Joyce settled next to Reuben and then patted the seat beside her. "Mom, sit here!"

I obliged and took my place next to her.

Turning towards me, Joyce whispered, "Make a wish."

I gazed at the flickering candlelight, closed my eyes, and silently wished.

'I hope Joyce gets better soon and we can always be happy.'

After opening my eyes, I blew out the candles with all my might.

Joyce immediately snuggled up to me, her tiny body almost clinging to mine. "Mom, what did you wish for?"

I was about to respond when Reuben, not wanting to put me on the spot, chimed in, "Joyce, if you say your wish out loud, it won't come true."

Unable to hide her disappointment, Joyce pouted. "Okay, then."

Seeing her cute, sulking face, I couldn't help but smile and cut her a small piece of cake. "Have some food first."

With her cheeks puffed, Joyce said, "But Dad says we shouldn't have sweets at night; it's bad for our teeth."

It was a clear tattle on Reuben but also an explanation as to why she shouldn't eat the cake.

I looked at Reuben, and he coughed awkwardly. "Today is a special day, so you can have a little."

"Yay!" With Reuben's permission, Joyce's mood instantly lifted. She grabbed a big piece of cake with her fork and stuffed it into her mouth.

Her eyes gleamed with happiness. "This cake is so yummy!"

After serving Reuben a piece, I finally cut one for myself.

Raising her cake, Joyce's voice was sweeter than the treat. "Cheers!"

Hearing her innocent proclamation, Reuben and I also raised our pieces, tapping them together in a toast.

Joyce continued enjoying her cake with glee.

After finishing the cake and the rest of the meal, which was not too spicy to accommodate Joyce and me, it was clear Joyce had thoroughly enjoyed her food. She even asked for seconds of the rice.

By the time we left the restaurant, Joyce's belly was visibly fuller. Once in the car, she leaned against me. "Mom, can you rub my belly? I think I overate."

I chuckled softly, gently massaging her little stomach as she closed her eyes in comfort.

Upon arriving home, Joyce had already fallen asleep.

I was about to carry her to her room when Reuben took her in his arms, whispering softly as if to not wake her, "Your health hasn't fully recovered yet. Let me do it."

Though his voice was still cool, his actions were incredibly caring.

Watching his retreating back, I couldn't help but recall my previous marriage...

I had often been unwell, but Leander always pretended not to notice.

Eventually, I got used to bearing everything alone, no matter how bad things got or how much I needed help.

Leander had never shown me any tenderness as his wife.

And now, here I was, just helping Reuben with Joyce in a mere employer-employee relationship. Yet, he was considerate of my health.

Suddenly, I felt a surge of emotions.

The difference between people can indeed be vast.

Back in my bedroom, I closed the door, and my phone rang.

Casually, I answered it.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

"Amara, you actually didn't go pick up Nigel?"