?Chapter 161:


    The noise made Yvonne swiftly turn her head.


    In that motion, her gaze unexpectedly locked with Norton’s in midair.


    “Uh-huh. Just simple home-cooked meals. Not sure if they’ll be to your taste.” She had taken the time to ensure the dishes were both simple and thoughtful.


    She had even consulted Jorge before picking up the groceries.


    “Go ahead and wash up. We’ll eat as soon as the soup is done,” she instructed, returning her attention to the simmering pot.


    “What type of soup is it?”


    His deep voice suddenly filled the space next to her.


    Norton had moved silently and now stood beside her.


    At home, Yvonne wore only t slippers, entuating the difference in their height significantly.


    She barely reached his shoulder.


    Feeling his presence behind her, Yvonne noticed the room seemed to contract. His nearness was imposing, heightening her sense of his presence dramatically.


    Her muscles tightened reflexively, causing her usual fluidity in the kitchen to falter.


    “When will the soup be ready?” inquired Norton.


    “It has just started to boil.”


    “Will it take much longer?”


    “Actually, it won’t. Just need to add the ingredients and let them simmer for a few minutes.”


    Yvonne methodically dropped each ingredient into the pot, following up with a dash of seasoning.


    G a lno v els  is packed with thrilling adventures


    She was sparing with the spices, aiming to let the natural tastes of the food shine through.


    The wait became a subtle ordeal, steam curling from the pot while his breath seemed to hover just behind her.


    Aware of his close proximity, Yvonne felt his eyes on her as she cooked.


    She had always imagined such simple, daily joys as part of her married life.


    Unfortunately, her dreams had not materialized.


    From the time they were married, his affection had beencking. He was frequently away on business trips or preparing for the next one.


    Consequently, their encounters were sparse.


    This may have been the most prolonged period they had ever spent together.


    When the soup finally boiled, Yvonne murmured softly, “It’s ready. I’ll get it served.”


    She grasped thedle, poised to dish up the soup.


    Norton’s voice grew closer again. “You seem to have forgotten the salt, haven’t you?”


    “Did I really?”


    Yvonne felt a surge of surprise and quickly tasted the soup, only to find it tasteless.


    She recognized that thepse was due to the disruption caused by Norton’s close presence.


    “You seem a little off your game in the kitchen today,” he teased yfully.


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