"Mr. Mu, what are you doing here?" said Luke wonderingly. He was expecting Edward to be sitting at the table while having dinner in the dining room. However, why was he standing there grimacing in pain?
"Nothing. Go ahead, Luke," answered Edward between gritted teeth. He had made up his mind. He would conquer his wife in bed, otherwise, she would have the guts to kick or punch him as bold at any time.
"Are you sure you're alright?" concern was on Luke's voice. His glances lingered on Edward's face and didn't believe what the man before him just said.
I'm fine. Shut your mouth up and go. Eat." Now Edward was furious. Did he have to tell everybody about how his wife humiliatingly kicked him?
"Oh! Mr. Mu, be careful." With hindsight, Luke realized that maybe Edward was too embarrassed to tell anybody that he had been kicked and injured by his wife mercilessly at home.
"Just go!" shouted Edward contemptuously. It was amazing how Luke could frustrate him sometimes.
Edward watched Luke disappeared towards the dining room. It was only after making sure that Luke was gone that he hobbled towards the couch and sunk into it. He pulled the leg of his trousers up and saw a large bruise on his leg. It was evident that Daisy had vent all her depression on that powerful kick. She really didn't have any idea how to love and care for him as his wife. Thus, he just decided to remain on the couch, staring blankly and angrily to nothingness as he sabotaged dinner with them.
On the other hand, Daisy had been waiting for Edward to come to the dining table. It had been a while since she sat there. She was getting anxious while wondering whether she really injured him. Her kick might have been harder with her foot on a slipper. The whole family was waiting for him to eat dinner.
"Mommy, did you disable daddy?" asked Justin. He was also wondering why his Daddy hadn't appeared and joined them.
"No, it can't be that. I just kicked his leg. Since when has your Daddy become so weak and fragile?" answered Daisy. She got suspicious since she didn't look back at Edward nor check his bruise after she kicked him on the leg. She just went straight to the dining room after what she did.
"Oh! Mrs. Mu, it was you who kicked Mr. Mu. I saw him squatting down and grimacing," informed Luke. Luke could be such a naive boy sometimes. He sympathized with his Young Master and exaggerated Edward's response to the kick on the leg.
"I should go and check him." That was it. Daisy stood up and rushed to the drawing room to check on her husband.
Luke, did you just lie to Mommy? Daddy might not be a soldier but I know that he could bear more than just Mommy's kick," asked Justin. Teasing was on Justin's face as he looked at Luke, who looked embarrassed that time as his lie was exposed.
"No, I didn't. I really saw your Daddy suffering in pain when I came to the drawing room. If you don't believe me, go and see for yourself," answered Luke awkwardly. He hadn't realized that a kid could be so sensitive and smart until now. Justin easily saw through his trick.
"No need to do that. Uncle Luke, I know you too well. You will try to evade people's eyes whenever you lie. You can't lie to me though. You just tricked my Mommy to check on Daddy." Justin concluded with a huge smile. The little boy could be more sensitive and sensible than adults most of the times. That was why Luke couldn't tell a lie in front of him.
"Haha! Tricking my grandson isn't as easy as you think, Luke. Let's have dinner. Daisy and Edward should settle their disputes on their own," Cynthia finally butted in. She finally knew why Justin held her hand and almost dragged her to the dining room in haste. It turned out that Daisy was about to turn violent on Edward. However, it was her son that got hurt. Was it good for her to just sit there and leave her son to Daisy's care? Edward's reaction was automatic when he saw Daisy reentered the drawing room. He pretended to grimace in pain, closed his eyes, and leaned against the couch leisurely as he waited for Daisy to speak first.
"Edward, why haven't you joined us for dinner?" Although Daisy wanted to check her husband's injury, she didn't want to surrender to him or apologize first. Thus, she picked another topic to talk to him.
"Well. In this case, I'll leave you alone." Daisy turned around and pretended to leave just to see how he would respond. Although Edward's face didn't show much pain, he certainly felt uncomfortable.
No word came from Edward's mouth even after he heard his wife's remarks. He just sat there and ignored her completely, which astonished his wife. Edward knew confidently that Daisy wouldn't leave him until she got his injury examined. He believed that she loved him, although she might be unreasonable and willful sometimes.
"Quit being a kid, Edward! Answer my question properly," authority was on Daisy's voice. She lifted her foot and kicked his leg once again gently and slowly. She looked intimidating and beautiful as she hadn't changed from her uniform yet.
Haven't I told you my answer? I have no appetite." Edward yelled impatiently. He moved his feet away as his expression slightly changed. 'Is my wife trying to embarrass me in purpose? Doesn't she realize that she just kicked my injured leg? Does she want to examine my injury or aggravate it?' Edward's brain was in a rumble.
"Don't be a fool! Quit being arrogant and proud! Don't ask me nor anybody to prepare your food when you get hungry later," said Daisy. Edward's expression was clearly pointing out that she had kicked his injured leg again. He must be in pain though she didn't intend to kick him hard this time.
"I won't do that. Go away!" Edward gave a snort of contempt. However, he refused to open his eyes and look at her. Meanwhile, Daisy couldn't help but laugh as she saw how ruffled and mischievous Edward was. Now she needed to find a way to repair his damaged pride. She squatted down and then without a word, pulled his trouser leg up carefully. There was a large bruise on his leg. She inhaled deeply and felt ashamed that she accidentally caused her husband's pain by kicking him hard.
"Wait a second. I'm gonna go upstairs and fetch some medicine for you," said Daisy. She bit her lips and felt her heart ached. She wouldn't forgive herself if she really caused unbearable pain to her husband. They loved each other passionately. How could she do such a horrible thing to him just to vent her anger?
"No need to do that," answered Edward angrily. He felt wronged and consequently acted rashly. He wanted to take the chance and get Daisy back to the negotiating table. They had to decide on a compromise that she wouldn't turn violent at home whenever she was pissed off. Otherwise, she might induce irreparable damages to anyone.
"You can't tell me what to do or not," said Daisy. Then, she rushed upstairs. It was fortunate that Tom had brought back a lot of medicine for them and Daisy could use them conveniently if necessary.
It was only after Daisy was gone that Edward opened his eyes. There was wickedness and triumph on his face. He indeed felt a sharp pain in his leg, however, it was nothing compared to the joy he felt in his heart. It was such a sweet thing to feel Daisy worrying for him. It was clear that he had already occupied a huge part of her heart and mind. He was guilty of acting childishly. However, as far as he was concerned, it was needed in marriage to settle the disputes between a husband and a wife. Plus, he needed to save his face.
In a few minutes, Daisy walked down the steps with a medical kit in her hand. Instead of applying medicine to his bruise, she turned around and walked to the kitchen without saying anything to Edward. His smile instantly disappeared as he wondered what Daisy was about to do. Was she thinking of forcing him to apply the medicine to himself? Who was him to know, right?