Apocalyptic World: Surviving with my husband and my cute little babies-Chapter 289: Daddy is a bully

"Hm... Eldest, I think you’ve had enough," Ethan said softly as he cradled baby Leo. "You’ve already finished four bottles, and you’re still hungry?"

Worried about upsetting the baby’s stomach, he moved to pull the bottle away, but Leo’s forehead scrunched up immediately.

Tears welled in his eyes, expressing his total disagreement with his father’s decision.

"Alright, alright," Ethan sighed helplessly. "Stop looking at Daddy like I’m bullying you. I’m only doing this for your own good."

Satisfied, baby Leo resumed drinking with clear triumph. His big blue eyes remained locked on his father’s face, as if he were memorizing every feature.

Three weeks had passed since Ethan defeated the mutated rat. During that time, countless matters demanded his attention.

Mutated beasts were appearing more frequently, and tensions among the surviving orders were steadily reaching a breaking point.

As more ability users awakened, the once-stable structure began to crumble. Those newly empowered individuals started demanding greater privileges and authority, throwing the balance into chaos.

This kept him constantly busy—directing his men to ensure their building wasn’t overrun by mutated beasts, while also keeping a tight leash on the ability users inside, making sure they didn’t stir up trouble.

But today, he put everything else on hold to focus on caring for the triplets.

He wanted his sons to grow familiar with him, so he insisted on feeding them himself, taking them on small tours inside the space, and, whenever possible, bringing them out to see their mother.

Thankfully, the babies were well-behaved and adapted smoothly to the space environment, though they were still a little uneasy outside.

Even so, Ethan continued taking them out, hoping they would slowly grow accustomed to the outside world.

"Huh... I think you’ve gotten a bit heavier," Ethan chuckled, teasing. "Should I call you Fatty Leo?"

In response, baby Leo kicked him with his tiny feet, clearly displeased.

"Listen to Dad, alright?" Ethan said gently. "If you drink too much, you won’t be able to sleep later—just like last time. Babies need plenty of sleep to grow properly."

The last time the babies drank too much spiritual milk, they became overly energetic and refused to sleep.

Because of that, Ethan had set a strict rule—no more than five bottles per feeding. Otherwise, he’d be forced to stay up watching over them all night, unable to get any rest himself.

After finishing the fifth bottle, Ethan supported the baby’s head and let it rest against the muslin cloth draped over his shoulder, carefully helping him burp.

"It’s time to burp now. You’ve finished your bottles, so no more milk for today," Ethan said softly.

Seeing that Baby Leo wasn’t protesting anymore, he felt a wave of relief.

Next came the task of lulling him to sleep. He needed to settle him as soon as possible, as his younger brothers would soon wake from their sleep inside the space.

He gently rocked the baby, following their usual routine. After a few minutes, Ethan was certain Leo had finally drifted off.

He tilted his head slightly to check—only to be astonished.

The baby wasn’t asleep at all. Instead, his eldest was wearing a wide, happy smile.

’What’s going on with him?’ Ethan muttered in confusion.

"Eh, Eldest, why the sudden smile?" he asked softly. "This is the first time you’ve smiled so happily at Daddy. Are you that glad I’m here?"

But the longer Ethan watched, the more puzzled he became. Leo’s gaze wasn’t fixed on him—it was focused on something behind him.

Realization struck him as he slowly turned toward the bed.

There she was. Elena was awake, quietly watching them with a tender smile.

’No wonder,’ Ethan murmured, his heart swelling with joy.

"You’ve been a good father, Ethan. Thank you for taking care of our boys," Elena said gently, her voice faint but full of warmth.

"Let me hold our eldest, please."

She had been awake for some time, watching everything—the way he spoke softly to the baby, the way he hummed while rocking him, and the protective ease with which he moved.

He handled the infant with the skill of someone who had been doing this for years, not just weeks.

’A truly hands-on dad,’ Elena felt a deep sense of gratitude.

Ethan had clearly prepared for this—likely reading every book he could find on childcare—and now, he truly embodied everything he had learned.

She watched with quiet joy, and when the baby turned those ocean-blue eyes toward her, Elena’s heart melted completely.

All she wanted was to feel his small weight in her arms.

"Why are you just standing there?" she asked softly, already shifting as if to climb out of bed. "Do you want me to come to you?"

"Wife... you’re finally awake," Ethan said, finally snapping out of it.

"I thought I was hallucinating. Look, Leo—Mommy is awake. Stay there. Don’t move. I’ll come to you."

He hurried toward her, excitement written all over his face.

Though he had visited her every day, being unable to speak with her—to tease her or simply share the small wonders of their children—had left a quiet ache in his heart.

Without her familiar nagging, the family had felt incomplete.

"Ethan, be careful!" Elena warned with a soft, breathy laugh. "You’re still holding the baby!"

"I know... I’m just so happy, and I missed you so much."

Without hesitation, he claimed her lips, carefully covering his son’s eyes.

Baby Leo, recognizing the familiar presence, instinctively smiled, drawn to the warmth and strange, comforting energy of his mother.

But when his view was blocked, he grew frustrated—kicking his tiny feet and swatting his father with his little hands in protest.

Soon, soft sobs escaped him—he could no longer tolerate his father’s bullying.

"Waaaaaaaaa...."

Hearing the cries, Elena snapped out and gently pushed Ethan aside, glaring at him for letting the baby cry.

"Eldest, don’t cry. Mommy is here."

The moment Baby Leo was in her arms, he looked at Elena with pitiful eyes. His tiny hands reached instinctively, startling both parents, as if trying to grasp her breast.

Ethan quickly reacted, understanding his son’s intention. "No way. You just had your milk a little while ago."