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By the time Arthur and Lily got home, it was the afternoon.
Harry accepted their enthusiastic invitation to stay for a lavish dinner. Once again, Lily's culinary skills left the pure-blooded Americans in awe, filling them with longing for that ancient nation renowned for its exquisite food culture.
After seeing Harry off, Arthur returned to the kitchen to help Lily clear the dishes.
He found her staring blankly at a bowl. Curious, Arthur wrapped his arms around her from behind. 'What's wrong?'
"I can hardly believe it..." Lily rubbed her face. "Do we actually own a villa and a manor now?"
Arthur nodded. "That's right."
Since Harry arrived, Arthur hadn't been able to let him leave empty-handed. Although he ultimately declined Harry's generous offer of a house, with Harry's help, they managed to secure an impressive villa.
The villa's greatest advantage was its proximity to Lily's workplace.
This led Lily to lament, "Working a job that pays three thousand a month and living in a villa worth tens of millions, why do I feel like even the villa's servants earn more than I do each month?"
Arthur pondered for a moment and suggested, "Then we could just not hire any."
Lily nodded instinctively, then retorted, "Does that mean I'd have to clean everything myself?"
Arthur merely smiled, earning a playful glare from Lily. In truth, he was already considering plans for a complete renovation and smart home upgrade of the villa.
He figured that Tony could probably draw up the entire plan in an hour; it shouldn't be too complicated.
Of course, after buying the villa, Harry had strongly urged them to purchase a sprawling estate as well.
Though located further out, the estate boasted vast acreage, fertile land, and abundant greenery.
Arthur and Lily both felt that, while the estate might not be ideal for everyday living, it would be the perfect place to unwind completely.
Harry was responsible for hiring staff to manage the estate's daily chores and expenses, with Arthur footing the bill, of course.
Lily felt a little dazed; it was as if an ordinary girl like her had suddenly become incredibly wealthy.
"I still can't quite believe it..." Lily looked up at Arthur. "Do you know what I want to do most right now?"
Arthur pondered for a moment. "Pinch yourself?"
"Of course not! I've already done that."
"When?" Arthur asked. "How did I miss it?"
"I pinched myself secretly..." Lily blushed. "What I really want to do is quit my job and become an estate owner or even a farmer."
"...A great idea! Should we do it?" Arthur said with a smile. "With our wealth, even if you live lavishly, we'll never run out of money."
Lily paused, then set down her bowl and turned to face Arthur directly. "Hmm, how do I put this... I've never considered us separate entities. I've always believed that what's yours is mine and what's mine is yours because we belong to each other. But I'm still worried that if I completely immerse myself in this lifestyle, I might lose my sense of self. Of course, this could just be my way of excusing my fear of change now that I've grown accustomed to this life. But right now... I hope I can accept all of this more calmly. I don't even know what I'm saying anymore! I suppose I just need time to adjust my mindset. Otherwise, it'll be hard for me to accept the fact that my boyfriend suddenly announced he's a billionaire."
"That's perfectly clear and understandable," Arthur said while smiling as he reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind Lily's ear. "You have complete autonomy over your choices. However, I believe that a person's true self doesn't change with wealth, whether it increases or decreases. People often can't ignore the external factors that influence their perception of themselves. I respect and fully understand your feelings. But I want you to understand that none of this truly matters."
"Then what does matter?" Lily asked, gazing intently at Arthur.
Arthur replied earnestly, "What matters is that you're by my side and that I'm here to protect you."
Lily gently bit her lip, leaned close to Arthur's ear, and whispered something softly.
As soon as she had finished speaking, she pushed him away abruptly and fled like a whirlwind.
"I want to have your child."
Arthur stroked his chin, suddenly chuckled, and called out, "You can't go back on your word now!"
It seemed as if Lily had buried her head under the pillow; her voice was muffled as she said, "I didn't say anything! I just... I just wanted you to do the dishes."
Arthur glanced at the chaotic mess in the sink, torn between laughter and exasperation. "Alright, you win."
After tidying up the dishes, cutlery, and Harry's special utensils, Arthur wiped his hands and was about to head back when Hank called again.
He explained that the prototype suit needed one more crucial component that they couldn't acquire.
Arthur relayed the message to Natasha, suggesting that he could bring the part over when he visited the next day.
Hank showered him with gratitude while Arthur, with a mischievous grin spreading across his face, walked back into the room.
As if sensing his approach, Lily peeked her head out from under the pillow, glanced at Arthur, and immediately blurted out, "Stay calm!!"
"If I could stay calm at a time like this, I'd start to think there was something wrong with me," Arthur said, collapsing onto the bed and pulling Lily into his arms.
Lily burst into laughter, rolling with Arthur across the mattress. When he finally pinned her beneath him, she blushed and protested, "I was just joking earlier! How could you take me seriously?"
"And what if I did take you seriously?" Arthur asked, gazing intently at her.
Lily pursed her lips, closed her eyes and, with mock martyrdom, declared, "Then what can I do? I'm just a weak woman. I can't possibly resist a superhero like you. I'll have to let you have your way with me."
The last few words were barely a whisper. Their breathing deepened and, for a moment, silence hung in the air.
Outside, the moon shone brightly, and the sky was filled with stars. Inside, the room grew warmer, bathed in the glow of spring.
(End of Chapter)
I am translating some new fanfiction (Haikyuu- Starting From Volleyball). Read it and support me.
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