Written Off as Trash, I Activated My Hidden Queen Mode novel Chapter 403

"Nicole, when are my mom and dad coming back?" Frederick asked. He had always wanted his parents to take them here.

She patted his head sympathetically. "They'll be back for the New Year."

"Oh," Frederick replied, a flash of disappointment crossing his face.

"Frederick, listen. When they get back, I'll make sure they take you and Kenneth to every single landmark in Azure Peak City. I promise."

"Really?"

"When have I ever lied to you?"

"Then you have to come too," Frederick insisted. "I don't want to go out with two busy people who just stare at their phones the whole time."

"I'll be there," she promised.

They settled in to watch the show, gasping in awe at the stunts. Every so often, Jasper and Nicole would catch each other's eyes, their faces glowing with shared happiness. During the interactive segment, a dolphin gave Kenneth a "kiss." He laughed excitedly and reached out to stroke its head.

"Nicole, look! It's so well-behaved!"

Nicole leaned in while holding him, and the dolphin pecked her cheek. Her smile was as warm and bright as the sun. Jasper crouched down with Frederick, and the dolphin made its rounds, kissing all four of them in turn.

The resident photographer caught the moment perfectly—all four of them beaming with joy. Jasper made sure to buy the photo.

"Jasper, can we go to the underwater tunnel next?"

"Lead the way," he replied.

He spent the rest of the afternoon taking them through every last exhibit in the aquarium.

By the time they headed back, both Kenneth and Frederick were fast asleep. Jasper carried them both in his arms.

"Jasper, let me take Kenneth," Nicole offered.

"It's fine, it's just a short walk."

Nicole watched him, a faint smile playing on her lips, her affection for him written plainly all over her face. Once back in the car, they looked at the two sleeping boys and shared a knowing smile.

When they arrived at the Shaw residence, Jasper carried the children all the way back to their rooms himself.

"Jasper, are your arms sore?"

Honestly, he felt fine, but he nodded with a playful grin anyway. Nicole began to gently massage his muscles. He watched her intently, his gaze heavy with an almost overwhelming amount of love. Sensing his eyes on her, she looked up and gave him a bright, beaming smile.

He leaned in close to her ear, his voice low and melodic. "Babe, this red dress is like a flame. I think I'm catching fire."

Nicole met his intense, predatory gaze, her heart skipping a beat. "I... I have ice water in the house. Do you need some? I could always pour it over you."

She was rambling, and her flustered response made Jasper let out a short laugh. He reached out to pinch her cheek affectionately. "Nicole, how did the world end up with a girl as cute as you?"

He couldn't help but pull her into his arms. To Nicole, it felt like embracing a furnace; she felt like she might go up in smoke any second.

Just you wait, Nicole.

"For what?"

"You looked too handsome just now. I couldn't help myself. Since you're going to be taking a cold shower anyway, what's a few more seconds of rinsing?"

Before he could react, she grabbed his collar and pulled him down. Their lips met, and the tiny spark between them instantly flared into a blaze. Jasper's eyes widened. Just as he was about to deepen the kiss, she pulled away and bolted toward the house.

"Don't catch a cold!" she yelled, waving over her shoulder.

Jasper tugged at his collar, undoing the top two buttons to let the night air hit his skin as he walked to his car.

Tease me and then run away, huh?

Just let her grow up a little more, and then I'll show her.

*****

On Sunday morning, Nicole spent some time in the kitchen making a fresh batch of sandwiches.

"Nicole, these are amazing!"

Despite growing up on a diet of delicacies, Frederick always had a soft spot for her simple home cooking. Beside him, Kenneth nodded in vigorous agreement, his mouth too full to speak.

"You guys are just being nice," Nicole teased.

"No, they're really good." Frederick's eyes drifted to the extra-packed container on the counter, shining with curiosity. "Nicole, is that for Jasper?"