Saying that, he turned and ran off.
Noah stood up, his gaze following the small figure. Before he could look away, he saw Clara walking over.
Their eyes met.
"What did Felix tell you this time?" Clara walked in, casually picking up a piece of freshly cut melon and popping it into her mouth.
"Nothing much, just pressuring me to get married," Noah didn't hide it. "He thinks I'm too slow and is worried the pilot will steal you away."
Clara stopped chewing, her ears turning slightly pink. "Simon and his big mouth definitely taught him that."
Noah smiled but didn't comment.
The first time Felix said "Papa," he was shouting at Peppa Pig's father on the TV.
Noah happened to be nearby, and instinctively picked the child up and responded.
Clara, who was folding clothes nearby, paused for a few seconds but didn't correct him.
From then on, the dynamic settled.
Over these four years, the two had one heart-to-heart.
At that time, Noah said, "I'm in no rush."
Clara understood what he meant. He was willing to give her ample time, to give her the courage to accept an intimate relationship again.
She walked over and stood by the sink to help him rinse the plates, the water rushing noisily.
"I didn't plan on meeting that pilot," she said, head down, her voice blending with the sound of the water. "I told Selene not to set me up anymore."
Noah turned to look at her.
Clara handed him a washed plate and cleared her throat lightly. "How should we cook the crabs tonight? Steamed or spicy garlic fried?"
Noah looked down, his voice tinged with happiness. "Steamed. Felix can eat it that way."
At dinner time, Clara's parents returned from their walk, and the family gathered around the dining table.
They chatted about the recent weather in Heron Bay and Felix's preschool options.
"By the way, Clara," her mother said while peeling a shrimp for Felix, "the agent from Brighton City called a couple of days ago. The tenant in our old house wants to renew the lease. Same price, three years paid upfront."
"Let them renew it then," Clara said. "If someone is willing to pay a high price, we aren't losing anything."
They had left in a hurry, so the house was fully entrusted to the agency.

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