Chapter 57
As Matthew listened to Charles’s ramblings on the other end of the line, he sensed Charles was getting sidetracked once again. Eager to shift the focus away from Valerie, Matthew cut in sharply, “How’s Grandma doing?”
“Mr. Grant, the butler reported that she sent the maids out early this morning to buy yarn. She’s knitting sweaters at the old mansion.”
Matthew felt reassured by the update. He knew his grandmother had whimsical ideas about making Valerie a part of the family, but thankfully, it seemed she was just indulging in her knitting hobby for now. As long as she was preoccupied and not fixated on pushing for a marriage, Matthew was content to support her.
“Just keep an eye on her, will you? Make sure she doesn’t wander off on her own again,” he instructed Charles.
“Understood, Mr. Grant,” Charles replied.
As Charles’s voice faded, Matthew detected the sound of footsteps nearby. He ended the call, just as Valerie opened the car door and slid into the passenger seat.
“Mr. Grant, I was thinking of ordering a small cake for us to share after dinner. This bakery is quite renowned and offers flavors like caramel, toffee, and strawberry. Which one would you prefer?” she asked.
Matthew thought for a moment. “Strawberry. It’s usually a hit with the kids.”
“Perfect!” Valeri
responded, her voice bright with
shes at the mention of Aiden. She quickly bent her head to place the order on her phone.
Matthew watched as she settled comfortably into the seat. Even with her head bowed, he could make out the outline of her face, highlighted by a playful dimple and bathed in soft sunlight, giving her an almost angelic glow.
Reflecting on what Charles had mentioned earlier, Matthew felt a pang of uncertainty. Every time Valerie had upset him, his anger seemed to dissipate before he even realized it. Her soothing tone and constant smile had a mysterious way of smoothing over his frustrations, making him forget his initial reasons for annoyance.
She seemed to possess the ability to transform irritation into contentment. Even now, Matthew found it hard to believe that he was spending a casual evening shopping and dining with a woman, just like any regular couple might do.
Matthew was in surprisingly high spirits. Despite the unexpected turns his life had taken because of Valerie, he found himself not minding the current situation.
As they arrived at the apartment, they noticed the kitchenware store was delivering goods. They entered the home, and workers bustled about, bringing in the new kitchen supplies. Shortly after, the seafood Matthew had ordered was delivered.
It was Valerie who suggested they host dinner for Julian and Ashley that evening, to which Matthew agreed. She felt touched, appreciating his willingness to go shopping with her. Once they were inside, Valerie insisted that Matthew take a rest while she took care of everything.
She dove into the kitchen work–washing dishes, cleaning seafood, and chopping meat–with skill and efficiency.
Suddenly, Matthew thought of something. “Should we pick up some fruits as well?”
Valerie chuckled. “No need. My brother owns a fruit shop. He’ll bring plenty with him. He’d be offended if he knew we bought fruit elsewhere.” After a brief pause, she reassured him, “Mr. Grant, please, don’t worry about sitting this out. I’ve got this covered. Feel free to relax in your room or do whatever you’d like.”
Matthew nodded. “Alright then.” He knew his strengths, and kitchen work was certainly not one of them.
However, no sooner had Matthew stepped away than a soft sob caught his attention.
“What’s wrong?” Concerned, Matthew hurried back to the kitchen to find Valerie in front of the cutting board, her fingers bleeding.
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