Chapter 1731: Chapter 1731

Chapter 1731

Zavier growled, “Steven!”

Steven chuckled and said, “Alright, alright, no more teasing your girl. I’m starving, let’s grab a bite and we can talk business over some grub.”

Zavier shot back, “Get lost!”

Seeing Zavier all flustered, Steven couldn’t contain his joy, “Zavier, have you fallen so soon? Who was it that swore they’d never cave to a family-arranged marriage?”

Skyler, caught in the middle of their banter, felt increasingly confused, “If it’s awkward for me to be here, I can just catch a cab and head out.” Zavier rebuked, “Are you really that stupid?”

Skyler didn’t want to be the third wheel, cramping their moment – was it so wrong to want to leave? No good deed goes unpunished, it seemed.e2 Without warning, Zavier took Skyler by the hand and led her inside, “It’s chilly out here, let’s get inside.” Skyler’s steps were small, so she was almost being dragged along as they entered the house.

Steven followed, laughing so hard he was practically doubling over, “Gee, Zavier, I never thought I’d see the day.”

Zavier retorted, “Don’t laugh too soon. Your day will come soon enough.”

The restaurant was their go-to private spot for gatherings. A simple call ahead and the chef would prepare a feast of fine food and drink.

Given the cold weather, and knowing how Skyler was particularly sensitive to the chill, Zavier had the kitchen prepare her favorite chicken noodle soup.

Skyler wasn’t picky, she’d eat anything, but through their time together, Zavier noticed her fondness for chicken noodle soup.

He didn’t just request soup. He specified that it had to be made with free-range chicken from their own farm for an authentic taste.

When the soup was served, Zavier intercepted the bowl from the waiter, “I’ve got this.”

He ladled some into a bowl and handed it to Skyler, “Try this.”

Skyler didn’t overthink it. She took the bowl and sipped carefully with her spoon. After a few spoonfuls, she felt someone’s eyes on her. Looking up, she saw nothing.

Zavier was also sipping his soup, not watching her. She must have imagined it.

Skyler lowered her head and continued to sip, but again she felt a gaze. This time, she was sneakier, pretending to drink while catching a glimpse from the corner of her eye. There was Zavier, indeed staring at her.

She quickly dabbed her mouth with a napkin, “Is there something on my face?”

Caught red-handed, Zavier remained cool. “The soup – do you like it?”

Skyler nodded, “It’s really good.”

Zavier revealed, “I knew you’d like it. Had it made just for you.

Skyler was taken aback. No one at home had ever cared about what she liked. She never expected Zavier to be the first to notice her love for chicken noodle soup.

A strange, warm feeling fluttered through Skyler’s heart, “How did you know I liked chicken soup?”

Zavier shrugged, “Is it so hard to know what you like? What’s there to be surprised about?”

As he spoke, he added more food to Skyler’s plate, “You’re too thin. Eat up.”

Thank you.” Skyler managed to say.

Steven couldn’t stand it anymore, “Sky, he obviously likes you.”

Skyler refused to believe it, “Steven, don’t joke about that. It’s not funny at all.”

If she took it seriously, she’d be the one hurt in the end. Skyler didn’t have the courage to try and risk failure because there was no harbor behind to anchor onto.