I Slapped My Fiancé—Then Married His Billionaire Nemesis novel Chapter 382

**The Attention 382**

**Chapter 382: Minnie and Mickey**

The days that followed unfolded in a gentle rhythm, punctuated by the soft beeping of machines and the muted conversations of nurses.

I found solace in the ward, where the sterile scent of antiseptic mingled with the faint aroma of flowers from the few visitors who dared to bring them. Whenever I felt a flicker of energy return, I made my way to see Maple and Captain Crunch, my heart heavy with an unshakeable sense of duty.

Ashton’s words echoed in my mind, a persistent reminder of the truth I had come to dread. Each time I approached Captain Crunch, if my attention wavered even for a moment, her cries would pierce the air, sharp and demanding. It was as if the very essence of her being was tied to my presence. Consequently, I found myself tethered to her side, while poor Maple, serene and composed, was left to his own devices, the quiet child often overlooked in the chaos.

Returning to the ward, a wave of guilt washed over me, settling in my chest like a heavy stone. I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was somehow failing my son, leaving him in the shadows while the world revolved around his sister.

A week passed, and with each day, my strength returned. The twins, too, showed signs of stability, and finally, the day came when we were discharged and could return home.

Once we stepped into the villa, the dynamics shifted sharply. It was as if the walls themselves were aware of Captain Crunch’s temperament. The moment we dared to divert our attention from her, she erupted into a symphony of loud, dramatic wails that echoed through the halls. My heart ached for Maple, who remained calm and quiet, his demeanor a stark contrast to his sister’s tempestuous nature. Naturally, I gravitated toward him, fussing over him in an attempt to compensate for the neglect he didn’t deserve.

Yet, Ashton had his own inclinations. He always scooped up Captain Crunch first, cradling her in his arms as she melted into a contented smile, her earlier cries forgotten in an instant.

Frustration bubbled within me. “Ash, please! Stop coddling her like that. The more you indulge her, the more she’ll expect it!”

He hesitated, his brow furrowing in contemplation before he nodded, reluctantly agreeing to my plea. He began to lower her back into her cot, reaching for Maple instead. But just as he did, Captain Crunch’s wails erupted again, louder and more insistent than before. Ashton froze, caught in a moment of indecision, while I cast a defeated glare at my daughter, feeling utterly powerless.

That night, it became clear that no one could soothe Captain Crunch but Ashton. Not even the seasoned professional nanny could calm her down. The moment she was removed from her father’s embrace, her cries would crescendo, her tiny face turning a deep shade of red as she trembled with distress.

Ashton, unable to bear her anguish, kept her nestled against him, refusing to relinquish her to anyone else. In the end, he found himself changing her nappy and feeding her, a task he took on with a mixture of love and exasperation.

At the hospital, she had slept soundly in her incubator, but once we crossed the threshold of our home and Ashton held her for the first time, something shifted. It was as if a silent pact had been formed; she had chosen her father as her sole protector.

After a whirlwind of chaos, she eventually drifted off to sleep in our room, her tiny body finally at peace.

I made the decision to have Maple sleep there as well. It wouldn’t be fair to exclude him simply because he was the quieter of the two.

Thus, the cots were moved into our bedroom, and as they settled in, the space felt suddenly constricted, as if the walls were closing in on us.

Captain Crunch, after having her fill, fell asleep soundly in her father’s arms, transformed from a tiny demon to a serene angel, her earlier cries fading into the background.

Ashton laid her down carefully in her cot, mindful of the summer heat. Even with the air conditioning humming softly, he covered only her little tummy with a light blanket, ensuring her comfort.

Her tiny feet twitched in her sleep, and she smacked her lips a few times before surrendering completely to slumber.

“Agreed. I’m going to take a shower now. Keep an eye on Minnie for me, and call me if she wakes up,” Ashton said, already beginning to unbutton his shirt as he headed toward the bathroom.

My protest trailed after him. “What about Mickey? Why don’t you ask me to watch him as well?”

“Mickey’s an angel. He doesn’t need watching,” he called back over his shoulder, a teasing lilt in his voice.

Propping my head on one hand, I gazed at the two cots on Ashton’s side of the bed. The arrangement was telling; the cot closest to the wall belonged to Minnie, while Mickey’s was positioned nearer to the outside. It was clear: if Ashton woke in the night, Minnie would be the first one he reached for.

About ten minutes later, Ashton emerged from the bathroom, a towel draped around his neck. He walked over to check on Minnie first, feeling the back of her head and her neck, ensuring she wasn’t sweating or cold. Satisfied, he did the same for Mickey.

Once he was content with their well-being, he climbed into bed beside me, the mattress dipping under his weight.

“What’s on your mind?” he asked, noticing the pensive look on my face.

“Nothing,” I replied, reaching out to wrap my arms around his waist, resting my head against him.

He pulled me closer, his voice teasing. “Are you feeling jealous?”

I couldn’t help but smile at his playful tone, the warmth of his presence enveloping me like a comforting blanket.