Chapter 244 Love Over Allergy
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Marilyn was all smiles as she waved them over, “Mr. Brooker, Madam Kate, you’ve got to try this. Ms. Bennett made this chicken and rice soup just for you–all by herself.”
Kate and Anna turned toward Lauren with those soft, doting looks only grandmas could pull off.
“Oh my, would you look at that,” Kate said, grinning. “Our Laurie really is the sweetest thing. I love a good bowl of soup–and just from the smell, I know it’s a winner.”
Anna nodded in agreement, “It smells incredible. If it tastes anything like it smells, Laurie, you might just need to open your own little café.”
Marilyn, practically glowing with pride, added, “Right? I said the same thing. This is Ms. Bennett’s first time making chicken and rice soup and it’s almost better than mine–and I’ve been cooking since before she was born. But that’s Laurie for you. Whatever she sets her mind to, she nails it.”
Kate chuckled, teasing, “Exactly why I claimed her as my future granddaughter–in–law the moment I met her.”
The three women took turns gushing over her like she was a five–star chef, and honestly? Lauren didn’t know where to hide her blushing face.
Lauren’s face turned beet red under all the praise.
Okay… that’s a little much, she thought, both embarrassed and flattered.
“Madam Kate, Anna–hurry and try it. If you like it, I’ll make it for you again sometime,” she said cheerfully.
She turned to Felix, eyes bright with hope.
“You too, Mr. Brooker. I want to know what you think.”
Felix glanced down into his bowl and spotted the chopped cilantro sitting right on top. His brow tightened the slightest bit-—but he said nothing. Without a word, he picked up his spoon and took a seat.
Lauren watched him like it was a final exam.
The moment the soup hit his tongue, the strong punch of cilantro hit him like a wall. His face faltered for a split second–but he forced the noodles down with a practiced ease and gave her a calm smile.
“It’s delicious.”
“Really?” Her whole face lit up.
He nodded again, more firmly, “Really.”
Lauren beamed, “I’m so happy you like it.”
She couldn’t believe her first go at chicken and rice soup had landed so well.
Maybe I actually have a talent for this, she thought, feeling a little proud of herself.
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Chapter 244 Love Over Allergy
her senses, and her eyes closed just a bit with a soft smile.
No doubt about it–chicken and rice soup is still my favorite.
Finished.
Maybe it was because of that bitter winter, the one when everything in her life had fallen apart, and Marilyn had made her a bowl of this very soup. Somehow, it hadn’t just warmed her up–it had given her something to hold onto.
Every year when the cold came, so did that memory. And this flavor always brought her back to it.
She kept cating, blissfully unaware that Kate and Anna were staring at Felix like they’d seen a ghost.
The two exchanged a silent, wide–eyed glance. It looked like one of them was about to speak up–but then they saw the pure joy on Lauren’s face… and quietly chose to stay silent.
Lauren always ate slowly. Her health wasn’t the best, and her stomach had never fully recovered from the years she spent under the Bennett family’s roof. She took her time, savoring each bite.
By the time she finally looked up from her bowl, Felix had already finished his. Every last spoonful.
She blinked in surprise–but her heart swelled with pride.
“Mr. Brooker, do you want some more? I can make you another bowl,” she offered hopefully.
Felix stood and gently waved her off, “No need. I’ve got a full day ahead. You go ahead and take your time.”
He turned to leave.
Lauren quickly added, “Take Gael with you, will you? I’m not going anywhere today and it helps me relax knowing someone’s with you.”
Felix gave a small nod. “Sure.”
Then he headed out the door without another word.
Inside the car.
Felix slumped back into the seat, his face a little paler than usual. He tugged his tie loose and unbuttoned his collar, revealing a stretch of skin that had broken out in red hives.
From the driver’s seat, Gael caught a glimpse of him in the rearview mirror.
“Mr. Brooker… did you eat cilantro?”
He already knew the answer. Felix was allergic. Even a trace amount could set off a reaction.
Felix let out a low breath and muttered, “Find a pharmacy. Fast.”
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Chapter 244 Love Over Allergy
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And she had said that to Felix. But the reason was simple, which was she needed Gael out of the way. If she mentioned going anywhere, there was no doubt Gael would insist on going with her.
Lauren kept her voice even. “Mia just called. There’s something happening at school and they’re asking for a parent to attend. I figured I’d go check it out with Marilyn”
Kate relaxed at that, “Oh, alright then.”
If it’s just Mia’s school, there shouldn’t be any danger, she thought, and gave her approval,
But as soon as they stepped outside, Marilyn turned to her with confusion written all over her face.
“Ms. Bennett, why did you tell Madam Kate that story?”
Lauren’s tone dropped, quiet but firm, “Marilyn, I want to go to the hospital. I need to get a full checkup.”
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