Awakened Housewife Ignore Betrayer's Begs (Scarlett) novel Chapter 705

By the time they arrived at Theron Manor, night had fallen completely. Streetlamps cast a soft glow over the neighborhood, and snow continued to drift down thick and steady, like feathery tufts from a pillow.

Eric stood beside the curb, bundled in a knit hat and mittens, watching as Damian unloaded items from the car.

When Damian pulled out a bag of fruit, Eric reached for it. "I've got it, Damian."

Damian handed it over gently. "Just tell me if it's too heavy—I can carry it."

Eric flashed a grin. "Don't worry about me. I'm pretty strong for my age. This is nothing."

Damian smiled warmly, though a hint of concern flickered behind his eyes. "You're growing up so responsibly, Eric. But remember—you've got your dad and me around. It's okay to let yourself be a kid sometimes."

Eric shook his head lightly, still smiling. "I like who I am now. Really, Damian, I'm fine."

Damian felt a swell of pride mixed with tenderness. Eric had lost his mother at birth, and Felix had raised him largely on his own. Aside from his father, only Damian and Zachary had been constants in the boy's life.

Growing up without a mother's affection inevitably left subtle marks on a child's heart. Even if Eric never showed it outwardly, Damian knew the boy held more inside than he let on.

Seeing Eric act so mature beyond his years stirred both admiration and a quiet ache in Damian's chest. He didn't press further, just ruffled Eric's hair softly. "Whatever comes your way, Eric, your dad and I will always be here for you."

"Thanks, Damian," Eric replied cheerfully, adjusting his grip on the bag.

"Alright," Damian said, his tone softening. "Let's head inside."

They gathered the wrapped gifts and made their way up the driveway. In the front yard, they spotted Nathan and Violet standing close beneath a shared umbrella, their attention fixed on their daughter.

Clara was darting about in the snow, trying to roll a snowball into shape for a half-built snowman. Nathan and Violet were so absorbed that they didn't notice the arrivals at first.

Clara turned toward her parents. "Mom, Dad, does my snowman look—" She broke off, her gaze shifting past them.

"Eric?" she said, tilting her head in confusion.

At the sound of her voice, Nathan and Violet turned around. Both paused in surprise when they saw Damian and Eric.

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