Trading My Ex for His Uncle



Damon pulled Nyla into his arms, his expression amused. "Thank you for the compliment."

Looking at his serious face, Nyla couldn't help but laugh.

As they walked into the living room, Mason came running toward them on his little legs. In his excitement, he stumbled just before reaching Nyla and fell forward into her arms.

She quickly caught him, helping him stand upright before gently chiding, "Buddy, slow down next time, or you'll hurt yourself."

Mason held out a piece of chocolate, his face glowing with pride. "Mommy, I got a gold star at kindergarten today. This is the chocolate my teacher gave me as a reward. I saved it for you!"

He remembered how much his mother loved sweets and wanted to share it with her.

Nyla's heart softened as she looked into his expectant eyes. She took the chocolate from his hand, noticing it had melted slightly in the wrapper after being held for so long.

"Thank you, Buddy. Why did your teacher reward you with a gold star today?" she asked.

Mason straightened his small shoulders, his face sparkling up with excitement. "During nap time, Christian kept pulling Holly's hair and made her cry, and I told the teacher.

"The teacher scolded Christian, made him apologize to Holly, and gave me a gold star. She said I did the right thing and encouraged everyone to do the same."

Nyla smiled and praised him, "That's wonderful, Buddy. Mommy is very proud of you. As a reward, I'll buy you that Lego set you've been wanting tomorrow."

Nyla had always been fair in raising Mason-rewarding good behavior without spoiling him.

While he'd been an exceptionally

well-behaved child back in

Capitarnia, he'd become more lively

elme

and outgoing since their move to Saintonia. It was a welcome

change, bringing out the playful side

appropriate for his age.

Mason shook his head and replied earnestly, "It's okay, Mommy. That Lego set is too expensive. Just give me a kiss instead!"

His parents worked so hard to earn money, and he didn't want to add to their burden. If he could save them even a little, maybe they wouldn't have to work so much.

Surprised and touched, Nyla kissed him on the cheek and said gently, "It's not expensive, Buddy. This kiss is an extra reward."

Mason hesitated but stood firm. "Mommy, I really don't need a new Lego set."

He figured he could just take apart his old Legos and rebuild them if he wanted something new to play with.noveldrama

Seeing Mason's resolve, Nyla felt puzzled.

He had always loved Legos, and every time they passed a Lego store, he insisted on going inside. Yet now, he was refusing something he'd been so eager for before.

After a moment's thought, she focused on his mention of Legos being expensive. She knelt to meet his gaze and asked gently, "Buddy, why do you think the Lego set is too expensive?"

Mason paused, then said hesitantly, "Mommy, you and Daddy work so hard. I don't want you to work so hard anymore. If I spend less money, will that make it easier for you and Daddy?"

Nyla froze, surprised by his reasoning. She hadn't expected such thoughts from him.

Reflecting on how Damon had been leaving early and coming home late every day, she realized this was likely why Mason was holding back.

She stroked his hair and said softly,

"Buddy, we don't spend money recklessly, so you don't need to

worry about us. We're buying this Lego set as a reward for you and we can definitely afford it."