Chapter 294 Cherish

Chapter 294 Cherish

Arthur still didn't stay the night. After carrying Aria to her room and coaxing her to sleep, he went back to his own apartment.

Little did he know that after he left, Aria, who had already closed her eyes, woke up. Looking at the empty room, she felt something she couldn't quite describe.

Although Arthur hadn't said anything, she could clearly feel how much he cherished her - a feeling she'd never experienced before.

She wasn't some naive young girl. On the contrary, during their three-year marriage, she and Arthur had been intimate quite a few times. So from that kiss just now, she could sense Arthur's restraint.

Watching him maintain his boundaries even when he could barely control himself, without being pushy at all.

This carefulness was something the old Aria had never felt before.

And because of this, Aria suddenly believed that her choice this time wouldn't be wrong!

Perhaps he wouldn't let her down again.

After figuring this out, drowsiness washed over her. Aria stopped overthinking and closed her eyes, falling asleep.

Unlike her peaceful dreams, Arthur went back and took a cold shower for a whole hour before finally cooling down that heat inside him.

....

Their relationship grew closer day by day through these interactions. With the busy flower season, Aria gave her shop employees the day off on New Year's Eve, letting them go home early for the holidays.

Although there were still some orders to fill, Aria turned down most of them.

Because this was her first time coming back for the New Year in many years, and it was also Jasper's first New Year in the country.

Before, when they were abroad, they followed Iceland's calendar and never properly celebrated the New Year.

Now that they were back, she naturally wanted to let Jasper experience it.

That day, she had just dressed Jasper in his thick cream-colored down jacket when the doorbell rang.

Opening the door, she saw Arthur standing outside, holding two fancy gift boxes. Seeing them ready to go out, he looked a bit surprised. "Going out?"

Aria nodded slightly and stepped aside to let him in. "Yeah, going to buy some stuff."

"Perfect, I'll come with you guys."

Arthur walked in naturally, set the gift boxes aside, and reached out to ruffle Jasper's hair. "Jasper, what do you want to eat today?"

Jasper's eyes lit up as he said excitedly, "Candied hawthorn!"

"Okay."

The three of them went out together. Arthur held Jasper's hand with one hand while keeping his other hand protectively near Aria's side, helping them avoid the crowds.

The market was bustling with noise, shouts rising and falling everywhere.

All kinds of dried fruits, candies, and cured meats were piled high, and the sweet smell of bread filled the air.

Jasper clutched Arthur's hand, his little head turning left and right. This was his first time seeing such a scene, and his eyes were full of curiosity.

When he spotted two pretty lanterns, he quickly tugged at Arthur and exclaimed.

"Arthur, those crystal lanterns are beautiful!"

Arthur followed his gaze and nodded with a smile. "They are beautiful. Let's buy two and hang them on the balcony at home."

Without hesitation, he took Jasper to pick out two small, delicate crystal lanterns and handed them to the clerk to wrap up.

Watching how smoothly he handled it, Aria couldn't help but say softly, "You seem pretty experienced at this."

Arthur turned to look at her and chuckled. "Can't be less experienced than my son, right?"

He paused, lowering his voice. "Even if I have to fake it, I've got to fake it well, don't you think?"

After all, buying New Year goods was something he never had to do before - the servants at home would arrange everything.

But now, things were different...

Aria's ears turned slightly red. She glanced at him and turned away to pick out some ribbons.

In the end, with Arthur's help, they chose a set of ribbons.

Whatever Aria picked up, Arthur put in the shopping cart, their movements perfectly in sync.

Then Arthur picked out some snacks, looking like he wanted to empty the entire market.

Seeing the overflowing shopping cart, Aria tried to stop him helplessly. "We're buying too much, we won't finish it all."

She felt that if she didn't stop him, Arthur might actually try to buy out the whole market.

But Arthur just said, "It's not too much."

It had been many years since they spent the New Year together. Even during their three-year marriage, he never properly stayed with her. He was almost always at the company, so during those three years, she basically spent the New Year alone at home.

This was practically their first New Year together, so naturally he had to take it seriously.

Of course, Arthur didn't say this out loud to make Aria overthink. What he needed to do now was make Aria remember his current self and forget the person he used to be.

Seeing his determination, Aria didn't say more. She just nodded lightly, and the group continued walking.

At the street corner, there was indeed someone selling candied hawthorn.

Jasper immediately tugged at Arthur's sleeve.

Arthur quickly went over and picked two of the biggest, reddest skewers - one for Jasper and one he held up to Aria. "Try it, it's sweet."

Aria took a small bite, and the sweetness melted on her tongue.

It really was good.

Jasper was also happily eating his candied hawthorn.

Watching the mother and son enjoy their treats, Arthur deliberately leaned closer to Aria and said softly, "Let me have one."

Without thinking much, Aria held up her skewer to him. Arthur didn't take it but tilted his head up slightly as a hint.

Aria immediately understood. Her face flushed, but she still held it up to his mouth. Arthur took a bite directly, chewed a few times, and said with a smile, "Really sweet."

Aria shot him a slightly annoyed look, ignored him, and walked ahead.

Only then did Arthur smile and signal Jasper to follow.

Arthur naturally took on the role of carrying everything.

The three of them chatted and laughed all the way back to the apartment. Arthur first took the ingredients to the kitchen to sort them out.

Ever since he learned to cook, Aria hadn't touched anything in the kitchen - Arthur basically handled everything.

At first, Aria wasn't used to it, but after their relationship improved rapidly, she felt quite comfortable with the arrangement.

Arthur organized the kitchen items while Aria sorted the fruits and snacks. The two worked in an orderly division of labor and quickly finished everything.

After finishing those tasks, Arthur came out of the kitchen to find Aria and Jasper studying some ribbons. He naturally walked over to help. "Let me help too."