Chapter 1037: The Accidental Kiss

Mary was quite the cook.

The chilled veggie sticks with thick orange sauce were cool and fragrant.

The pear tart appetizer was crisp and sweet with a hint of tartness.

The main course, grouper fillet garnished with thin pineapple slices, revealed the perfect harmony between the fish and the fruit.

Timothy couldn't help but marvel at how well the pineapple complemented the fish.

Watching Mary enjoy her meal, Timothy felt a pang of emotion. He wished he could share such simple dinners with Mary every day.

Mary's eating style was a blend of elegance and cuteness, and Timothy found himself mesmerized, unable to look away.

Mary noticed his gaze and paused, her eyes filled with uncertainty. "Is the food not to your liking?" she asked.

Why had he stopped eating?

Was her cooking really that bad?

She regretted not suggesting they eat out.

Unbeknownst to her, Timothy found her reaction utterly adorable. He smiled and gently explained, "Look closely, I've almost finished everything."

Mary blinked and looked at his plate, realizing it was nearly empty.

"The food is amazing. This is the best dinner I've ever had," Timothy said with genuine praise.

Mary felt the room warm up.

Was this the first time he had praised her so sincerely?

And for her cooking, no less.

Maybe he was just trying to comfort her.

Mary quickly finished her meal, feeling hot and eager to retreat to her room to freshen up.

But Timothy stopped her. "Don't forget dessert."

He swiftly placed candles on an ice cream cake and walked over to Mary with it.

His usually stern face softened in the candlelight, looking unusually gentle.

In their three years of marriage, she had never seen him like this.

Mary thought, 'This birthday is full of surprises and may be a good start.'

As the cake was placed before her, it felt like a knife cutting the past from the future.

The painful memories began to blur.

"Make a wish and blow out the candles," Timothy said, his voice as soothing as a warm bath. "It's the most important part of the birthday ritual."

Mary's long lashes fluttered, and her heart raced.

She closed her eyes and made a wish.

Then she cut two pieces of cake, handing one to Timothy.

Timothy took the cake, but she didn't walk away.

If she were to move on from the past, there was something she needed to address.

In the soft glow, she looked like a fairy. Leaning close to Timothy's ear, she whispered, "I've never blamed you, not then and not now. Those words back then were just my way of venting my pain. They meant nothing."

Timothy's heart stirred, and he instinctively turned to look at Mary.

In doing so, he accidentally kissed her cheek.

The room fell silent, and both felt their hearts skip a beat.

Timothy, after a moment of surprise, didn't want to stop.

The feeling was too wonderful. He reached out to embrace Mary, wanting to deepen the kiss.

But Mary gently pushed his warm hand away, retreating like a startled rabbit. "Thanks for today. Goodnight," she said hurriedly.

She grabbed the other piece of cake and fled to her room, locking the door behind her.

Timothy stood in the now-empty dining room, smiling as he took a bite of the cake.

The sweetness melted in his mouth, but it couldn't compare to the accidental kiss.

Both had sweet dreams that night.

Mary woke up feeling refreshed.

She made two simple breakfasts, ate hers, and then took a cab to work in high spirits.

Lucas was already waiting by her desk, as usual.

Seeing Mary looking so radiant, he was surprised. "Mary, you look great today."

"I had a good night's sleep. You're here early, Lucas," Mary said with a smile. "Is there something you need?"

"Can't I come see you without a reason?" Lucas teased, raising an eyebrow.

Mary grinned playfully. "I didn't mean that. If you're waiting for me, there must be something important. Don't keep me in suspense."

Seeing this lively side of Mary, Lucas's heart skipped a beat, and he forgot about teasing her.

"This is an invitation to the Westfield Jewelry Design Competition. Westfield is a fashion capital, collaborating with many international brands. This event is organized by the Westfield government, the Westfield Jewelry Association, and the International Diamond Council. It's aimed at enhancing jewelry design standards and promoting new designers to local and international buyers."

Mary's eyes widened as she looked at the gold-embossed invitation. "Lucas, you mean?"

"I mean, I'm here to give you the invitation. The company decided to send you and Rachel."

"Really?"

Mary's eyes sparkled like a kitten's.

Lucas couldn't help but smile. "Of course. You leave tomorrow. Take today off to prepare."

"Great!"

Mary happily took the invitation, examining it carefully before tucking it into her bag.

As she was about to leave, she remembered something and turned to Lucas, her excitement giving way to anxiety. "Lucas, I haven't graduated yet. Am I ready for such a big competition?"

"Don't worry, I'll be there too. I've been through these competitions and can guide you," Lucas reassured her. "Besides, your skills are excellent. Otherwise, why would the company choose you? There are more than two new designers this year."

"Okay!"

Mary nodded seriously. If the company believed in her, she had to give it her all and win a prize to live up to their expectations.

"Lucas, I'm heading home now."

Mary gave Lucas a sweet smile, and he nodded. "Take care. I'll finish up here and head home soon, too."