Chapter 1017: Spoiling Oka-san
Chapter 1017: Spoiling Oka-san
I kept her finger in my mouth for a few more seconds, sucking gently one last time before slowly pulling away. A thin strand of saliva briefly connected us before breaking. I looked up at her flushed face and said calmly, yet with clear affection, "Oba-san, could you please bring the first aid kit?"
Tomiko’s eyes widened as she noticed the blood. Haruna and Yuko also stepped closer immediately, their faces filled with worry.
"Mother, are you okay?" Haruna asked anxiously, her voice laced with concern.
"It’s just a small cut," Yuko added, though her tone carried clear worry. "Does it hurt?"
I turned to the two maids who had been assisting nearby. "Please take over in the kitchen for now."
The maids bowed slightly and replied in unison, "Yes, young master."
Kasumi’s blush deepened even further, her free hand lightly touching her warm cheek. "Jack... I’m really okay. It’s just a minor scratch. There’s no need to make such a fuss..."
I didn’t listen. I carefully pulled her out of the kitchen, my arm gently around her waist, and guided her toward the living room sofa.
Tomiko returned quickly with the first aid kit. I sat beside Kasumi, dipped a piece of cotton into disinfectant, and gently wiped the cut. She hissed softly at the sting, her face scrunching up adorably.
"Easy... it’ll only hurt for a second," I murmured reassuringly.
Once the area was clean, I applied some soothing cream and placed a small, neat bandage over her finger. "Oka-san... you really are quite clumsy sometimes," I said with a mix of affection and gentle scolding. "From now on, you are not allowed to set foot in the kitchen without me. I will cook for you. That’s final."
I then turned to Haruna and Yuko, who were still hovering nearby with worried expressions. "Haruna, what are you standing there for? Go bring some warm water for Oka-san. And Sister Yuko... please help massage Oka-san’s shoulders. She’s been working too hard."
Haruna nodded quickly. "Right away!" She hurried off toward the kitchen.
Yuko, though still a bit tense, moved behind her mother and began gently massaging her shoulders. "Like this, Mother?"
Kasumi smiled softly, though her eyes still carried traces of lingering sadness. She looked at me with quiet gratitude, her cheeks still faintly pink from earlier. "Jack... you’re spoiling me too much."
I returned her smile warmly, my voice full of sincerity. "That’s exactly what I intend to do, Oka-san. You deserve to be spoiled. After everything you’ve been through, let me take care of you, even if it’s just a little."
Tomiko, watching from the side, couldn’t help but smile gently at the sight of her sister’s softened expression. For the first time in a long while, Kasumi looked genuinely cared for and at peace.
Using my telepathy, I clearly heard Tomiko’s inner thoughts: [Jack... is really perfect. He’s bringing all of us closer together. Sister looks so happy right now... I haven’t seen her like this in years. Thank you... truly.]
I then shifted my gaze to Kasumi and gently tuned into her thoughts as well: [Today is the happiest day of my life... I am so happy. My daughters are finally back home, and Jack is taking care of me like a real son would... treating me with such warmth. I can see in his eyes that he truly loves Haruna. He’s not acting — it’s real. My heart feels so full.]
Feeling content, I excused myself and stepped back into the kitchen to oversee the maids as they finished the final touches on the meal.
Through the open doorway, I could see Kasumi, Tomiko, Haruna, and Yuko sitting together in the living area, chatting and laughing softly. The sound of their light laughter filled the house with a rare sense of warmth and normalcy that made my chest tighten with emotion.
Once everything was ready, I instructed the maids, "Please bring all the dishes to the dining table."
The dining table was special — a traditional low Japanese-style kotatsu table with a thick, warm blanket attached and a heater glowing softly underneath. It was a comfortable six-seater, perfect for intimate family gatherings like this.
I called everyone over warmly. "Alright, everyone, come sit together and let’s eat. No one eats alone tonight."
As we gathered around the kotatsu, I helped Kasumi settle comfortably, adjusting the blanket over her legs with care. I began serving food onto her plate with gentle attention. "Oka-san, tell me honestly — what do you like to eat the most? From now on, I’ll cook it for you whenever you want. I want you to look forward to meals again."
Kasumi looked surprised and slightly flustered, her voice soft. "How can that be...? I can’t ask you to do that. You’re already doing so much for us."
Tomiko chuckled softly and chimed in with a warm smile, "Sister loves dumplings with soup. That’s always been her favorite since we were young. She used to make them for me when I was little."
Kasumi shot her sister a playful yet embarrassed glare. "Tomiko... why are you bothering Jack like this? Don’t trouble him."
I smiled and shook my head gently. "It’s not bothering at all, Oka-san. In fact, I really want you to try my cooking. I hope it can bring you even a little happiness."
Kasumi hesitated for a moment, then nodded with a gentle, emotional smile. "Okay... but you have to teach me how to make it too." I knew deep down she wanted an excuse to spend more time with me and feel useful again.
I nodded warmly in agreement, my heart swelling at her quiet desire to connect.
As I continued serving, I noticed fresh tears glistening in Kasumi’s eyes. She tried to blink them away, but they slipped down her cheeks anyway.
Haruna noticed immediately and asked with concern, leaning forward, "Oka-san, why are you crying? Did something happen?"
Kasumi quickly wiped her tears with trembling fingers and smiled brightly through her emotions. "I’m just... happy. I’m so very happy right now. Having all of you here together... it feels like a dream I never thought would come true again."
Tomiko’s eyes also grew misty as she watched her sister, her voice thick with emotion. "Sister... seeing you smile like this after so long... it means everything to me."
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