Chapter 299

Chapter 299

"That's good. Pets don't have worries. They just eat and sleep, sleep and eat."

Their purpose in life is to satisfy humans, so naturally they don't have troubles.

Sebastian sat in his chair, his finger tracing circles on the desk. Something heavy pressed down on his chest.

Lisbeth was pushing a cart through the supermarket. Hearing his words, she couldn't help but laugh. "Why so philosophical all of a sudden? Sure, a pet's life is stable and peaceful, but as humans, we should have great ideals and ambitions."

She picked out a few cucumbers, bagged them, and put them in the cart. Remembering Sebastian liked beef, she went to buy some.

"Beth…" Sebastian started.

Lisbeth asked, "I'm here. What is it?"

Sebastian suddenly couldn't bring himself to ask. He felt like asking would mean he didn't trust her.

"Never mind. Nothing. Get home safe after you finish shopping."

"I will. You come home early too."

After hanging up, Sebastian's mood still hadn't improved. Meanwhile, at the supermarket, Lisbeth was relaxed, filling a whole cart before heading home.

She was planning to make a big meal today. She'd specifically taken the afternoon off.

Anna asked her, "What's the special occasion? You're actually cooking a feast yourself?"

Lisbeth chopped vegetables as she replied, "I went to the hospital during lunch break. Megan's recovering well. The doctor said if nothing goes wrong, she'll wake up in the next day or two. Her speech and limbs are slowly recovering too."

"That's wonderful news. Once Megan's better, have her come over. I'll make her a proper meal."

Anna had a daughter of her own and an adorable little granddaughter. She had a soft spot for girls.

"I will. I'll tell her."

Lisbeth dropped the vegetables into the pan. The phone on the coffee table lit up. She couldn't hear it. Dennis, who was doing homework, grabbed the phone and ran to the kitchen to give it to her.

Lisbeth had to hand over what she was doing to Anna, wiped her hands, and went to answer the call. But before she even reached the door, she came face-to-face with Sebastian.

He was also holding his phone.

Lisbeth's hands were wet, so she had to hold the phone between her shoulder and cheek. "You're already home. Why are you calling?"

Sebastian pocketed his phone, looking at her posture with amusement. "I didn't think you'd actually answer. I just wanted to try."

"That's ridiculous. I'm home cooking."

Sebastian smiled but said nothing.

Lisbeth watched him take off his coat, hang it up, and walk into the kitchen in his white shirt, apparently planning to help. She quickly went over and pushed him out. "Today I'm making a feast to treat you all. You don't need to help in the kitchen."

Sebastian was obedient. After being shooed out, he didn't go back in. Lisbeth thought he'd gone to the living room, but when she opened the door, she saw him leaning against the wall beside the kitchen entrance.

"What are you doing standing here?"

Sebastian looked down at her. "I wanted to be near you."

Lisbeth tilted her head slightly, her gaze fixed on him. "Sebastian, something's wrong with you."

Sebastian asked back, "What's wrong?"

"You've been acting strange today." Lisbeth had felt something was off even during the phone call. "Did something happen at the company? If you need help, tell me."

Sebastian shook his head. "The company's fine."

"Then why do you look like you have something on your mind?" Lisbeth raised a finger and pressed it to the space between his brows, which was already creased.

"Look at you, all furrowed. You obviously have something on your mind. Why won't you tell the truth? Are you hiding something from me? Or did you do something you feel guilty about?"

Sebastian didn't know whether to laugh or cry.

"How did you come to that conclusion? Do I look like I've done something wrong?"

Lisbeth nodded. "Yes!"

You actually nodded!

Sebastian was both exasperated and amused. But after she teased him like this, the gloom in his chest seemed to lift. He hooked his arm around her waist and pulled her into his embrace.

Their foreheads touched. Their noses touched.

"Keep talking nonsense and I'll bite you."

Unfortunately, that threat had zero effect on Lisbeth. "Then bite me."

Sebastian ground his teeth. "You don't think I will?"

"Bite me."

Lisbeth closed her eyes.

In the darkness, she waited. Time seemed to stretch endlessly. All she could hear was his breathing, impossibly clear.

Until something brushed her forehead like a feather.

That was the "bite."

Lisbeth lifted her hands and wrapped them around his neck. "Feel better now?"

Sebastian laughed helplessly, hooked his arm around her waist, lifted her, and set her on the kitchen counter. "You tempt me like this and you're not afraid I'll lose control?"

Lisbeth raised an eyebrow. "If it makes you feel better… I don't mind."

Breaking the rules once in a while could be exciting.

Sebastian's breathing instantly grew heavier. His eyes locked on Lisbeth. "You're sure? No regrets?"

Lisbeth deliberately provoked him. "Don't tell me you don't dare?"

Sebastian chuckled softly, lowered his head, and kissed her lips. This kiss was different from the one on her forehead. That one had been gentle and tender.

This one carried a hint of restraint and suppression.

"Alright. You win… I still can't bring myself to force you to do something you don't want."

She didn't like being too intimate in public, especially when her mother and the two kids could discover them at any moment. She didn't find it exciting—just embarrassing.

Lisbeth smiled and kissed his cheek. "You're the one who refused. So we're agreed—no more sulking."

"Was I sulking?"

Sebastian hesitantly touched his own face.

Actually, no. He was very good at controlling his emotions. His behavior, his words—there was nothing obviously wrong. But when two people spent enough time together, they naturally understood each other better.

Subtle displeasure could be detected.

Especially since Lisbeth was perceptive and good at reading emotions. "Yes. You were very obvious!"

Sebastian frowned slightly in frustration. "Looks like my acting skills are useless around you."

Lisbeth laughed. "It doesn't matter. I don't mind."

The two were being affectionate when the two kids in the living room couldn't wait any longer.

"Mom, Dad, when are we eating?" Anne burst into the kitchen out of nowhere.

Lisbeth and Sebastian immediately separated.

Lisbeth cleared her throat. "It'll be ready soon."

Just as she finished speaking, her phone rang.

She picked it up and glanced at it. An unknown number. A photo.

It showed a hand holding a piece of cake, the posture suggesting it was being offered to someone.

On that hand was a familiar watch.

Lisbeth looked up at Sebastian, her gaze slowly moving down from his shoulder until it landed on his wrist.

He'd already rolled up his sleeves. The watch on his wrist was now visible.

Identical to the one in the photo.

Below the image was a line of text: [Ms. Whitaker, your husband is so thoughtful.]