. "Exactly that."

He glanced at Mira, eyes amused now instead of tense. "See? Healthy ideas only."

"And you know," Cassian added casually, a teasing glint in his eyes, "your mommy hasn’t tried the banana milk I make. It’s delicious. She’ll definitely like it. I’m sure."

Mira nearly choked.

Lucien looked up immediately, eyes bright with curiosity. "Can you make that one for us too?" he asked innocently.

Mira whipped her head toward Cassian, cheeks burning red. "Cassian—are you trying to traumatize him?" she hissed under her breath.

Cassian burst out laughing, completely unbothered. "Relax," he said, shaking his head. "That one’s for elders only. Definitely not for kids."

Ivy pouted. "That’s not fair."

He crouched slightly to their level, grinning. "Tell you what. I’ll buy you both ice cream later. Big ones."

Both kids gasped.

"Really?" Ivy asked, already excited.

"Really," Cassian confirmed.

Mira sighed, shaking her head, though a reluctant smile tugged at her lips. "You’re impossible," she muttered.

Cassian only smirked, utterly pleased with himself as he relaxed back in the chair, arms crossed and satisfied.

Suddenly, Cassian’s phone rang.

He glanced at the screen. "Ryan."

"Hello, sir," Ryan said the moment the call connected. "We need you in the meeting today. We already delayed it yesterday, and these are foreign dealers. They might leave if we delay again."

Cassian sighed dramatically. "Is it really that important?" he whined, dragging out the words as if the idea personally offended him.

There was a brief pause on the other end.

Ryan narrowed his eyes. Something was very wrong. His boss never complained about meetings, never asked to delay work, and certainly never sounded... childish.

He almost chuckled.

"No, sir," Ryan replied firmly. "No delays. We need you in the meeting."

Cassian groaned. "Okay, fine. I’ll be there."

He ended the call and turned around.

"You’re leaving already?" Mira asked, her tone soft but disappointed.

"Yes," he said with a small sigh. "I have an important meeting today, so I have to go."

"So you’re going, Mr. Cassian?" Ivy asked, tilting her head.

"Yes," he said with a smile, ruffling both kids’ hair. "But don’t worry. I’ll be back soon. And if it’s not too late at night, we’ll play together."

The kids lit up instantly, nodding excitedly.

"Mira," Cassian said, turning to her, "can you come inside the room for a moment?"

She nodded and followed him.

Inside the room, he grabbed his watch, adjusted it around his wrist, fixed his hair, sprayed a little perfume, and tied his tie neatly. Mira leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, quietly watching him.

He turned toward her.

"If you need anything," he said softly, stepping closer, "just call me. I’ll leave the meeting and run to you."

She rolled her eyes. "You’re dressed like you’re going to propose to someone."

"Oh," he asked, arching a brow, "so that bothers you?"

"No, it doesn’t," she said quickly, looking away.

"Liar."

He pulled her closer without warning.

"Jealous?" he whispered near her ear, gently biting her earlobe.

A shiver ran down her spine.

She pushed his chest lightly. "I hate you."

"Mhm," he smirked. "I love you too."

They both laughed softly and walked back into the hall, where the kids watched him grab his coat.

He was just about to leave when—

"Wait!" Ivy called.

He turned back. "What is it, sweetie?"

Ivy immediately covered her face. "You can’t call me sweetie like that!"

Then she dropped her hands and said firmly, "If you’re my daddy, you have to kiss Mommy goodbye."

Cassian paused.

He looked at Mira.

Then he walked back to her, leaned down, and pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek.

"Bye," he said softly.

The kids erupted in excitement.

Lucien crossed his arms, looking mildly jealous, which only made Cassian and Mira laugh harder.

"I’ll be back, kids," Cassian said, waving as he stepped out.

And for the first time in a long while, leaving didn’t feel like walking away, it felt like coming back soon.