?Chapter 217:


    Norah gazed at the well-prepared steak on her te, her mind shing back to the unsettling scene from the afternoon, causing her to feel nauseous. Having resided in the harmonious society for an extended period, it was inevitable that she would struggle with such a tragic sight. There was a fundamental disparity between saving lives and taking them.


    “Is everything alright?” Sean halted, his gaze shifting to Norah with concern.


    Norah summoned a strained smile. “Yeah, very hungry.”


    “My bad,” Sean said remorsefully. “I should’ve asked what you preferred. I went ahead and ordered the restaurant’s signature dishes. Take a look at the menu and pick what you fancy.”


    Norah didn’t hold Sean ountable for choosing her meal. Quite the opposite, she appreciated the gentle care. “It’s my own preference,” she replied.


    Norah reached for the heavy menu from the table’s upper left corner and flipped through it, only to find nothing appealing. “I’ll go with the spaghetti,” she decided.


    Closing the menu, she ced it back on the table. “I had a small bite with Alice. Sean, just enjoy your meal.” Norah fibbed, opting for a white lie. When she disclosed the truthter, Sean would understand the reason behind herck of appetite, sparing them both unnecessary probing.


    Over dinner, Norah informed Sean of her decision to extend her stay in Ond by another fortnight.


    “It’s alright. I’ll stick around,” Sean reassured her, his gaze affectionate.


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    “Wouldn’t this interfere with your household chores?” Norah asked.


    “I’ve got work to handle overseas as well. Don’t fret about me. Focus on your… ” Realizing his words sounded a bit harsh, he quickly softened his tone. “I mean, I’ve got things under control. No need for you to worry about me.”


    However, his attempt at gentleness didn’t fare much better. As soon as Sean finished speaking, Norah burst intoughter. “Alright, got it.”


    How had she just now discovered this side of him? He used toe off as cold and calcting, yet now he anxiously exined himself, fearing her anger at misspoken words.


    Was she unforgiving? Norah lowered her head, taking a bite of her spaghetti. Unconsciously, a smile yed on her lips.


    The restaurant Sean discovered surely didn’t disappoint in the taste department. Despite the delicious offerings, Norah’s appetite wascking. She barely made a dent in her spaghetti, leaving two-thirds untouched. Conversely, Sean polished off his steak, even devouring half of the portion she had set aside.


    As the main course was cleared away, Sean leaned back, awaiting dessert impatiently. “Now, can you reveal what you’ve got in that package?”


    The package wasn’t particrlyrge, but its odor was pungent. Sean, with his keen sense of smell, found it difficult to bear.


    Norah nodded, contemting for a moment before shaking her head. “Let’s indulge in dessert first.” She had a fondness for all things beautiful and a sweet tooth to match. It being her inaugural visit to this restaurant, she was eager to sample their desserts.


    Sean grinned. “You’re a fan of desserts?”


    “Who isn’t keen on something sweet?” Norah replied with a mysterious smile. “Let me clue you in. I whip up some killer desserts.”


    “You’re into baking?” he queried.


    “Absolutely. I’ve got a knack for cooking, baking included.”


    As they conversed, the restaurant’s desserts arrived. A chocte mousse cake with a drizzle of strawberry sauce adorned the table.


    Sipping his red wine, Sean abstained from the dessert before him. Sweet treats weren’t to his liking, but he’d ordered it with Norah in mind. Back when he used to bring Susanna here, Susanna adored these desserts the most.


    Norah took a bite, savoring the sweet aroma of cream that filled her mouth. It was almost overwhelmingly sharine.


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