Chapter 16: Hidden Feelings and Gentle Surprises–2
“Sleep early. Good night.” Without waiting for my reply, he turned and ascended the stairs in
haste.
I didn’t notice his subtle turmoil. I lowered my head, sipping the tea slowly, my heart oddly warm and tranquil.
The next morning, before the alarm clock chimed, Connor appeared, knocking gently on my
door.
“Livvy, time to get up,” his deep voice called from the other side.
I woke, fished my phone from under the pillow, and glanced at the screen: 9:59 sharp. Such
precise timing.
After finishing my morning routine, I emerged to a breakfast laid out on the table: a humble bowl of venison stew. The rich aroma filled the air, making my stomach growl appreciatively.
Curious, I took a spoonful of broth. My eyes brightened instantly as the familiar flavor hit my
tongue.
“How come it tastes exactly like that restaurant near my law firm?” I asked, unable to hide my
surprise.
Across the table, Connor merely murmured a neutral “Mm.”
I was puzzled. What did that mean? I sampled another bite–yes, it was unmistakably the same taste. The unique blend of herbs, the perfect tenderness of the meat–this wasn’t just
similar, it was identical.
I glanced suspiciously at him. “Did you buy this from that tiny restaurant behind my firm?”
A pause, then Connor admitted plainly, “Yes.”
“But… how do you know that shop?” It was more than ten kilometers from this hotel. Why
would he go so far for venison stew?
Seeing no point in hiding, Connor confessed quietly, “I… came to Harbor City to see you
before.”
I froze, shocked, my amber eyes widening. “C–came to Harbor City? When?”
“In your first year here, the second year, and this year. I visited every year.” His voice was calm and matter–of–fact.
< Chapter 16 Hidden Feelings…
+25 Puntos
My mind went blank as if blood had stopped flowing. Connor had come secretly, year after year, just to see me? No wonder the suite bore traces of frequent occupation–he’d visited
often.
My heart thudded wildly with a realization I wasn’t ready to face. Had he been watching over me all this time? While I thought I was alone in Harbor City, had he been silently keeping tabs
on me?
Flustered, I hurriedly changed topic. “Thank you for the stew, Con. It’s really delicious.”
He noticed my flushed ears, red as if bleeding, and a faint smile played at his lips, but he didn’t expose my shyness. Instead, he changed the subject gently.
“By the way, I know a skilled artifact restorer–Eliza Montgomery. She was once invited by the National Heritage Museum to repair ancient relics. Maybe she can fix your ceramic figurine.”
“Really?” My head snapped up, eyes sparkling with hope.
Connor nodded calmly. “When we return to Riverdale, I’ll take you to see her.”
“Alright.” His words soothed my battered heart like a healing balm.
Somehow, I simply trusted him–if he said the expert was capable, then my precious light blue ceramic figurine, shattered together with memories of my mother Sarah, just might be saved.
I couldn’t quite explain why, but Connor’s gentle surprises had given me too many shocks in one morning. Suddenly, I wondered–what else did he hide from me?
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