Chapter 633

Chapter 633

Arthur plopped down in front of Flora, not even giving her a nod, tore into the fried chicken container, slipped on some gloves, and dug in.

Flora, taken aback, cracked open the script she'd been half-heartedly reading, stealing glances at Arthur.

She couldn't help but wonder if he picked this fried chicken spot on purpose, knowing it was her favorite.

Unfazed, Arthur polished off his meal and finally turned to her, "The smell bothering you? I can go chow down in the kitchen if you want."

"Nah, it's cool. It's a public joint," Flora replied, not wanting to come off as possessive.

She tried to play it cool, but the aroma of the fried chicken kept pulling her in, demanding her attention.

Out of the blue, her stomach rumbled at the worst moment possible.

Arthur paused mid-bite, grinning as he eyed her, "Aw, c'mon. I ordered for three. Can't tackle this solo."

Determined, Flora insisted, "I'm good, not hungry."

Ignoring her protest, Arthur plunked the fried chicken in front of her, offering gloves, "Dig in. Burning the midnight oil must've left you starving."

It would've been rude to turn down the tempting spread before her.

Flora's resolve crumbled, and she reluctantly took the gloves and started munching.

"This sauce is off," she grimaced, trying a new flavor, then pushed the rest towards Arthur, "You must've picked this. Enjoy."

Arthur was caught off guard. He pushed back the fried chicken she had given him, "We should keep some distance. This ain't right."

With that, Flora fell silent.

They had fallen into a routine. When she didn't like something, she'd pass it to Arthur, who would accept it without a fuss. But now, Flora realized their usual antics had gone too far.

Flora kept munching on the fried chicken in silence, but her nose started to itch.

She sniffled, trying to tough it out, but the lone piece of chicken left on the side tugged at her heartstrings. Tears welled up in her eyes, unnoticed.

Sensing something was off, Arthur halted his chewing and inquired, "What's up? Is the sauce bringing tears to your eyes? I won't get it again if you're not a fan. Please, no crying."

Flora remained silent, devouring the chicken as if eating could halt the tears.

But the tears kept streaming, mingling with the chicken and leaving a bitter taste.

Her crying intensified.

Arthur grew alarmed. He swiftly removed his gloves, sidled up to Flora, and peered at her, "Why the sudden tears? Is the sauce that awful? Please, no more tears."

He hesitated to wipe her tears, then pulled back, seeming to consider something.

Observing his actions, Flora's anger flared, "What's with the act now? You were all over me earlier, hugging, kissing, claiming you liked me. And now you're keeping your distance even while we eat?"

Arthur defended himself, feeling unfairly accused, "You said you wanted to be pals, right? I was just trying to be mindful of your boundaries."

Flora was caught off guard. She had indeed set those boundaries herself. She couldn't fault Arthur, but she was definitely going to hold him responsible. She shot back, "Don't play innocent now. Weren't you happy bringing other women around before? You claimed to like me, wanting me to be your girl. Was it all a sham?"

Arthur, who was on the verge of explaining, fell silent abruptly.

Flora, seething with anger, hurled a pillow at him, "Can't come up with a good excuse now, huh? You were just toying with me, claiming you were into me, asking me to be your girl. It was all a sham!"

"Was it amusing to see me fall for it?"

Arthur vehemently denied having any such intentions. Helplessly, he explained, "That woman that day, she wasn't brought home by me. I was feeling low after you turned me down, so I went out to drown my sorrows."

Flora hesitated, feeling conflicted.

Once the conversation started, Arthur found it easier to continue, "I genuinely like you, I confessed from my heart. I thought after all this time together, you might feel the same way. But when you rejected me and suggested we stay friends, it hurt. I was upset that you didn't see my true feelings. So, I ended up drowning my sorrows outside until late."

Flora's throat constricted.

So, during those days apart, Arthur was grappling with his emotions alone like this?

Flora couldn't fathom the typically confident Arthur looking disheveled in bars and elsewhere because of her. The realization made her feel remorseful and slightly touched.

Arthur sighed, "I can't stop liking you, but I'm unsure how to navigate this. So, I've been processing all of this, trying not to overstep any boundaries."

"I can sense your struggle to rein in your emotions whenever you're around me. I don't want you to feel pressured or to lose you."

Flora listened to his introspection in a daze, her mouth dry, unsure of how to reply.

Was it all because he cared for her too deeply?

Her nose tingled, and the urge to cry welled up again, this time from gratitude and a growing affection for Arthur.

"Why the tears again? Did I push you too hard? I'm sorry, that wasn't my intention. These feelings have been building up inside me for so long, I had to let them out. If it's overwhelming for you, I..." Arthur's remorse was evident as he sat forlornly on the floor.

Flora gently held his face, cutting him off, "Do you like me?"

Arthur was taken aback but quickly affirmed, "Of course."

"Do you still want to be with me?" Flora inquired once more.

"Absolutely!" This time, his response was more enthusiastic and louder.

Arthur seemed expectant, his gaze intense as he held her hand, waiting for her next words.

Feeling flustered under his penetrating stare, Flora coughed and cleared her throat before speaking, "Then I'm in."

"Really?" Arthur's face hadn't lit up yet when he heard her add,

"But you have to promise me one thing. Even if the child isn't biologically ours, you have to love and care for them."

At the mention of children, Arthur's expression darkened, "What do you mean? Are you planning to have a child with someone else? Or are you already pregnant by another man?"

Flora sighed and affectionately patted his cheek, "What are you thinking? Your performance issues won't be resolved anytime soon. But my mom is eager for me to have a child. If things don't work out, we can consider adoption. Don't hold it against me."

At the word "adoption," Arthur felt a sense of relief, but then realized he had painted himself into a corner.

He should have thought of a different excuse.

At least now he was officially Flora's boyfriend. He nodded and said, "Alright, I'll go with what you're saying."