Chapter 522 Ruining the Atmosphere
"It's so bad," Diana said, her eyes all sparkly and upset. Birthdays were a big deal for her. "If I'd known it was Lon's birthday, I would've totally come back to celebrate with him."
Nothing beat celebrating Lon's birthday.
"How about we throw Lon a belated birthday bash?" Diana suggested.
"Nah, no need," Louis shrugged. Birthdays weren't his thing. "We can do it next year."
"It's not the same. Next year he'll be six; this year he's turning five." Diana felt more and more guilty. She started to act all cute, hugging Louis. "Come on, please."
Louis just pursed his lips and looked at her.
Diana kept up the cuteness, "Louis."
"Mom and Dad will be back in two days," Louis reminded her. "You haven't finished the homework Dad gave you. If you go play with Lon, you'll get in trouble when Dad gets back."
Diana hesitated. Benjamin was usually chill, but when it came to punishments, he was serious.
Even Daphne couldn't step in.
"Lon's gonna be at the same school as us after the break," Louis shared some news. "You can make it up to him then."
"Really?" Diana's eyes lit up.
"Yep," Louis nodded.
"How do you know all this?" Diana was curious.
She'd gone to Lon's house with him today. How come she didn't know anything?
Louis gave her a look and said, "When you're with Lon, do you even listen to what others are saying?"
"Louis!" Diana pouted.
Louis didn't respond.
Today, while they were visiting Lon, Louis had chatted with Hestia.
During the convo, he found out that she and Gilbert had decided Lon and his twin brother Noe would join their kindergarten next semester.
And the kicker? Noe looked exactly like Lon.
Louis was super curious about Diana's reaction when she met Noe.
"Still wanna make up for Lon's birthday?" Louis asked.
Diana thought for a sec and shook her head. They'd see each other soon, so it could wait.
Avoiding Benjamin's punishment was top priority!
Two days flew by. While Diana was busy with piano and drawing, Daphne and Benjamin came back.
As soon as she saw them, Diana ran over with her tiny legs, her voice all cute. "Mom, Dad!"
She rushed into their arms, and they hugged her tight.
Just as she was about to give them a kiss, Benjamin's lazy voice cut in. "Did you finish the homework I gave you?"
"Dad!" Diana looked at him, annoyed.
Benjamin just hummed, raising an eyebrow.
Diana pointed out, "Don't you think asking that ruins the mood?"
"Kissing and hugging now, and getting punished later, doesn't it ruin the mood?" Benjamin tapped her forehead, his tone a mix of indulgence and lecture.
Diana threw herself into Daphne's arms. "Mom, I got some awesome news!"
"What is it, sweetie?" Daphne asked, all patient and stuff.
"I met this boy named Lon. He's super cool," Diana's eyes sparkled. "He can cook and bake cakes; he's amazing."
"Really?" Benjamin chimed in.
Diana nodded eagerly. "Yes, yes!"
"Will he help you dodge punishment later?" Benjamin had already guessed she hadn't finished her homework.
Why was Benjamin such a buzzkill?
Diana snuggled deeper into Daphne's arms.
Benjamin pulled her out gently, his voice smooth and casual. "If you haven't finished your homework, even your mom can't save you."
"Mom!" Diana reached for Daphne again.
Daphne held her close. "Don't scare her."
Benjamin's lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes full of mischief.
He leaned in, his warm breath tickling her ear, his voice low. "We can't spoil her. If you want to protect her, will you take her punishment this time?"
Daphne's body stiffened, her ears turning red.
She quickly gave up the idea of defending Diana. If Diana didn't finish her homework, she'd just have to stand or miss out on playtime.
If she took the punishment, it would be way worse.
"Come here, let me check your homework," Benjamin said, heading towards their study area.
Diana felt a pang of guilt. "Mom..."
"It's okay, go ahead." Daphne patted her head. "If you haven't finished, explain to Dad why. He's reasonable."
Diana poked her fingers, nervous. "He's just too reasonable."
Because he was reasonable, he stuck to the rules.
"Mom, come with me," Diana said, testing the waters.
Daphne agreed and followed her.
It turned out Diana had been slacking off.
Seeing her half-done homework, Benjamin's expression darkened.
He sat there, legs crossed, his long fingers flipping through her work, lips pressed together in silence.
Diana was scared when he got like this.
"Explain why you didn't even finish your favorite drawing?" Benjamin's tone was low, his face stern. "This was something you wanted to learn."
"I was playing with Eddy and Lon." Diana poked her fingers, head hanging low.
Benjamin raised an eyebrow, about to speak.
Diana's eyes welled up, and she choked out, "Dad, I'm sorry."
"Nice try," Benjamin said calmly, seeing through her act.
"Dad!" Diana got anxious, realizing her trick didn't work.
Benjamin looked at her, waiting to see what she'd say next.
Daphne was waiting too.
Just then, Louis walked in.
Diana's eyes lit up.
Benjamin saw through her plan instantly, his voice deep and slow. "No one can help you this time."
"It's my fault for not watching her. If there's a punishment, I will take it," Louis said, stepping in.
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