The Villain Mom Awakens — Going Viral by Parenting on a Reality Show-Chapter 86: Intimacy

"I always get perfect scores!"

Naomi Kenway stroked his head, saying lovingly, "Just do your best. You’re still so little, don’t put too much pressure on yourself."

Ethan Shaw watched from the side, also a bit surprised by Ian’s score. Ian’s past grades hadn’t been outstanding; in fact, they could even be described as surprisingly poor.

"Mommy, do I get a reward?"

"Of course. Didn’t Mommy just praise you?"

Seeing Ian’s stunned expression, Naomi Kenway couldn’t hold back a laugh. "Mommy’s just teasing you. You can make one request, and as long as I can grant it, I’ll make it happen for you!"

"I want to eat three pieces of candy tomorrow!"

Naomi paused for a moment but still agreed. ’Too much candy is bad for his teeth, but just for one day, it should be acceptable.’

Jessica Hilton watched with a smile. "Ian has made great progress. I wonder what methods Ian’s parents have been using to improve his grades?"

"He’s made great progress?" Naomi Kenway asked, confused.

"Yes, his previous scores... were never this high."

Naomi had thought her son’s grades were always this good; she hadn’t realized they had only recently improved. But something felt off. ’Ian is so smart, there’s no reason his grades should have been poor before.’

"There’s no special method, really. I often praise and encourage Ian, and besides that, there might be small rewards."

"So that’s how it is." Jessica Hilton nodded in admiration. "A tolerant and optimistic home environment will foster more confidence in a child. You’ve raised Ian very well."

She then said earnestly, "Ian doesn’t talk much, but after getting to know him over the past six months, I know he’s a very smart boy. However, he used to be withdrawn and have low self-esteem, not liking to interact with others or show what he can do. In many of the previous tests, for example, he always seemed listless and uninterested."

"I can sense the change in Ian recently; he’s become much more cheerful and positive. As his teacher, I’m very happy to see this transformation. I know these changes are inextricably linked to his home environment, so I hope that Ian’s parents can find a little more time to be part of his growth. We’re always busy with work, but when our children grow up, we can’t help but regret the time we missed with them."

Naomi Kenway nodded repeatedly, while Ethan Shaw was lost in thought.

Many other parents were also picking up their children. Compared to the affectionate couples around them, Naomi Kenway and Ethan Shaw seemed much more distant. They each held one of Ian’s hands; Naomi was focused on talking to her son with her head lowered, while Ethan remained silent. It was as if a transparent barrier stood between them.

Ian Shaw glanced from side to side, then turned his head with a troubled look. "Why are my mommy and daddy different from other kids’ mommies and daddies?"

Naomi’s heart skipped a beat. She was constantly mindful of her son’s emotional state, striving to provide him with a normal, healthy family dynamic.

Ethan Shaw’s steps faltered slightly. "Ian, why do you say that?"

Ian Shaw pointed a small hand toward a loving couple not far away, his voice filled with confusion. "Other kids’ mommies and daddies kiss, but my mommy and daddy don’t."

The family in the distance looked exceptionally happy. The husband was holding their child while the wife kissed each of them on the cheek. Their joyful laughter filled the air, their happiness practically overflowing.

"My family is different from other kids’ families," Ian Shaw stated decisively. He was too young to describe the specific family atmosphere, but he could sensitively perceive the difference.

Naomi froze. Even though she and Ethan were trying their best to act like an ordinary couple, Ian had keenly picked up on all these subtle differences.

Ian Shaw kept looking between Naomi Kenway and Ethan Shaw, his round eyes filled with confusion and vulnerability.

A wave of panic washed over Naomi. She didn’t want her son to think he was growing up in a dysfunctional home.

"No, that’s not it, Ian. Our family is the same as other kids’ families. We have a mommy and a daddy, right?"

Ian Shaw still shook his head. He was a child who was overly sensitive to emotions.

Naomi grew more and more flustered. She paused, then said, "Ian, actually, Mommy and Daddy love each other very much. The reason we’re not together a lot is because we’re both very busy with work. And, the reason Mommy doesn’t kiss Daddy is because... your daddy is a little shy. He gets embarrassed easily."

"Shy?"

"Yes. Remember the little tiger outfit I bought you? The first time you wore it, you were very shy and didn’t even want to come out of the fitting room. That’s what being shy is."

Ian Shaw nodded thoughtfully. "Oh... so Daddy gets shy, too."

Seeing that Ian’s attention had been diverted, Naomi breathed a sigh of relief. But when she turned her head, she found Ethan Shaw staring intently at her, his gaze deep and inscrutable.

Thinking about how she had just used him as an excuse, a slightly unnatural expression crossed Naomi’s face.

Before she could react, she was pulled into an embrace. Ethan’s firm jaw rested on the top of her head in a gesture that looked intimate.

Naomi was startled. But conscious of her son watching nearby, she had no choice but to wrap her arms around Ethan’s waist, her movements a bit stiff.

"Picking up our son must be tiring. Thanks for everything." A low, magnetic voice sounded by her ear. Naomi couldn’t see Ethan’s expression, but his tone seemed to hold genuine sentiment.

Then he pulled away.

Ethan then picked up Ian Shaw. "Ian, we’re going home with Mommy."

"We’re going home!" All of Ian Shaw’s earlier doubts vanished.

"Daddy, why aren’t you shy anymore?" Ian asked.

"Because in front of you, Ian, Daddy has to be a hero."

Noticing that Naomi Kenway hadn’t caught up, Ethan Shaw turned around and held out his free hand to her. "Come on."

Naomi hesitated for a second before taking it.

’Ethan’s hand is so broad and warm. I always thought a cold and distant person like him would be cold to the touch, but it’s the complete opposite.’ 𝙛𝒓𝓮𝙚𝔀𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝒐𝒎

"Wait! Sir, ma’am!" A young man in a baseball cap hurried over, a camera hanging around his neck.

Naomi turned and looked at him, confused.

"I’m so sorry, I took your picture without permission, but the sight of you two holding your child and holding hands was just so romantic and beautiful! I couldn’t resist capturing the moment. If you don’t like it, I can delete it right away."

"You both have such striking looks, and this little boy is so adorable and handsome. I came over to ask if you’ve ever considered modeling. Our company..."

"I’m sorry," Naomi interrupted him. "We both have our own careers and have no plans to model at the moment."

"What about the photo?"

"You can keep it."

Naomi was about to leave but noticed that Ethan Shaw was still standing there.