Lost Me, Gained Regret (Jane and Bryant Ferguson) novel Chapter 39

Mark seemed oblivious to any undercurrent in the conversation or perhaps chose not to delve deeper. With a gentle smile, he said, "No worries. Why don't you all wash up? Dinner's almost ready."

Mark was quite the chef. The table was laden with dishes that were a feast for the senses, making everyone's mouth water.

Steven and Christine couldn't stop singing his praises.

I couldn't help but join in, "Mark, your cooking skills are totally amazing!"

"Give it a try, see if you like it," Mark encouraged as he brought out the last two dishes, placing a plate of spicy shrimp in front of me with a warm smile. "You should like this one."

I was surprised.

Aside from Christine, everyone assumed my taste was similar to Bryant's—very mild.

But before I could speak up, Bryant's cool voice interjected, "She can't handle spicy food. You might have been close in college, but you clearly don't know her taste..."

"Mr. Ferguson," Christine was quick to correct him, her tone playful despite the seriousness of her words, "after all this time together, where has your attention been? Jane's favorite is spicy food, the hotter the better!"

It was a sobering reminder.

Indeed, where had his attention been?

I had always adapted to his preferences, yet he never took the time to understand mine.

Bryant frowned slightly, a trace of confusion in his eyes. "You like spicy?"

"Yes."

As we spoke, I peeled a shrimp and ate it deliberately, maintaining eye contact with his beautiful, deep-set eyes as I earnestly replied, "Bryant, I don't like bland food; it's just not satisfying."

Bryant's demeanor darkened, and the atmosphere turned even more awkward.

I knew it wasn't the right moment for such a conversation.