Chapter 46
“Why are you here?” Naomi’s surprise was evident.
Brendan responded nonchalantly, “Can’t I come over for dinner at your place?”
Naomi sat up and offered a smile in response. “You seldom came here over the past two years. I’m just a little surprised.”
Brendan’s gaze lingered on Naomi. Despite her smiling demeanor, the odd nuance caught his attention.
Naomi got up and made her bed. Brendan was engrossed in a book, so she poured herself a glass of water and delved into her work at the desk.
Brendan glanced at Naomi, sensing an underlying unease.
Both of them continued to focus on their own tasks until Christine knocked on the door, prompting them to head downstairs for dinner.
“Brendan, make yourself at home. Feel free to have more food if you wish,” Christine warmly insisted. The amiable atmosphere slightly discomforted him.
He had barely visited her family even after marrying Naomi.
Work–related discussions unfolded between Brendan and Dennis. Naomi, who typically participated in such conversations, displayed an unusual disinterest. She was focused solely on her phone.
Noticing her strange behavior, Christine queried, “Naomi, why are you looking at your phone during dinner?
Naomi explained, “I’m reviewing case files.”
“Do it after dinner. It’s a holiday. Give yourself a break,” Christine suggested.
“Alright,” Naomi agreed. She then turned off her phone and returned her focus on the food.
Christine muttered, “You’re too absorbed in work. All you do is work now.”
After Christine’s gentle reprimand, Brendan stole a glance at Naomi. However, she avoided his eyes.
In the past, when Brendan visited her home, she radiated happiness and never missed a chance to tease
him. Her indifference today was striking.
Even Christine had picked up on Naomi’s unusual silence and asked, “Naomi, are there any problems at work? If you’re unhappy, you can consider returning to the company to assist your dad. At least you won’t face any unpleasantness there.”
Naomi chuckled, “Mom, don’t worry. Work has never posed a challenge for me,
Despite being a legal rookie, Naomi had yet to lose a case since starting her career.
As she finished speaking, her gaze inadvertently met Brendan’s. She wore a faint smile and said, “Dont be shy. Have some more food.”
Chapter 46
Around 8:00 pm, the family finished dinner, and the couple spent some time downstairs with Dennis and Christine before heading upstairs.
Naomi retrieved a change of clothes from her wardrobe, but she noticed Brendan’s hesitation. She inquired, “Aren’t you going back tonight?”
In their two years of marriage, Brendan had never spent the night at her family’s house.
Brendan asked emotionlessly, “Am I not welcome to stay over?”
Naomi smiled and responded, “Of course you’re welcome to stay.”
Despite the verbal welcome, her demeanor was distant, and she wasn’t teasing Brendan like usual. On a typical day, she would have playfully made some flirtatious remarks, like requesting to have a shower together, to make Brendan blush.
She continued, “You can use the bathroom here. I’ll go to the guest room.”