Chapter 44

The few houses that separated Lucy from her home quickly faded into the background. She eagerly opened the front door with her key and couldn't contain her excitement when she saw her father wearing an apron and holding a large dish of meat and potatoes.

Her father's eyes widened in surprise as he carefully set the hot dish on the table, trying not to burn himself. He rushed over, tears welling up in his eyes, and pulled Lucy into a tight embrace, lifting her off the ground as he sniffled. This made Lucy and Ryeon laugh.

"Daddy, I missed you," she said, unable to hug him back since her arms were trapped.

"My little princess," Jungso said, gently setting her back down on the ground and stepping back, his nose slightly red. "Are you okay?"

"I'm perfectly fine, Dad," Lucy smiled at him. "And you?"

"Relieved," the man dramatized, touching his chest. "How was the trip? Have you e