Chapter 134
“It was a gift from a relative,” Stephen answered casually.
Stellar thought it was quite the coincidence that both their families had ended up hiring the same design firm.
Following him into the kitchen, she opened the fridge only to find it practically empty.
It was obvious he rarely, if ever, cooked.
Stephen looked a little awkward, as if considering calling the whole thing off.
But
But Stellar didn’t see it as a problem.
“No worries, I’ll grab some ingredients from home. Just wait here.”
Before he could object, she was already heading out.
When she told Mary she was cooking for Stephen, the older woman gave her a knowing look that made her feel inexplicably self-
conscious.
Afraid she might say something embarrassing, Stellar grabbed the ingredients and hurried back.
Even though Stephen didn’t know how to cook, he didn’t just stand around.
While she busied herself in the kitchen, he helped however he could–washing vegetables and chopping ingredients.
His fingers, damp from the water, pressed the produce steady as he sliced with a practiced rhythm.
Stellar found herself holding her breath.
She couldn’t help but worry he might cut himself–those hands were worth millions, maybe even insured.
But her concerns proved unnecessary.
Though a little unpolished, Stephen wasn’t clumsy in the slightest.
His movements were precise and efficient, and with the golden glow of the setting sun streaming through the window, he looked almost like a painting come to life.
Stellar shook herself out of it.
Was she seriously getting distracted by the way he chopped vegetables?
Pushing the thought aside, she focused on cooking
The two of them worked in sync, falling into an effortless rhythm.
An hour later, a table full of beautifully plated dishes was ready.
As she sat across from him, her eyes sparkled with anticipation.
“Well? How does it taste?”
Stephen picked up a bite and took his first taste.
A familiar flavor spread across his tongue.
It was exactly the same as what he’d had as a child.
His expression shifted, something flickering in his gaze.
“It’s delicious.”
Stellar’s lips curled into a satisfied smile, a strange sense of accomplishment and fulfillment settling in her chest.
Dinner turned out to be surprisingly enjoyable.
As they ate, their conversation drifted naturally to research, exchanging thoughts and ideas.
At some point, Stephen casually brought up something unexpected.
“Do you remember the academic symposium I mentioned last time?”
Stellar paused mid–bite.
Of course, she remembered.
She had been looking forward to it for so long, waiting for him to invite her.
But when he never brought it up again, she assumed it was canceled and couldn’t help feeling a little disappointed.
“There was an issue at Ashford University, so the event was postponed,” Stephen explained.
“But it’s back on the schedule now. I was wondering if you’d still be interested in attending?”
Her eyes lit up instantly. “Of course I would.”
They continued chatting about the symposium for a while until Stellar finally noticed how late it had gotten.
She got up to leave, but as soon as she stepped outside, she realized that heavy rain had started pouring down.
The air had turned crisp and chilly.
“I’ll walk you home.”
Stephen opened a black umbrella, shielding them from the rain.
Stellar didn’t refuse his offer.
With the umbrella held over them, he led her into the downpour.
+20 Bonus
CHOPIN THE
+20 Bonus
They were walking so close that she could hear the quiet rhythm of his breathing
A faint unease stirred in her, but then she noticed something–he was tilting the umbrella toward her side, his right shoulder already damp from the rain.
“Move in a little,” she urged.
Without hesitation, Stephen did as she said, stepping closer.
His arm brushed against her shoulder.
Even through the layers of fabric, a warmth spread from where they touched, seeping into her skin, running through her veins.
Her breath hitched slightly.
Her head felt light, almost as if she were still drunk.
Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the slick puddle ahead.
The moment her foot landed on it, she slipped.
Before she could even cry out, Stephen’s arm tightened around her waist, pulling her firmly into his chest.
Her forehead pressed against the warmth of his body.
Thump.
Thump.
