Chapter 285: We’re Just Elementary Schoolers
“Gemma, try this.”
Noah eagerly pushed a dish toward Gemma.
His favorite–baked lobster.
Also Gemma’s favorite.
“Gemma, I swear, nothing tastes as good as what you make.”
“But don’t get me wrong–I’m not saying you should cook. It’s just that from now on, I’ll be the one cooking for you. I’m gonna be a top chef.”
Gemma playfully tapped his nose.
“You’re such a sweetheart. But if you like it, I’ll make it for you.”
“But I don’t want you to get tired.”
Noah said it with absolute sincerity.
Shawn, watching from the side, was stunned.
“They say you are who you surround yourself with,” he whispered to Thea.
“This kid’s what–how old? And he’s already mastered noble etiquette and sweet talk like a pro.”
Thea didn’t get it. “Isn’t he just adorable? What’s wrong with that?”
Shawn was even more shocked.
“You seriously don’t see it? This is a battle.”
Thea frowned. “A battle? Over what?”
“One’s trying to win her heart. The other–her stomach.”
“And once you have both, there’s no escape.”
Shawn sighed inwardly.
As expected, no one ever slips through Cassius‘ fingers.
His methods? Unparalleled.
He sighed again.
“How is it even fair for one man to have it all? I’m officially jealous.”
Thea looked confused.
1
“Mr. Smith, I have no idea what you’re talking about. I think they’re just getting along fine.”
“Ms. Kelestine likes him, and Mr. Cassius respects her choices.”
“What’s there to compete over?”
“…Wait, are you talking about Marcus?”
The moment she mentioned her ex, her face darkened.
“He’s not even worth discussing. Let’s not bring him up.”
“There’s no way Ms. Kelestine would ever go back to him.”
“He’s a total jerk.”
Shawn blinked.
He’d better shut his mouth.
Hit the wrong button!
After dinner, Gemma and Cassius had plans to go archery shooting.
Thinking just the two of them might be a little dull, Gemma invited Shawn along.
“Archery?”
Shawn grinned. “Gem, you’re about to witness the real–life Oliver Queen in action.”
Thea raised a brow.
“Wow, impressive. You’re what? Arrow Man?”
Shawn, “…Gorgeous, could you just compliment me for once?”
Thea shrugged. “I was just being nice.”
Setting
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Chapter 285: We’re Just Elementary Schoolers
Gemma burst out laughing.
Noah clutched his stomach, cackling.
“Thea! Uncle Shawn’s target is an apple!”
Thea & Gemma, “…”
Shawn, oblivious, looked proud.
“Admit it, you’re impressed.”
Noah covered his mouth, giggling.
“Oh yeah, super impressed.”
Shawn poked the chubby little cheek.
“You know, that sounded kinda sarcastic.”
Noah tilted his head, grinning.
“Well, if that’s how you wanna take it, there’s not much I can do.”
Shawn, “…”
It felt like a little kid just looked down on him.
But there was no proof.
Thea patted him on the shoulder.
“Mr. Smith, I’d love to see that perfect skill of yours. Think I could learn a thing or two?”
Shawn lifted his chin, full of himself.
“You ever heard of the national archery competition?”
“Yeah, what about it?”
“Well, my skills are basically on par with the champion. Teaching u would be a piece of cake.”
Thea gave him a thumbs–up.
“Oh yeah? So if I learn from u, does that mean I’ll be unstoppable?”
Shawn snapped his fingers.
“Guaranteed!”
Thea ran off to change.
Noah nudged Gemma, who was watching from the sidelines.
“Gemma, let’s go too! I wanna shoot arrows.”
Gemma turned to Cassius.
“I don’t know how.”
Cassius glanced at her. “You can pick a teacher–me or Shawn.”
Gemma didn’t hesitate.
“You, obviously.”
Shawn just didn’t seem all that reliable.
Cassius‘ lips curved slightly.
“Alright.”
Noah had his own little bow and arrows.
*Uncle, I’m going to meet my archery coach!”
He took proper archery lessons with professional instructors.
Cassius nodded approvingly.
Smart kid.
Since it was Gemma’s first time, she had the full set of protective gear on–looking kinda clunky.
Meanwhile, Cassius was just in his sportswear, calm and composed.
The archery range was empty.
They had it all to themselves.
Shawn was hyped up as a coach, teaching by shouting at full volume.
Thea… was making very slow progress.
Shawn was starting to lose his mind.
Setting
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Chapter 285: We’re Just Elementary Schoolers
Gemma stared at her own reflection, feeling a little overwhelmed.
“Cassius, what if I can’t even pull the bowstring?”
“I’ll teach you.”
“I dunno… I don’t think I have any talent for this.”
“I don’t either.”
Cassius positioned her properly and, without hesitation, placed his hands on her shoulders.
“This isn’t about talent.”
“It’s about willpower.”
Gemma looked straight ahead.
The targets blurred together.
“What kind of willpower?”
Before she could finish her sentence, she felt him step closer.
His hands moved to her wrists, guiding her into position.
“Try pulling it back.”
His His voice was low, soothing–no pressure, just patience.
Gemma took a deep breath, clenched her teeth, and tensed her arms.
“Relax.”
Cassius gently pressed her arm, steadying her.
With the movement, their bodies almost touched.
Their breaths mingled.
The moment stretched, thick with something unspoken.
Gemma’s fingers trembled.
But with his guidance, she pulled back the string.
That heavy bow–somehow, she managed to draw it.
“Release.”
The arrow sliced through the air-
-and hit the nearest target!
Gemma froze, stunned.
“I hit it?!”
Then she practically bounced on the spot.
“Cassius, I’m amazing!”
She waved her bow excitedly, like a kid showing off a new toy.
“Try again?”
Cassius stepped back, giving her space.
Her confidence skyrocketed after that first hit.
“No problem.”
She stood in position, recalling how she had drawn the bow before. Squinting slightly, she locked onto the target.
Shawn glanced over.
“Gem, don’t get ahead of urself. It’s not that easy.”
“Today’s all about getting a feel for it. No need to rush.”
