Chapter 56

When Asher refocused, the small table was laden with stir-fried greens, beef, fragrant white rice, and a bowl of soup.

“You’ve made so much,” Asher said, smiling gently. “What kind of soup is this?”

“Chicken soup with Chinese yam,” Thalia replied. She lifted the bowl, carefully blowing on a spoonful before offering it to him. “Try it.”

Asher smiled, lowering his gaze, but his expression froze. “What happened to your hand?”

Thalia’s right index finger bore a blister. She tried to hide it, but failed. “I… just burned myself a bit in the kitchen. It’s nothing, just a small blister.”

Asher’s eyes reddened. “Does it hurt?”

Thalia shook her head. “Not at all.”

After sipping the soup, Asher gently took her wrist, lowering his head to softly blow on the injured area. After a moment, he looked up, his eyes filled with concern. “You’re lying. Burns always hurt.”

Thalia’s eyes welled. “It really doesn’t hurt. Compared to your injury, this is nothing.”

Asher softly pinched her cheek. “When you’re hurt, I feel it too. Even a small injury is too much.”

Thalia pressed her lips together, her eyelashes fluttering as her voice softened. “Asher…”

Her gentle tone was irresistible to Asher. He pulled her closer, kissing her forehead, flushed cheeks, and then her lips.

Chapter 56 (continued)

Thalia’s ears burned, her heart soaring. A moment later, she gently pushed him back. “Asher, eat first. The food will get cold.”

Asher chuckled, his eyes crinkling. “Alright, and more kisses afterward?”

Thalia protested softly, lowering her eyes.

Asher took a bite of the stir-fried greens. Thalia watched anxiously. “How is it? Is the taste okay?”

Asher’s eyes twinkled. “Delicious. They say the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. Is that your strategy, Lia?”

Thalia puffed out her cheeks. “So if I can’t win your stomach, I can’t win your heart?”

Asher laughed, pinching her cheek again. “How could that be? You just have to exist, and you’ve already won.”

Thalia made a small “hmph” sound, but joy shone in her eyes. Asher finished everything Thalia had prepared, even the soup. Afterward, he leaned against the headboard. Thalia gathered the dishes.

“Let the nurse handle that,” Asher said.

Thalia shook her head. “It’s no trouble.”

Asher’s voice softened. “When did you learn to cook?” His Thalia, a pampered heiress, had never done housework. How had cooking and washing dishes become her responsibility?

“Just these past few days,” Thalia answered.

Asher was about to ask more when the hospital room door opened, and several people entered.

Chapter 56 (continued)

Lady Blackwood Jr. led the group, carrying a food container. “Son, I’ve brought you some food.” Alexander, Charlotte, and a nurse followed.

Noticing Thalia, Lady Blackwood Jr. smiled. “Thalia, you’re here too. Have you eaten? Would you like to join us? I’ve brought plenty, freshly prepared by our cook.”

Thalia smiled and declined. “No, thank you. I’ve just eaten.”

Asher added, “I’ve eaten as well.”

Lady Blackwood Jr. paused, noticing the thermal container in Thalia’s hand. “Thalia, did you bring food for Asher?”

“Yes.”

Lady Blackwood Jr. looked at Asher. “Are you full? Would you like more? I’ve brought all your favorites.”

“No need,” Asher replied. “Thalia cooked everything herself. It suited my taste perfectly, and I’ve finished it all.”

Lady Blackwood Jr. smiled. “Good. If you’ve eaten, then that’s that.”

Alexander grinned mischievously. “Oh? Thalia cooked for you?” He set down the fruit basket and tonics. “You lucky bastard.”

Asher retorted, “Indeed. A joy single dogs like you wouldn’t understand.”

Alexander’s smile faltered. “Fine, I’ll find a girlfriend soon, and we’ll see how you like being surrounded by our nauseating displays of affection.”

Charlotte’s eyes widened. “Thalia, you can cook?”

Thalia smiled slightly. “Just learned recently.”

“Love is miraculous,” Charlotte said, circling Thalia in disbelief. “I remember visiting your university flat, and you made me fried eggs. They were crunchy—you said eggshells were good for calcium. Now you’re actually cooking proper meals.”

Chapter 56 (continued)

Thalia touched her nose awkwardly. “Eggshells are good for calcium.”

Charlotte laughed. “Right, right. So it’s crunchy eggs with shells for your friend, but gourmet meals for your fiancé?”

Thalia’s eyes crinkled with amusement. “I’ll cook you a proper meal next time.”

Charlotte grinned. “I’m holding you to that.”

Alexander glanced at her. “Cooking is something special between the two of them. Why are you butting in?”

Charlotte lifted her chin. “That’s none of your business.”

After more banter, Lady Blackwood Jr. noticed the container again. “Thalia, are you going to wash those?”

“Yes,” Thalia replied.

“Give them to the nurse.” Lady Blackwood Jr. indicated the attendant.

The nurse stepped forward. “Miss Winters, please let me handle it.”

Thalia handed over the container. Lady Blackwood Jr. left shortly after receiving a call. Thalia, having afternoon work, left after spending time with Asher. Exiting the hospital, she encountered someone she wished to avoid: Drake.

Drake approached. “Thalia, I’ve finally found you. Why haven’t you been home these past few days?” He referred to her apartment at Riverside Manor, the only address he knew.

Thalia eyed him warily. “What are you doing here?”

Drake’s eyes gleamed. “I heard your engagement ceremony was cancelled?”

Thalia responded irritably. “How is that any of your business? Move aside!”

Chapter 56 (continued)

Drake blocked her path. “Thalia, do you believe in fate? Your engagement ceremony being disrupted is a sign that heaven doesn’t approve of your match.”

“Hah.” Thalia’s expression turned cold. “It’s the 21st century. How is your feudal superstitious thinking still not eradicated?”

Drake was unfazed. The cancelled engagement delighted him. Asher had been stabbed and nearly died—even fate seemed to favor him! His eyes gleamed with amusement. “Thalia, you know who the attacker was, right? She’s Asher’s obsessed admirer who’s been pursuing him for ten years. Many at the party saw her. It’s all over town now. Think about it—if a woman has been pursuing Asher so passionately for ten years, how could he possibly remain completely indifferent?”