Natalie opened the refrigerator. It was stocked with fresh vegetables. Spotting some shrimp, she took them out, nning to peel and devein them for a shrimp stir-fry. She''d also make a cabbage soup and a spicy sliced pork dish, and dinner would be
ready.
Luna loved intense vors. In the winter, she enjoyed making herself a small, personal hot pot-the spicier, the better. The past two years, she had been eating much lighter meals with Sebastian, and while her pte had adjusted, she still craved things like spicy beef, pork, and fish.
Having decided on the menu, she immediately started preparing dinner. After a moment''s thought, she took out her phone and sent a message to Luna. [Luna, do you have enough ingredients for your hot pot? If not,e get some from me.]
Luna: [Hey, tonight I''m just craving spicy instant ramen with some cabbage, sausage, a fried egg, and a few slices of pork. I''ll be in heaven. Don''t worry about me, I love noodles in the winter.]
Natalie smiled. *Of course.* That girl always did love her spicy food.
Natalie sent a voice message. "Alright! You enjoy yourself then. I''m starting on dinner."
She put her phone down and continued with her preparations.
In the winter, it was already dark by five-thirty.
Natalie turned on the lights, and the vi was instantly filled with a bright, luxurious glow.
She took a deep breath. In the past, knowing Sebastian wasing home for a meal she''d cooked would have made her ecstatic. She would have dly put her books aside, even neglecting her graduate school studies, just to make him a delicious dinner.
But now, there was no passion, no anticipation. It seemed that once you''d umted enough disappointment, your heart stopped aching.
Natalie took another deep breath, a faint smile on her lips. She sat down and scrolled through her phone. She had already prepped all the ingredients, so the food would be ready quickly once Sebastian arrived.
After she sat down, she saw a message from her oldest brother, Wayne. [Natty, your second brother, third brother, grandpa, and I won''t being back for the holidays this year. Why don''t youe abroad and celebrate with us?]
[I''ll arrange a private jet for you.]
Natalie looked up at the heavy snow falling outside the window. The thought of flying in this weather made even her nervous.
Besides, she didn''t want to go this year. Her third brother still hadn''t forgiven her. He was angry, and her being there would just make
atmosphere tense. She me the t
him every day, but he never responded. Just thinking about it made her sad. He had been the most vehemently opposed to her marrying Sebastian back then.
Natalie replied with a voice
message: "Wayne, I can''t join you for the holidays this year either. I won''t
be alone, though. Luna and
can celebrate with me, so don
worry about me being lonelyo''ll
Her three older brothers were all building their careers abroad, though they also had
sessful businesses back home.
Wayne called a momentter.
Natalie answered with a smile.
"Hey, Wayne."
"Natty, I''m tied up with a big project this year, but I''ll have more time once it''s finished. You have to take care of yourself over there. If you''re ever unhappy, our whole family can immigrate."
Natalie was surprised. Why would her brother even think of that? Immigrating? She asked with augh, "Wayne, why would you have such a drastic idea?"
Wayne exined, "It''s not my idea, and it''s not even a new one. It''s Grandpa''s. He''s worried you''re unhappy, and he said if you are, we could all immigrate and live the life we want."
"Grandpa suggested that?" Natalie was stunned. He was still thinking of her. She sighed. Her decision back then had probably hurt him the most.
"Of course. Grandpa is afraid you''re not happy there. We''ve been considering immigrating for a while Our business here is doing very well and is quite stable. We even bought a vi this year, just waiting for you toe visit."