Chapter 414 Could Be Commanded
Sophia held the kettle, looking at Alex, puzzled.
"Ms. Kelly, I got an urgent call. Mr. Lancaster will stay with the kids today. Can you make him a light lunch?"
"Mr. Lancaster had acute gastritis recently. The doctor said he needs to eat on time and watch his diet, or it could be serious," Alex said respectfully. "Thanks, Miss Kelly."
Sophia couldn't refuse Alex's sincere request. She was surprised, remembering how Gabriel used to show up daily before the kids' birthday but hadn't been around much lately. When he did appear, he looked pale. She thought he was just busy with work but realized he was actually sick.
"Alright."
Alex sighed in relief when Sophia agreed. He went inside to inform Gabriel and then left quickly, taking the only car.
Sophia went in and saw Gabriel playing with the kids, looking healthy, not like a patient. She decided to clean the house. The kids had tasks, but Gabriel had nothing to do but watching them.
Seeing Sophia move a chair to clean the kitchen windows, Gabriel walked in. As she stepped onto the chair, he grabbed her waist and lifted her off.
Startled, Sophia gasped, her heart racing. She slipped slightly as she landed, and Gabriel caught her, preventing a fall.
Sophia's face turned red, not from embarrassment but from fright. She clutched Gabriel's shirt, leaning against his chest. She felt his strong heartbeat and looked up, meeting his deep eyes.
At that moment, Sophia felt like she was sinking. She remembered saving Gabriel in Country M when he was unconscious from a beating. His eyes were injured then, causing temporary vision problems, but they were still deep, seemingly seeing through everything.
An unspoken tension grew between them. Gabriel stared at her lips, his Adam's apple moving as he leaned in to kiss her.
Sophia snapped out of her daze and pushed Gabriel away. She patted her chest awkwardly, trying to look fierce.
"What are you doing? You scared me!"
To Gabriel, her fierce look was cute, not intimidating.
Gabriel smiled slightly and picked up the fallen cloth.
"I'm here. Why didn't you ask for help?"
Sophia muttered, "Mr. Lancaster, I wouldn't dare ask you for help."
Gabriel said, "I'm the kids' father. You can ask me for help."
Sophia didn't know what to say. She could get along with Gabriel for the kids' sake but refused to be close with him.
Since Gabriel was willing to help, she had no complaints. Free labor was always welcome.
Surprisingly, Gabriel, usually pampered, was great at housework, like he'd done it a million times.
Seeing her confusion, Gabriel said, "I lived on my own abroad."
Sophia stayed silent.
Gabriel added, "I hired a cleaning company. They'll come once a month for a deep clean."
Before she could respond, he quickly said, "You can still do chores with the kids."
He liked Sophia's parenting style, enjoying chores with the kids while teaching them hands-on skills.
The Lancaster family had many servants, but everyone could fend for themselves.
Previously, because Sam was sick, Gabriel hadn't pushed him to learn these skills. Now, following Ethan and Emma, Sam had picked up many things and was much happier.
But Sam still wouldn't talk.
Gabriel didn't know Sam had started talking to Ethan and Emma.
"Sam, why don't you want to talk to Daddy and Mommy?" Emma asked quietly.
Sam tilted his head, unsure himself, but he just didn't want to speak, nor did he dare to.
Seeing Sam's mood drop, Ethan comforted him. "It's okay. Whether you talk or not, Daddy and Mommy will love you, and so will Emma and I. We'll always be there and protect you."
Sam smiled, secretly determined to overcome his inner fears.
Sophia was making lunch in the kitchen, and when Gabriel tried to help, she shooed him out.
The doorbell rang, and Gabriel went to see who it was.
Seeing the person outside, Gabriel raised an eyebrow.
"Hey, who is it?" he asked, pretending not to know.
Jake stood at the door, clenching his hand but smiling at the camera.
"Jake."
"Sophia's busy and can't come to the door. You should leave," Gabriel said with a hint of mischief, his tone deliberately ambiguous.
"It's okay. I'll wait outside until she's free."
With that, Jake stood aside and waited quietly.
Gabriel returned to the living room to watch cartoons with the kids.
Sophia brought the dishes to the table, checked the time, and then texted Jake.
Sophia: [Where are you?]
Jake: [At your door, waiting for half an hour.]
Sophia quickly went to open the door.
"Why didn't you ring the bell?"
"I did," Jake said, feeling a bit wronged. "Mr. Lancaster said you were busy and couldn't come to the door, so I had to wait outside."
Sophia had invited Jake for a meal today. Seeing Jake's aggrieved look, she felt embarrassed and awkward.
She hadn't expected Gabriel to do that.
He kept surprising her.
"Sorry, I..."
"It's not your fault, Sophia. I got to enjoy the scenery of Harbor Bay," Jake said, subtly criticizing Gabriel but not blaming Sophia.
Jake smiled, showing his white teeth, his eyes curving in a way that made people feel comfortable.
Sophia said, "I'll make it up to you next time with some delicious food."
"Sure!"
Inside, Jake's eyes met Gabriel's, and it seemed like sparks flew between them. Soon, Jake looked away.
"Sophia, let me help you."
Jake went to help Sophia with the food, being so obedient and diligent that Sophia couldn't help but like him.
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