<b>Chapter </b><b>456 </b>
“Nope,” Owen said, ushering her out with a yful grin. “You pick things up way too fast. If you learn to cook, I’ll be no use to you.”
Despite her genuine eagerness to help, Aria was still yfully ushered out of the kitchen.
Half an hourter, Lily and Pearl came over.
Lily, already used to it, said to Pearl, “Just make yourself at home. The morefortable you are, the happier Owen will be.”
Pearl whispered, “Actually, I think it’d be much more convenient if Owen just moved in with Aria.”
Lily nodded in agreement. “Or Aria could just move in here. That way, we can keep each otherpany and stop being third wheels to them.”
Aria tapped the table. “You two, I heard every word.”
Lily grinned sheepishly and said, “Aria, you could always pretend you didn’t hear that.”
“Not even a little bit,” Aria grinned.
Owen set down thest dish. “Dinner’s ready!” he called.
Pearl took a bite of the food and beamed with genuine admiration. “Owen, your cooking is amazing!”
Lily chimed in, “This is literally the best meal we’ve ever had!”
Owen’s eyes sparkled with warmth. “Just tell me what you want to eat, and I’ll make it for you.”
“Thanks, Owen!”
Lily thought for a moment and said, “Aria, when Pearl’s summer break starts, let’s go on another trip!”
“Sounds good,” Aria nodded.
Owen’s brow lifted slightly. “Going abroad?”
Aria replied, “Not yet. Let’s explore locally first.”
Owen grinned, “Once you’ve set the dates, count me in.”
“Don’t you have work to do?” Aria teased.
Owen smiled. “I can take time off, no big deal.<b>” </b>
He just took time off to go with them–Aria suddenly thought he was like some decadent emperor, skipping court to indulge himself.
Aria was staring at Owen <i>so </i>openly that he immediately noticed. Looking up, he asked, “What’s on your mind?”
“Nothing much. Let’s eat,” Aria said casually.
Owen wasn’t buying it.
After dinner, Lily went to her room to help Pearl with her studies. <b>As </b>Aria was about to leave, Owen grabbed her wrist and <b>asked</b><b>. </b>“That look <b>you </b>gave me when I mentioned taking time off–what were you thinking then?”
Ariaughed. “Why are you so hung up on this?<b>” </b>
<b>“</b>It’s the <b>first </b>time I’ve seen <i>you </i>look <b>at </b>me like that–so curious. Come on, since I cook for you, can’t you satisfy <b>my </b><b>curiosity </b><b>just </b><b>this </b><b>once</b>?
<b>1/2 </b>
09:44 Tue, 24 Jun
e, 24 Jun
Owen asked in a coaxing tone, “Deal?”
With Lily and Pearl out of earshot, Owen dropped all pretense of restraint. His voice unconsciously softened,ced with a honeyed sweetness
Aria’s ears perked up slightly. “That eager to know?” she teased.
Owen responded with a t “Mm,” her tone devoid of warmth.
Aria grinned mischievously and teased, “Then act cute for me. Let me hear it.”
Owen flinched, his voice snapping back to normal. Gone was the earlier softness. “I can’t do that.”
Aria turned to leave, teasing, “Well then, I’m not telling you.”
Owen grabbed her hand and grinned, “If I act cute, will you tell me then?”
Aria nodded with a grin. “Yep.”
Owen pressed his lips together, cleared his throat awkwardly, pouted, then forced out in a baby voice, “Please?”
Aria couldn’t help but burst outughing.
Owen’s face visibly flushed. He quicklyposed himself, then gently scratched her palm with his fingertips. “Your turn<b>.</b>”
Aria grinned and confessed, “Honestly, I was thinking you’re like some decadent emperor<b>–</b>so busy indulging in pleasure that you don’t even bother showing up for business.”
Owen gave a gentle tug, pulling Aria a step closer and said with a teasing glint in his eyes, “You’ve got it backwards. You should be the queen, and I’m your loyal admirer.”
Aria couldn’t help butugh. “Howe I never realized you had such a funny side before?”
The first time Aria met Owen was at Seacrest Law Firm. Back then, she thought he was a serious and proper man–the very embodiment of an upstandingwyer.
Then, she realized she’dpletely misjudged him.
Owen wrapped his arms around her waist, continuing their yful banter. “So, my queen, will you be staying with me tonight?”
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09:44 Tue, 24 Jun