Evelyn's sobbing cut off abruptly. She froze, tears still streaming down her face, her eyes wide with shock.
Even Lucas stood stunned, a flicker of guilt flashing through his gaze before he could mask it.
"Husband, can I get up now?"
I looked up, my expression soft and submissive. "The project Dad assigned has just started. He's old, and I don't want him to worry."
"Huh?" Lucas blinked, snapping back to reality. His voice dropped. "Get up. Hurry and go work."
The fire in his eyes extinguished instantly.
Evelyn wanted to escalate the situation, but I had already knelt and apologized. I had robbed her of her momentum. She had no choice but to swallow her frustration.
Lucas carried her out of the room. I sat back in my office chair and returned to my unfinished work as if nothing had happened.
Not long after, Lucas returned.
"Why did you hit her?"
I glanced at him but didn't argue. I simply stood up and lowered my head like a child caught stealing candy.
"Do you know how heartbroken she was?"
"If she's still not satisfied, I can go apologize again." My absolute obedience left Lucas with nowhere to vent his anger.
"Did you *really* hit her?" Skepticism crept into his tone.
"I didn't..."