Chapter 38: Unwilling dinner
Chapter 38
It had been two days since he saw the twins. He quickly traveled out of the state to take care of some business that required his presence, and now he was back. He smiled, holding a small polythene bag. He had made a detour on his way to Katherine’s apartment to buy some goodies for the kids.
He bought toys, chocolate, and snacks he knew they liked. When he reached the apartment door, he smiled, exhaling. The apartment now felt like home to him. He felt like a husband who had gone out to work and was coming back home.
He couldn’t wait to see the surprised look on his family’s faces. He turned the doorknob and noticed it was unlocked, which was surprising. Aaron pushed the door open with one hand, the other balancing the package. He couldn’t wait to see the excited expressions on their faces—he lived for it.
He had texted Katherine earlier about dropping by, but she hadn’t responded. Well, she never minded when he dropped by unannounced.
Aaron walked in casually, hoping to be greeted by the kids buzzing—but stopped when he heard the sound of laughter drifting from the kitchen—Jasmine’s loud voice and Hanith’s soft chuckle. A smile automatically found its way to his lips as he tiptoed to the kitchen to surprise them. But that smile vanished immediately when his eyes saw the scene in front of him as he stepped into the kitchen.
Mathew stood at the cooker, sleeves rolled up to his arms, showing his bulging muscles, an apron tied neatly around his waist and neck. He was stirring something in a pan with ease—his face softened, which contrasted the look he always gave Aaron.
Beside him, Jasmine stood on a small footstool, spatula in hand, while Hanith sat at the edge of the counter, chewing something slowly with a dazed expression.
"Uncle Mat is the best cook in the whole world!" Jasmine declared, grinning widely.
Aaron’s shoulders stiffened at the statement, his fingers tightening slightly around the handle of the bag.
Katherine, who was settling the plates on the table, laughed lightly. "More than me?" she asked, a teasing edge in her voice.