Chapter 855
There had been a time when Lena had unconsciously pushed Aaron to the back of her mind. As she unpacked in her room, the evidence of his meticulous care was everywhere. From the bathroom to the closet, every detail was already handled. Her personal essentials? Perfectly stocked. When she was younger, being with Aaron meant she never had to think or plan—he always had it covered. Apparently, nothing had changed.
When Lena stepped out, the dining table was set with a spread that looked straight out of a food magazine. “Uncle Aaron, don’t tell me these are pre-made meals,” she said, narrowing her eyes in disbelief. It had only been a short while since they’d arrived, yet he somehow managed to have everything ready.
“For your first meal here? No chance. Come try it,” Aaron replied, already sitting down. What Lena didn’t know was that he’d started prepping before picking her up—soup simmering, ingredients chopped, everything ready to finish when they got back.
The table held honey-glazed pork ribs, sautéed red eggplant with herbs, and a crisp green salad. Every dish was something Lena loved. “Your mom mentioned you haven’t eaten at home in a while,” Aaron said casually. “See if this tastes like hers.”
Lena froze, eyeing him suspiciously. “Wait, my mom made this?” Aaron frowned like she’d just insulted him. “Really, Lena?” He thought, “This girl was seriously testing his patience.”
After dinner, Lena got up to help clear the table, but Aaron stopped her. “No need. Just write down anything you’re missing, and we’ll grab it later.” “You’ve already thought of everything,” she said softly. Then, after a pause, “Thank you.” As she retreated to her room, Aaron stood there wondering if he should dock his assistant’s bonus for being too thorough in prepping everything.
Chapter 855
When I video-called Lena, she answered with a face mask on. Naturally, I couldn’t resist. “Wow, Dr. Lane, feeling fancy today?” “Why not?” she said, gesturing to the skincare Aaron had stocked for her: luxury sets, fancy beauty tools—the works. Not using them would feel like a crime.
“Fair enough. Maybe we should start calling you Dr. Beauty instead,” I teased, then frowned. “Wait a second…that’s not your place. Where are you?” “At Uncle Aaron’s,” she said, explaining the situation quickly. “And don’t get the wrong idea. If Hayden hadn’t come back, I would’ve crashed at your place.”
“Even if I’m back, you’re still welcome,” Hayden cut in, smirking from beside me. “Sure,” Lena shot back. “But if I come, I’m sharing a bed with your wife. Don’t throw a fit about it.” Hayden grinned. “If Aaron lets you leave, I won’t mind.”
I chuckled. It had been too long since we all laughed like this. Eventually, Lena and I shifted to a more serious topic. “So, when can I be discharged?” I asked. “Why? Isn’t staying in the hospital good for you?” she replied, her tone sharp but playful. “Home’s better,” I said, glancing at Hayden. Truthfully, his constant hovering was wearing him out more than me.
“Is Hayden stressing you out?” Lena teased. “Remind him you’re recovering, and he’ll have to hold off on any ideas he has for now.” I glanced at Hayden, catching the way his Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. ‘Oh, so he has been thinking about it.’ Suppressing a laugh, I said, “It’s not that. I need to visit someone in prison.”
Chapter 856