Erick turned his attention to Thea, his eyes glistening with joy. She was aware of the reason for his expression because all of the food that had been placed on the table was one of his favorites.
Thea gave herself an internal pat on the back for surprising Erick; it appears she didn't let him down, as seen by his grateful smile. She had never before had the opportunity to prepare food for her spouse, but now she finally did.
Erick, there will be more in the future.
As he observed the food on the table, Grandpa Thomas grinned. "Looks like the three of us are having a feast" he chuckled.
"Thea, Anne told me you cook. Which one did you make? Are you sure it's edible dear?" he teases.
She looked at Anne, who was lingering near the entrance, and said, "Hey, Grandpa stop it, Anne tasted the food I made and she approved of all of it, right Anne?"
Thea's lips curled into a mischievous smile as she proudly declared, "I made the stir-fried beef broccoli!" while keeping an eye on Erick's response.
When Erick heard what she had prepared, he was shocked. He was now eating half of his plate of stir-fried beef and broccoli, so when the maid brought him more food, he couldn't resist trying it because it was his favorite dish, even if he didn't know it was made only for him.
Hearing what she said brought back memories of what happened yesterday at the grocery. His ears started to turn scarlet red. He put down his spoon and stared at Thea with thoughtful eyes.
'How could I forget? I've already consumed half of it. Your shameless Erick," he said, slapping himself on the head.
He foolishly blurted out, "You said you will cook it for your special visitor."
She replied, shocked at Erick's innocence, biting her lower lip to contain her laughter.
Ah, I see. What was that person saying?
Thea stared at him and answered, "I haven't heard it yet," after raising her glass of water and taking a few sips.
She said, a devious grin appearing on her lips, "How about you Erick? Do you enjoy it?"
He nodded and cast a glance at Thea's face before responding, "Yeah, I did, it's excellent and delicious, you cook very well, Thea."
Her grin reaches her ears in ecstasy at his reply, "So that's the response to your inquiry, Erick."
Erick laughed at her endearing behavior. But his smile suddenly evaporated when he was reminded of the debate between him and Grandfather Thomas in the study room.
It was before he met Thea earlier. He lowers his head and speaks softly to her as guilt begins to seep into his chest.
"Thank you for the wonderful treatment and hospitality, Thea. I thought that I don't deserve any of this ". Erick believes it to be excessive, especially considering that they only just met today in person and that he was moved by her kindness.
Thea chuckled, thinking Erick was referring to his position as an ordinary military man who is married to a noblewoman. It was like in the past, when she humiliated Erick, regarding his status, but not in this lifetime. She gave a quick shake of the head.
She changes her gaze to grandpa Thomas for confirmation, "What are you saying, Erick, you are my fiancée, and it's only appropriate that we treat you like our family, right grandpa?"
Grandpa Thomas, though, was aware of the reason Erick was critical of Thea, but he only has himself to blame. He lacked the courage to explain to his granddaughter why General Erick accepted the marriage proposal because he didn't want Thea to perceive herself as a tool for someone else's benefit, as her father always does. She was now making every effort to make a good first impression on the General.
Sorry, sweetheart; I'll let you know everything at the appropriate moment.
Thea's hand was gently squeezed as Grandpa gave her a loving expression before turning to look at Erick.
"Yes, Erick, you are part of the family of La Roche, please be as comfortable as possible when you are with us," he said softly.
Thea smiled at them, oblivious to the two men who were staring at her with guilty looks as Erick only nodded to the old gentleman while dodging her warm gaze.
She smiled and said, "See, Erick, you are welcome here at La Roche.
He replies with a half-smile, he was having an internal battle with himself. Erick initially felt a twinge of guilt toward Thea for agreeing to the engagement. Even though even before he arrived at the mansion, he was determined to carry out what his lawyer instructed him, and the old man agreed. But after observing how warmly she treats him and realizing that she is not as rumored to be, he was forced to pause and consider his actions.
Erick never anticipated being so strongly attracted to Thea. Erick noticed that his stomach would turn over and his heart would begin to beat quickly whenever he looked at her. He can't explain the feeling, but it was strange to him and positive in nature. That being said he opted to affirm his emotion as time goes by. But for the time being, he needed to reconsider his choice regarding the engagement.
"I should think twice about what the old man and the lawyer said; at the very least, give it a shot."
I apologize, Thea.