Chapter 1849:


    Bethel’s eyes overflowed as she looked Christina over from head to toe, her voice trembling with feeling. “Christina, it’s been so long. You’ve gotten so thin. Did they not feed you properly over there?”


    “Bethel,” Christina replied, caught somewhere between warmth andughter, “I’m not thinner. If anything, I’ve put on a little weight.”


    “You look slimmer to me, and you seem tired. I’ll cook something wholesome to build your strength back up,” Bethel said, the worry in on her face.


    Christina suppressed a softugh. If she kept eating at the pace Bethel insisted upon, she would end up round as a ball. Yet in Bethel’s eyes, no matter how much she ate, it was never quite enough. Bethel took deep joy in pampering her with homemade dishes — hearty, nourishing ones especially — always making sure Christina was full and well. In her heart, eating well was one of life’s truest blessings.


    “Bethel, I brought you plenty of health supplements. Make sure you take them,” Christina said gently.


    “You didn’t need to spend so much on me, Christina,” Bethel said, visibly moved.


    “It’s nothing at all. I just like taking care of you,” Christina replied with a easyugh.


    Bethel took Christina’s hand and looked her over once more.


    “My precious girl — you’re forever so thoughtful…” She exhaled softly, a trace of wistfulness slipping into her tone. “You’re the only one who truly thinks of me.”


    ???????e??? ??o??e???? t??a???????????? ???? ????l???v????s.с????


    “Bethel, I think of you too,” Dn’s voice came from across the room.


    She turned to find him standing in the doorway wearing a pink apron, spat in hand, an easy smile on his face.


    He was usually distant andposed, yet whenever Christina was nearby, something softer came to the surface. Had Bethel not grown used to Christina being his one exception, she might have thought she was looking at two entirely different men.


    “Oh, that’s right — you care about me as well. Forgive me, Dn,” Bethel said with an apologetic smile.


    “No offense taken, Bethel. Just don’t forget about Chrissie,” Dn replied, his smile unhurried and rxed.


    “What are you doing out here with a spat?” Christina asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.


    His sleeves were pushed up, exposing firm, well-defined forearms that carried an easy, quiet strength.


    “I came to ask whether you’d like me to make something different,” Dn said, his gaze settling on her with quiet warmth.


    “Cook whatever you like. I’m happy with anything,” Christina answered.


    “Alright. Stay here and visit with Bethel. I’ll call you when breakfast is ready.” He turned and headed back into the kitchen, spat still in hand.


    As he disappeared from sight, Christina’s smile widened into something unguarded and full.


    Bethel watched them with quiet contentment.


    It seemed that walking away from Brendon had truly been the right decision. Dn surpassed him in every respect — and more importantly, he returned Christina’s affection with equal devotion.


    .


    .


    .