oodles, adorned with a fried egg and several succulent shrimps. The fresh, pl

ad to be a cul

her words hanging in the air as she hesitantly extend

y n

e refusal, yet she found herself

odles, he noticed something. "

he noodles herself, only to find them

ner. I made only one serving, but do

eplied, continuing t

elp but be surprise

ed she would struggle to k

surprised her by honoring his word

t his straightforward demeanor left h

treated to the kitchen to pre

ked at her angry back

of noodles, only to find Ethan had already finis

ed that Scarlett's noodle

d seafood charm, they ha

ere's more in the kitchen." Scar

time," Ethan cautioned as he rose,

e sink, only to be surprised when he returned with a h

ounded. What was t

nst overeating while cont

r, "Eat at your own pace. No on

rlett found her

ll could h

e, punctuated only by the soun

at Ethan, observing his elegant

d sweater and black trousers. His chiseled features exuded an air of ref

eit modest, his striking appearance

was una

found herself intrigued b

do you do for a living? And your parents?

eached the

her with a

an before, left Scar

hether she had overstepped b

d. "If you'd rather no

ple, they ought to acquaint themsel

ked like he w

artment of Cosmos Group. My mother passed away when I was young. And my father... He is deceased as

than's demeanor as he mentioned his parents. Los

background could be fa

joy, Ethan had endured even greater sorrow sinc

ad no idea..."

ishing his noodles and elegantly

clarify a f

at Scarlett's conscience,

down as she had said something

set down her fork,

the time being. While I shall fulfill my obligations as y

ll not extend to intimacy. I trust you comprehend. However,

e entertain desires for a stra

he was averse t

ons and nodded. Her earnest

rowed at her unc

equests, within reason, I shall

e, Ethan understood

he wielded his greatest leverage to secu

nruffled, her demeanor s

of familiarity, it is prudent to maintain such boundaries. We've only met twice

have none. However, if I may impose, would

med to have a clear line from him, he

ce reverted to its former chill

was more astute tha

ments. If he wasn't on guard,

, "Regrettably, I have a prior engag

ickered across Sc

mposed. "That's alright. We s

im to meet her grandmo