Chapter 25 From Now On, We’ll Go with Your Taste
Cecil either didn’t catch the tension or chose to ignore it. He just soiled warmly. “Of course, Hope and I have been good friends since college. This is no big deal. You guys should wash up; dinner’s ready.”
Cecil’s cooking was top–notch. The table was packed with dishes that looked and smelled amazing, making everyone’s mouth water.
Ivan and Elissa couldn’t stop praising the food.
I took a bite and couldn’t help but exclaim, “Cecil, your cooking is inrediblet”
“Dig
- in.
see if it suits your taste,” Cecil said, bringing out the last twe dishes from the kitchen. He placed a plate of spicy lobster rolls in front of me, smiling gently, “I think you’ll like this,”
I was surprised.
Everyone except Elissa assumed I had the same bland taste as Christopher. But Cecil knew I liked spicy food..
Before I could say anything, Christopher cut in coldly, “She can’t handle spicy food. You might have been close in college, but you don’t know her taste well enough.”
“Mr. Valence,” Elissa chimed in, defending me with a playful tone. “You’ve been married for so long. Don’t you know Hope loves spicy food?”
My heart ached.
Yeah, why didn’t he know?
I had always adjusted to him, but he never cared about what I truly liked.
Christopher frowned slightly, a hint of confusion in his eyes. “You like spicy food?”
“Yes,” I said, taking a slow bite and swallowing it deliberately. I looked into Christopher’s deep, beautiful eyes and answered seriously, “Christopher, I’ve never liked bland food.”
The atmosphere grew tense.
I knew I shouldn’t have said that, making him lose face.
Christopher’s temper wasn’t great, and this would only make the meal awkward.
But I’d been holding it in for three years.
If it was never the right time, did that mean I can ne
never speak up?
To my surprise, Christopher, usually so aloof, lowered his proud head in front of everyone.
*From now on, we won’t eat bland food. We’ll go with your taste, Christopher said.
stared at him, speechless.
My heart felt both sour and swollen, filled with sadness.
Christopher seemed to be changing, just as I decided to let go But the concessions weren’t enough to get our marriage back on
1/3
Chapter 25 From Now On, We’ll Go with Your Taste
Luck.
The more he changed, the more it hurt.
I’d rather he didn’t change at all, stayed indifferent, and ignored my feelings. That way, I could leave without any regrets.
Elissa patted my head and trised Christopher, “What do you mean from now on‘? You didn’t want her before, but now you can’t take her from me.”
I knew Elissa’s personality. Even if she lost her job at the Valence Group, she’d stand by me.
I might not have Christopher all figured out, but I did know enough realize that his lack of boundaries between personal and professional life could indeed lead to Elissa leaving the company.
“Alright, alright, let’s eat!” Ivan quickly interrupted, worried Elissa might really anger Christopher. “I’m starving
The meal was filled with mixed emotions.
But for the sake of the baby, I ate my fill.
Ivan raised his glass and smiled. “Here’s to Hope moving into her new home!”
Thanks, but I can’t drink right now. Juice will have to do,” I said, clicking my glass with his.
Elissa also offered her sincere wishes. “May everything you encounter be wonderful, and may your path be smooth, Hope!”
They both had housewarming gifts for me.
Cecil handed me a beautifully wrapped box. “Hope you like it.”
“Thanks, Cecil,” I said, smiling.
Inside was a uniquely designed dress. I looked at Cecil, surprised. “Did you design this?”
“Yes, it’s one of a kind,” Cecil replied with a smile.
“You’re so thoughtful, Cecil!” Elissa praised, then turned to Christopher. “Mr. Valence, you must have brought a gift, too, right?”
I wanted to interrupt, but Elissa stopped me.
I didn’t even know they were here until I walked in. How could Christopher have prepared a gift in advance?
Christopher’s blue eyes fixed on me. He reached into his suit pocket took out a velvet box, and placed it in front of me.
He hid the turmoil in his eyes, his smile faint. “I was waiting for the right moment to give this to you. Looks like now’s the time.”
What is it?” Elissa asked, curious,
I opened the box and looked at Christopher in shock. “You bought
