"Mommy, I love seeing our family like this," James said suddenly.

Elise paused for a moment.

"Like what?"

"The three of us together," James explained naturally. "Going shopping, cooking dinner, and eating together."

Elise pressed her lips together.

She didn't know how to respond to James.

"Don't you like it too, Mommy?" James blinked his innocent eyes at her.

"Of course." Elise smiled in agreement. "Mommy loves whatever Jamie loves."

"Mommy, you're the best person in the whole world! I love you!" James said sweetly.

Elise wondered how someone as reserved and serious as William could raise such an expressive child like James.

After dinner, Elise busied herself washing dishes.

William had offered to help, but she firmly declined. She clearly didn't want him getting too close.

The father and son sat together on the sofa. James suddenly asked with seriousness, "Daddy, how much longer until you win Mommy over?"

William had been watching Elise in the open kitchen when his son's question pulled his attention. He turned to look at James.

"I can't keep pretending much longer."

William couldn't help but chuckle.

James acted completely different around Elise compared to his usual behavior at home.

"If you don't succeed soon, I won't be able to help you anymore," James complained.

"I'm doing my best."

William had no defense against his son's criticism.

"Is it really that hard to chase girls? So many girls at my school like me. I don't even have to try," James said sulkily.

He had always held his father in high esteem. Why was William so slow about this one thing?

"I used to think that too, until I met your mother," William explained. "Everyone has their weakness. Do you understand?"

"No, I don't."

"You will when you meet the right person."

"That won't happen to me," James declared confidently. "So many girls like me already. When it's time to get married, I'll just pick one and that's it."

William didn't bother arguing.

What did children know about love? Besides, James might actually be lucky enough to find his perfect match among his admirers, unlike William, whose path was much more complicated.

When Elise finished the dishes, she returned to the living room to find James having an intense conversation with William.

William showed no signs of leaving. She glanced at her watch. "It's getting late. You should head home. Jamie and I are going to bed soon."

"Alright."

William nodded unexpectedly cooperatively.

Elise walked him to the door.

"Thank you," she suddenly said to him.

William looked slightly surprised.