Chapter 21 Adjustment
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Eva knew Sean would come back after finishing his work, but hearing the sound of the key turning in the door still made her feel momentarily dazed.
She hadn’t heard the sound of someone unlocking the door in a long time, because this house was now only hers.
Now, hearing it again, Eva stared at the door, feeling a mix of emotions–both touched and helpless, trying to hide her conflicting feelings of anticipation and despair.
“Did I scare you?” Sean opened the door and, catching Eva’s gaze, smiled while shaking the keys in his hand.[]
“No,” Eva shook her head, pulling her gaze away before slumping back onto the sofa. “It’s just that I haven’t heard that sound in a long time.“[]
Sean paused, his hand still holding the keys, before placing them on the cabinet by the door.
Eva glanced at his suitcase and then spoke again, “I haven’t touched your lubbe
You can tidy up a bit. The guest room is over there,
alright?”
“Alright,” Sean replied decisively but didn’t immediately touch his luggage. Instead, he walked d toward Eva and stood in front of her, looking down at her, then asked, “Have you eaten?“[]
“I’ll order takeout later,” Eva looked up at him and then quickly diverted her gaze, casually grabbing a book from the coffee table.
Honestly, with the current state of their relationship, being in the same space felt awkward.]
“I’il cook for you,” Sean sighed, taking off his coat and draping it over the armrest of the sofa. He rolled up his sleeves and walked toward the kitchen.]]
Eva peeked over the top of her book, tilting her head to glance at Sean heading into the kitchen.]]
For a moment, she hesitated, but after half a minute, she set the book down and walked slowly
to
the kitchen.
When she reached the kitchen doorway, she could see Sean’s back.]
It was an image she had never dared to imagine before. Seeing Sean in the kitchen, even his back seemed soft and gentle–this was the side of him she had once longed for but later gave up on, realizing she would never have it.[]
“What’s up?” Sean turned around and smiled when he heard her footsteps.]
Seeing the hesitation in Eva’s eyes, Sean continued, “Since we’re living together now, there’s no need to be too formal. I don’t know how you used to live, but for me, I have certain habits. During the day, I can be casual with food, but at night, I always cook for myself.”
“Even if it’s just for one, I still make enough for two. Let’s eat together.”
“Alright,” Eva nodded, then turned to leave.]
“Hey,” sensing that Eva was about to leave, Sean turned around to stop her. “Right now, since you’re still recovering, you don’t need to help. But once you’re better, you’ll have to pitch in.“[]
“Mm,” Eva nodded as she met his gaze.
Chapter 21 Adjustment
Eva took two steps back but sh to leave. She stood not far from the kitchen, watching Seanworking in the kitchen.||
Sean didn’t mind that she was still watching. He continued preparing the ingredients.[]
“These ingredients have been here for a while, huh?” Sean asked, not turning around but speaking up.
“Probably, it’s been some time. I haven’t really been paying attention lately.“[]
“I’ll buy some fresh ingredients tomorrow after work,” Sean replied.]
“You… do you have any other habits? I mean, living together.“]
Eva asked, figuring it was best to clear up any issues, since they would be living under the same roof. Since Sean mentioned he had his own habits, it would be better to set expectations early.[]
“That’s hard to say right now. We’ll have to figure it out and adjust as we go,” Sean answered.]
“Okay…” Eva nodded, not saying much more. She finally turned and walked back to the living room.
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