Chapter 13

Perhaps he was startled by the potato slices I'd cut thicker than my fingers.

He didn't touch his forks for a long moment.

He simply lowered his eyes, staring motionlessly at the potato slices.

I even felt a bit embarrassed myself.

"Mr. Thorne, I'm new to this, and I'm really not good at cooking."

"Perhaps we should have someone else prepare something new..."

Seeing Liam remain silent, Anastasia picked up a pair of forks and tasted a bite.

She paused. "You're not just 'not good,' you're completely hopeless. It's so salty, and it has chili. How can anyone eat this?"

"Ms. Sinclair."

Liam suddenly interrupted her complaints.

"You should be off the clock."

Anastasia started to say something else.

Liam raised his hand, waving her away.

Anastasia pointed at me, then left in a huff.

"Don't be afraid." Liam still didn't look at me. He extended his forks to another dish. "You cooked very well; it suits my taste perfectly."

I brightened up. "Then can I keep cooking for you?"

He didn't look at me.

Only then did I dare to really examine him.

He was so thin.

His cheeks were slightly hollowed, making him look a bit sharp.

He used to be so healthy when I took care of him.

All muscle.

"No need," he refused my cooking application.

...

It seems it really was terrible.

"Cooking is tiring," he said. "Just do your designated tasks and take good care of Buddy."

I suddenly remembered when I used to say that after we got married, I'd take charge of his stomach.

I'd go to a cooking class and really improve my skills.

But he'd said no.

"When we have money, I'll hire a housekeeper to help with cooking."

"And when I have time, I'll cook."

"Chloe Harper, I'm not marrying you for you to spend all day in the kitchen."

"You have a great life and youth ahead of you. I'd rather you go out and see the world, experience new sights."