Chapter 156: The Clinginess Between Lovers

“I just think you have a very changeable personality,” Sierra explained.

“Can you accept that?” Jonathan asked calmly, his expression unreadable. Sierra thought for a moment before replying seriously. “I don’t think it’s a big problem.”

Jonathan’s tense heart instantly relaxed, and he felt something gently swell within him. It was the first time he had ever felt this way. Unable to resist, he pulled Sierra into his arms and whispered near her ear, “This is good. You might see different sides of me in the future, but no matter what, I will never hurt you. Just remember that.”

Sierra wrapped her arms around Jonathan’s waist, responding to his words through action. They held each other for a long time before Jonathan finally let go, a trace of helplessness in his voice. “Sierra, seriously, don’t tempt me. My self-control isn’t as strong as you think.”

Hearing this, Sierra lifted her gaze to him and said solemnly, “First of all, I did not tempt you! Don’t shift the blame. Second, your image has already crumbled in my eyes, so don’t even talk about self-control. Honestly, I don’t think you have any at all, Mr. Yeager!”

Her words made Jonathan burst into laughter. He felt a surge of genuine joy. “Why are you so adorable?” He couldn’t help but pinch her cheek again. His feelings for Sierra deepened.

Taking a deep breath, Jonathan went to make pasta. If he stalled any longer, he wouldn’t be having dinner; he’d be devouring her instead.

Sierra felt completely satisfied after finishing her plate. “Back when I had birthdays, Grandma would always make pasta for me. Jonathan, do you know? Last year was the first time someone ever gave me a birthday cake.” A cake that was hers alone, not one she got to eat only because of Denise.

A flicker of distress flashed through Jonathan’s eyes. “Next year, I’ll get you one again. From now on, I’ll be with you every year to celebrate your birthday.”

Sierra wanted to say not to make promises so easily, but the atmosphere was just right. She didn’t want to ruin it.

After their late-night meal, it was time for her to go home. But neither of them brought it up.

Now, Sierra understood the clinginess between lovers. Even though she would see Jonathan again tomorrow, she didn’t want to part from him for even a second. Still, she stood up. “I’m heading back.”

“Don’t go, okay?” Jonathan held her hand. “Stay here tonight.”

Sierra’s heart wavered. Her fingers curled slightly, and Jonathan intertwined their fingers. “I promise I won’t do anything.” She looked at him, then finally nodded. She didn’t want to leave either, so she chose to follow her heart.

Jonathan kept his word. He was well-behaved and didn’t cross the line. Still, it was Sierra’s first time sleeping beside someone. She thought she would have trouble falling asleep, but listening to the steady rhythm of Jonathan’s heartbeat, she drifted off quickly, without a single dream. It had been a long time since she had slept so well. Ever since she went to prison, nightmares had haunted her every night, jolting her awake. But this time, she slept soundly until dawn.

Just then, the door opened. Jonathan walked in, leaned down, and kissed her cheek. “You’re awake. Come eat breakfast.”

Sierra blinked. For a moment, she thought she was still dreaming, until Jonathan scooped her up. She never imagined that even brushing her teeth with a lover could feel so sweet. Somehow, despite simply brushing, they still ended up wrapped in each other’s arms again.

By the time Jonathan finally set her down on a chair in the dining room, she felt like a koala. The thought made her chuckle.

Seeing her in a good mood, Jonathan said, “I have more good news for you. Evan’s report has been approved. It’ll be published today.” The entire academic world would be shaken. Not just academics; everyone would pay attention. This was a breakthrough.

Hearing this, Sierra’s mood lifted even further. “I bet Evan’s thrilled.”

“Of course,” Jonathan said. “Let him enjoy it for a few days.”

Indeed, just as Sierra expected, Evan was ecstatic. Even though Sierra’s illness had no solution yet, and their family had been through a lot recently, this was his research and his achievement. At just 26 years old, he had already reached such heights, and anyone who saw his achievements would praise him for it.