Rosalind hesitated, realizing she should remind Ulric that Easthaven Bay was his true home, and going there wasn’t truly “going home” for her.
However, when she opened her mouth to speak, no words escaped her lips.
Just this once, she wanted to indulge herself and savor this moment of tenderness, even though it rightfully belonged to someone else.
“Alright, let’s go home.”
…
Perhaps due to exhaustion from the previous day, Ulric uncharacteristically didn’t wake up at six in the morning.
When Rosalind opened her eyes, she found him still peacefully asleep beside her.
His hand lightly rested on her waist, his body slightly turned. Sunlight filtered through the fluttering curtains, casting a beautiful glow on his chiseled face, captivating Rosalind’s gaze.
If only… she were the one he loved, how wonderful that would be…
The thought startled her, causing her body to tense. She rose from the bed, eager to dismiss such inappropriate musings.
She couldn’t believe she allowed herself to entertain such thoughts. Once a taste of sweetness is experienced, greed can easily follow.
Rosalind splashed cold water on her face in the bathroom, attempting to wash away those unwelcome thoughts. She then proceeded to the kitchen, determined to prepare breakfast for Ulric.
Out of courtesy and gratitude, she felt compelled to express her thanks.
Just as the pot of porridge began to boil, Ulric finally woke up.
Still clad in his dark silk robe, his disheveled hair made him appear less imposing and more approachable.
Rosalind relaxed slightly and greeted him with a smile. “Breakfast will be ready soon. How do you like your eggs?”
“Medium.” Ulric didn’t assume a lordly position but instead went to the kitchen to fetch the toasted bread.
As Rosalind worked, a puff of steam caused her to accidentally burn herself. She instinctively hissed in pain but suppressed it.
She didn’t want to leave Ulric with the impression that she couldn’t handle even the simplest tasks.
Finally, the porridge was ready. Rosalind brought out two bowls, only to discover that Ulric was nowhere to be found.
“Mr. Walters?”
“Isn’t that title a bit inappropriate at home?”
Ulric appeared, holding a first aid kit.
Rosalind was momentarily taken aback before offering a smile. “It’s fine…”
Mainly because she had no other name to call him besides Mr. Walters.
“At home, you can call me Ulric.” He took a few steps toward Rosalind. “Give me your hand.”
“…”
He gently took her hand and examined the burn. It was then that Rosalind noticed two small blisters forming.
“Applying the ointment might sting a little. Endure it.”
Rosalind shook her head, attempting to retract her burnt hand. “No need! It’s just a minor injury.”
During her time working at hotpot and barbecue restaurants, burns like this were common occurrences. She had paid little attention to more severe injuries in the past.
“Rosalind, please cooperate.”
As he spoke, he lowered his head and started tending to her wound.
Yet, Rosalind couldn’t help but detect a hint of tenderness and helplessness in his voice…
No, no! She must have misinterpreted it. Perhaps Ulric was merely considering her as a substitute once again. This tenderness didn’t belong to her.
It was their first breakfast together, and Rosalind found herself distracted, her mind preoccupied with worries about the Huayi project.
Though the person in charge had been taken into police custody and she was the victim, it would undoubtedly complicate the cooperation between the two companies. Huayi would likely make things more difficult for her in the future.
Ulric finished his meal, elegantly wiping his lips. Rosalind still wore a frown, her bowl of porridge more than halfway full.
“Do you truly desire to complete the Huayi project so desperately?”