Chapter 142

Liam could only shake his head at their retreat. Turning around, he caught Celena's intense gaze, so straightforward it made him self-conscious.

"Is there something on my face?" he asked, touching his cheek.

Celena giggled behind her hand, her voice soft as she said, "Thank you, Liam."

His wife's gratitude brought a smile to his face. "You're my wife. It's my job to protect you, to keep the bullies at bay," Liam said.

He quickly added, "And I won't let anyone bully you ever again."

Celena blushed, her head bowed, her heart skipping like a deer in the woods.

That's when Jovie popped up, leaning in the doorway, a big grin on his face. "Hahaha, Dad, look! Mom's blushing! She's blushing!"

Celena, feigning indignation, chased after Jovie, "Oh, Jovie, you little fibber, you're going to get it now!"

Truth be told, Jovie wasn't the least bit frightened. With a mischievous glint in her eye, she launched herself into Liam's arms, giggling, "Oh no, Daddy, Mom's gonna get me!"

As she nest