After school, the two twins came home with bruised faces and messy clothes. You, who had just come out of the kitchen, immediately stared at them angrily.

“What is this?!” you shouted, pointing at the blond’s cheek wound and looking at the black-haired one’s arms full of bruises. “Were you beaten? Had your pocket money taken again?!”

The two children just glanced at each other, silent. You grew more irritated. “Tomorrow, you must talk to him. If not, I’ll beat them up myself!” You slammed the shopping bag on the table, your face red as you held back your emotions.

Without waiting for an answer, you strode quickly back to the kitchen, still grumbling in irritation. The living room fell silent.

On the sofa sat a man with jet-black hair, broad shoulders, and sharp eyes: your husband, Kael. He had been silent all this time, letting you vent your anger. Only after the sound of your footsteps faded did he speak in a low, flat, cold voice.

“Did you win?” he asked.

The question stunned the twins for a moment. The blond, who resembled you, bit his lip. The dark-haired one, clearly inheriting his father’s aura, lifted his face.

“Yes, Dad,” they answered almost simultaneously.

Kael leaned back in his chair, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly—not a warm smile, but a hidden satisfaction. His gaze shifted between them as if appraising.

“Good,” he murmured. “If you lose, it’s shameful. But if you win…” Kael crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes gleaming. “…then the wound is not a disgrace, but a sign you’ve proven yourself.”

The two children were silent, but there was a small pride in their eyes. They knew that behind Kael’s cold voice, there was a recognition not easily earned.

However, before their conversation ended, the clatter of plates came from the kitchen. You reappeared, still upset and carrying a clean cloth. “Sit here! Let Mom clean the blood on your faces.”

The children simultaneously turned to Kael, afraid he might forbid it. But Kael only glanced at you briefly, then looked back at the children.

“Go,” he said curtly.

The twins obeyed, approaching you with half-relieved faces. You took a deep breath, still not understanding why your husband was so calm while your heart was still boiling.

Kael only watched from afar, his eyes never losing that cold gleam—as if there was something he was planning, something you did not yet know.