From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 300

“If you like it, have some more. There’s water chestnut in there.”

Adolphus had been cooking for Laurinda long enough to learn exactly what she liked. Watching her dig in with so much enthusiasm made him feel oddly proud.

“With you all spoiling me like this, I honestly think I’m getting chubby.”

Laurinda laughed as she pinched her cheeks. She had definitely put on a little weight since meeting Adolphus, and her face showed it the most.

“A little weight is good for you. You were way too skinny before. You’re five-seven and not even a hundred pounds. You need some real food.”

Adolphus couldn’t help but smile at her playful gesture. He scooped another bowl of soup for her, still thinking she could use a bit more meat on her bones.

After they finished eating, Balaam handed Adolphus some red paper to write New Year’s couplets. Laurinda didn’t rush to open her presents. Instead, she stayed close, watching him dip the brush and write each character with a steady hand.

“I never knew you were good at this. Seriously, Adolphus, you can do calligraphy?”

Adolphus looked up, meeting her teasing eyes, and grinned. “Want to try?”

“I’m nowhere near your level. I can copy stuff in a workbook, but with a brush? No way.”

Laurinda waved him off. After seeing his beautiful writing, there was no way she’d embarrass herself by trying.

“You can copy letters? Maybe next time we need to write invitations, I’ll put you in charge.”

His voice was a little too suggestive, and Laurinda couldn’t help thinking about wedding invitations. Her cheeks turned pink before she could stop herself.

Adolphus caught her blushing and leaned in, his voice low by her ear. “What are you thinking about?”

Laurinda’s thoughts were exposed and her face got even hotter. She shoved him away, mumbling, “Ugh, you’re so annoying. I’m going to check on the strawberry preserves Julius is making.”

Adolphus put down the brush and patted Harrell’s shoulder gently. For once, he actually sounded sincere.

“You’ll have your own family soon. Everything you ever wanted, you’ll get it, just maybe not in the way you expected.”

Harrell stared at him, half convinced he was hallucinating. Since when did Adolphus say things like that?

“Dude, are you trying to jinx me or something?”

“Are you nuts?”

Adolphus rolled his eyes. He tried to be nice for once, and Harrell didn’t even believe him. No wonder he was still struggling with Bonnie.

Laurinda was stretched out on the couch, completely focused on her video game. Adolphus washed his hands and sat down next to her, watching as she picked off enemies from the rooftop, two snipers at a time, right up until she scored the win.