Lucinda couldnât help but burst into laughter.
It didnât escape her how Nathan tried to be delicate with his opinions so as not to hurt her feelings.
âWhat?â Nathan asked in a rush.
âDid I say something wrong?â
âNo, not at all.
â Lucinda took his right hand with both of hers and held it on her lap.
âThey said they wanted to go on a trip with us for a few days.
What do you think?â
Nathan paused for a moment.
âIâm swamped with matters at the National Security Bureau lately, so I may not be able to go on a trip right now.
â
âNo worries, Hilliard and Jennifer are feeling worn out and could use some rest before we embark on our journey together.
They can afford to wait for us,â Lucinda reassured him.
.
Observing Lucindaâs excitement, Nathan couldnât help but be curious.
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âYou seem particularly enthusiastic about this trip.
Arenât you concerned about the babies?â
Lucindaâs mind drifted back to their previous trip to Aldoria.
Her anxiety over the babies developing a fever spiraled out of control, leading her to lose her grip on her emotions upon their return to the hotel.
In a moment of distress, she inadvertently lashed out, striking Nathan.
Riddled with guilt, Lucinda sought solace in Nathanâs presence.
She enveloped his arm in a tight embrace, gently resting her head on his shoulder.
âI realize now that I was wrong during our time in Aldoria.
You managed both the business affairs and the babies remarkably well.
My worries were unnecessary, and for that, Iâm sorry.
â
Nathanâs dark eyes softened as he replied, âYou have nothing to apologize for.
Your struggle with bipolar disorder was evident then, and it clouded your judgment.
Your illness caused your emotional turmoil, and it was not your fault.
â
The more understanding he appeared, the heavier Lucindaâs sense of remorse grew.
Since their return from Aldoria, she had been grappling with numerous challenges, and only now did she find the opportunity to offer a sincere apology to Nathan.
âI even struck you with a clothes hanger last time.
How about⦠when we return home, you strike me back?â
Nathan was caught off guard by Lucindaâs proposal.
Strike his wife?
How could he bring himself to do such terrible things?
He stared at Lucinda, sensing the seriousness in her eyes.
It was clear that she wasnât joking about her proposal.
âIf you truly wish to make it up to meâ¦â His voice trailed off, a mischievous glint flickering in his eyes after a momentâs contemplation.
âWhen weâre back home, youâll comply with my every whim.
â
Lucinda caught the hint of mischief in his demeanor and whispered, âIs that the punishment you have in mind? Really?â
Suppressing a smirk, Nathan replied, âWhat sort of punishment do you desire then?â
âItâs your call! How can you leave it up to me?â
Nathan stopped the impulse to âpunishâ his beloved on the spot and concentrated on driving home.