Chapter 73 Helping Hand

I froze for a moment, caught off guard. Then, out of nowhere, Gary dashed up to me. "Mom." His voice was soft, almost hesitant. A warmth spread through my gaze as if I truly were his mother, just for a moment. Instinctively, my eyes flickered toward Lucas, who was busy in the kitchen. A strange heat brushed across my face. If this were really my married life, how wonderful would that be? Even at the height of William's love for me—even when we were newly married—he had never once cooked a meal for me. I stepped into the kitchen, intending to help. But in my carelessness, my wrist brushed against the sizzling pan. "You okay?" Lucas dropped the spatula immediately, grabbing my hand without hesitation. The urgency in his expression made my heart skip a beat. "I'm fine," I said, attempting to pull my hand back. But he held on firmly. "Come rinse it under cold water." The icy stream rushed over my skin, soothing the stinging burn. Yet, strangely, my heart began to warm. "What h