Translator: Inschain Editor: Inschain
Elizabeth began grilling a lamb skewer and nodded, âItâs been a tough day.â
The others seemed so inept, making her do everything herself.
âAt least youâve found your parents now. You wonât have to work this hard anymore,â Emily sympathized, feeling bad for her friend.
Now, the one who was having a tough time was Peter.
The two of them chatted amicably, even if their topics seemed mismatched.
Elizabeth thought of the times Alexander had helped her out. Despite some previous misunderstandings, he was genuinely a good person. She felt she should treat him kindly.
Thus, she began grilling some water spinach.
Once done, Elizabeth carefully placed the grilled veggies on a plate and presented them to an awaiting Alexander.
Although not initially hungry, Alexanderâs appetite was whetted by the aroma. However, his expression changed when he saw the plateâs contents.
âWhatâs this?â
Elizabeth listed the ingredients, âCucumber, water spinach, garlic sprout, and chives.â
âLittle girl, are you playing tricks on me?â
Alexander was suspicious. Why did she only serve him grilled vegetables? And why were they all green?
He recalled a recent video Samuel had shown him, which joked about how to tell your buddy heâs been cuckolded.
Elizabeth was puzzled by his conclusion, âEating more vegetables boosts immunity and prevents osteoporosis. Itâs good for you.â
After a pause, she added, âI grilled them carefully to ensure all the nutrients were preserved.â
Emily stepped in to help, âWell, Alex doesnât like cucumbers. Iâll eat them for him.â
But before she could, Alexander had already taken a bite. His protective manner surprised Emily.
âIt tastes pretty good,â he commented, licking his lips.
Elizabeth seemed satisfied, âIâll grill some more for you then.â
Alexander didnât refuse. Elizabethâs grilling was genuinely tasty.
Emily sidled up to Elizabeth, âYouâre brave, giving my brother all these vegetables. Arenât you afraid he might get mad at you?â
âHeâs freeloading off me. He has no right to be angry,â Elizabeth quipped. Emily looked puzzled, âYou mean heâs freeloading off your culinary skills?â
Elizabeth replied, âOh, right.â
It seemed like a trivial distinction.
Alexanderâs gaze lingered on Elizabeth, observing her fluttering eyelashes and chapped lips. Realizing she had been busy and probably hadnât had a drink, he decided to get her some water.
Suddenly, a rainstorm began.
âRain? Elizabeth, run for cover!â Emily yelled, dashing inside.
Elizabeth stood still, letting the raindrops cool her face.
Emerging from the house, Alexander saw Elizabeth, silently and contemplatively getting wet. He sighed, grabbing an umbrella to cover her.
âLost in thought?â he inquired.
Elizabeth blinked slowly, âNo, just⦠thinking.â
Even with a neutral expression, Alexander felt she was sad.
Elizabeth wasnât sure about feeling sad. But, for a fleeting moment, she remembered times when someone would tell her during rain, âElizabeth, bring in the laundry.â
When she was feverish, someone would comfort, âYouâre just catching a cold.â
When hungry, someone would remark, âYouâre just hungry.â
And when she shivered, someone would advise, âYouâre cold, wear more.â
Such memories left a void in Elizabethâs heart.
Alexander suddenly grabbed her wrist, âLetâs go inside.â
His hand was somewhat rough, but also warm. It jolted Elizabeth back to the present..