Written Off as Trash, I Activated My Hidden Queen Mode novel Chapter 404

"It is."

"Nicole... do you like him?"

Nicole paused for a second, a small smile playing on her lips. "And what do you know about 'liking' someone?"

"It means you want to get married."

"I suppose you could put it that way."

"Is he going to be mean to you?" Frederick asked, his expression turning serious.

"No, he won't."

Frederick nodded solemnly. "If he ever picks on you, I'll hit him."

The housekeeper, pouring more milk for the boys, gave a fond smile. "Frederick, you're far too small for that. You couldn't beat him."

"When I grow up, he'll be old," Frederick countered. "I'll definitely be able to take him then."

Nicole laughed, her expression softening like a warm spring breeze. "By the time Frederick grows up, I'll have one more person to protect me."

"Me too!" Kenneth piped up through a mouthful of food.

Nicole pulled him into a hug, gently wiping the crumbs from his face. "You two be good in your lessons today. If you are, I'll bring you back some burgers tonight, okay?"

"Deal!" Both boys beamed.

When Nicole headed out, she handed the container to Jasper. "Here—breakfast, made with love."

Jasper had already eaten, but he found himself finishing every bite anyway. "Is there anything these hands can't do?" he asked, taking her hand and kissing the back of it.

"I have plenty of talents," she replied.

"Oh? I'm looking forward to seeing them."

A flicker of confusion crossed Nicole's eyes before the implication hit her. She balled up her fist and gave him a light, playful shove against his chest. "You're terrible."

"What did I say?" He looked back at her with such feigned innocence that Nicole felt a flush of embarrassment.

What is wrong with my brain? Where do I even get these ideas?

Jasper stifled a laugh.

She was far too easy to tease.

As he leaned toward her, Nicole's eyes widened before she slowly let them flutter shut.

"Seatbelt," Jasper whispered.

Nicole snapped her eyes open. "...I knew that!"

She looked out the window, trying to steady her racing heart. Jasper watched the deep crimson creep up her cheeks, a doting smile tugging at his lips. He reached out and playfully tapped her burning face with his knuckle.

"Are you driving today?" she asked, trying to change the subject.

"Just got my license. Thought I'd take you for a spin."

She nodded, her eyes brightening. "Are you scared?"

Nicole shook her head. "Not at all. I trust your skills."

He gave her cheek a lingering, affectionate squeeze. "I hope you always trust my skills."

Nicole looked at him, feeling lost again.

Was she overthinking things again? Probably.

Jasper started the car, and they headed to the mall.

"Oh my god! We got it!"

In her excitement, she spun around to face him. They were so close their breaths mingled. "Jasper, you're amazing!"

Jasper leaned down slightly and pressed a kiss to her forehead.

Blushing, she turned back around. "Let's keep going!"

He rested his chin on her head, right against that little bun, feeling a surge of affection. He was so head-over-heels that he even adored the stray strands of her hair.

They burned through half their remaining tokens on the next one, but when the prize finally dropped, the thrill hadn't faded at all. By the time they were finished, Nicole had every single doll she'd pointed out.

She clutched the bag of prizes to her chest, looking completely radiant.

"These two Donald Ducks are for Amelia. Let's head over to Cross's place—but we should pick up some of her favorite snacks first."

"Whatever you want," Jasper said.

He took her hand, and once they'd gathered everything they needed, they drove over to see Cross together.

At the Cross villa, Nicole didn't waste a second. As soon as she saw Amelia, she ran over and pulled her into a tight hug.

"I've missed you so much, and it's only been a day!"

Amelia smoothed back Nicole's long hair and gave the little bun on top of her head a playful tap. "Careful—Jasper's right there. Aren't you afraid he'll get jealous?"

"Let him," Nicole joked. "I know how to handle him." She took two Donald Duck plushes from Jasper and held them out with a flourish. "Ta-da! For you."

"Are these from the arcade?"

"Yep."

Amelia raised an eyebrow and nodded approvingly. "Your skills are definitely improving."