Chapter 61 Housewarming
Finched
I didn’t make any private plans with Ethan–I was just going to a friend’s house for dinner with him. That didn’t cross any moral lines for me.
“What’s happened? This is the first time I’ve seen you blush, Ethan asked with a smile as we were alone in the elevator.
I immediately touched my face and explained, “I parked my car too far away, so I had to walk. I’ve walked quite a distance, and I’m a bit out of breath, which is why I’m blushing.”
“Oh…” Ethan’s responded flatly, his voice carrying a hint of disappointment.
“Erm. I know you’re not from Hanzora. Is there a tradition in your hometown of bringing a gift when you go to someone’s house for a housewarming?” Ethan suddenly asked.
“Huh?” I was taken aback. “Is today Melanie and Richard’s housewarming celebration?”
Ethan nodded. “Yes, I brought Ikea gift cards so they can buy home decor at their convenience. Since we’re coming together, if I give a present and you don’t, it might be a bit awkward for
you.”
I awkwardly said, “Do you think it’s too late if I go buy something now?”
Ethan laughed at my words and immediately shoved the gift cards into my bag. “Never mind, I’ll just give Richard a bonus some other time. No need for the gift cards.”
I stared at the gift cards he’d put in my bag. I was about to take them out to return them when I heard his low, pleading voice, “Just leave them there for now. My pocket’s shallow, and they might fall out.”
What could I say? He was genuinely looking out for me worried I’d feel awkward.
When the elevator reached the floor, Melanie was already waiting by the door for me. I guessed she was surprised to see both of us appear together.
“Tiffany, you and Mr. Hayes really have a connection. Hanzora is such a big city, and yet you two run into each other in the same elevator,” Melanie said, grinning as she came over to help with the bags. “Thank you for the wine, Mr. Hayes,
Ethan chuckled. “The bag of fruit was bought by Ms. Mayfield, and these two bottles of wine are for Richard.”
Just then, Richard excitedly ran over, wearing an apron and holding a spatula. “Mr. Hayes, Ms. Mayfield, thank you so much for taking the time to come! Please sit down for a bit. Mel, could you keep them. entertained? There are just three more dishes to go.”
I gave Melanie a teasing look. Richard had just called her “Mel.‘ It sounded so cheesy.
Upon receiving my teasing glance, the usually strong and tough Melanie suddenly blushed.
With Ethan standing next to me, I didn’t have a chance to joke with her, so I just politely sat down on the couch.
Melanie was busy pouring tea for us. Ethan, as the well–mannered man he was, reached out to take the tea from Melanie’s hands. His fingers were long and fair, with visible veins on the back of his hand. I felt a
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go help Richard. You two sit here for a bit, Melanie said, tactfully leaving us alone.
Finished
Ethan glanced toward the kitchen where the couple was working together and couldn’t help but laugh. “They seem to have a great relationship.
I looked over as well. Richard was stir–frying some wonderfully fragrant dish, while Melanie washed the pan he had used. The clattering of pots and pans filled the air with a warm, homey feeling.
Seeing this, an image from my past life suddenly came to mind–I usually worked alone in the kitchen. Back then, Shawn wouldn’t even bother to come in and help me out, let alone share such a harmonious
moment
“Melanie has finally found someone who can cook and satisfy her appetite.” I couldn’t help but laugh.
“Richard is Caelorian. Caelorians are famous for their spicy food, and the Caelorian dishes he made are quite authentic, Ethan added.
“Oh, I see,” I said, laughing along. I’d heard that people who cook tend to dote on their wives–whether that’s true or not, I wasn’t sure.
While I was looking at the couple in the kitchen, I suddenly felt a burning gaze on me. I immediately lowered my head and calmly sipped my tea.
Ethan seemed to realize it wasn’t quite right to stare at me like that, so he quickly took a sip of his tea as well.
“Ms. Mayfield, I really didn’t know you’d be coming,” Ethan said in a low voice, clearly worried I might misunderstand.
I looked at him sincerely. “I trust you.”
Ethan stared at me, stunned. “Why?”
“It’s nothing. I just think you’re quite straightforward. You don’t seem like the type to play games,” I said. Ethan was a top science student, and his gaze was so clear, unlike someone with ulterior motives.
Ethan suddenly felt a little belittled. He lowered his voice and said, “Then you don’t really know me.”
I looked at him with interest. “We’re just friends. Theres no need to know each other too deeply. As long as I feel you’re trustworthy, that’s enough.”
A shadow of disappointment fell over Ethan’s eyes, and he didn’t say anything else.
The dinner was plentiful. Both Richard and Melanie were outgoing and good at striking up conversation.. Ethan also said a few words of blessing for the housewarming celebration. When it was my turn, I found myself at a loss for words.
Ethan smiled at me, and I blurted out, “Wishing you a long and happy relationship, and an abundance of children in the years to come.”
“Tiffany…” Melanie protested, her face turning crimson. She playfully glared at me.
Richard, however, smiled at me and said, “Thank you for your blessing, Ms. Mayfield. We’ll work hard at it.”
Melanie’s eves instantly lit up. her bashful smile glowing with happiness.
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Chapter 61 Housewarming
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Finished
At the dinner table, we chatted about light–hearted toples. I didn’t drink because I had to drive Ethan had some drinks, but fortunately, he was smart enough to bring a driver with him.
