Divorce and Freedom No More Homemaker for Him novel Chapter 268

James brightened the moment he heard that. “Ayla, since when did you start bossing me around?”

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“Everyone’s usually busy. It’s rare we all get together,” Ayla said. “That favor you asked me for yesterday, I’m cashing it in today.”

Halle shot Ayla a glare.

Feeling guilty, Ayla looked away. If she’d known James only ran his mouth at Halle, she never would’ve agreed to hang out so often.

James split into a wide grin, flashing his pearly whites. He glanced at Draven, extra obnoxious. “This is a secret between Ayla and me. Don’t go snooping.”

Draven paused before saying, “I’m not interested.”

Seeing Draven’s stone–cold face only made James more annoyed. He leaned in and whispered in his ear, “Keep pretending. I saw you two holding hands. You’re definitely up to something. Jealous, huh?”

Draven felt James really deserved a beating.

James knew exactly where the line was. Seeing trouble coming, he finished speaking and bolted, running straight back home and leaving everyone stunned.

A short while later, James came back, dragging along an older man who looked about 60, still half–asleep.

James was also carrying two bags of groceries.

“This is Wilfrid,” James said, giving Wilfrid’s shoulder a heavy pat, forcibly waking him up. “I’ve been eating his cooking since I was a kid. After I moved to Trensea, I brought him over too. Tonight’s late–night feast is on him. Give it about half an hour.” Then James added threateningly, “Wilfrid, show them your speed and skills. Don’t embarrass me.”

Wilfrid Houle was fully awake now, smiling helplessly. “It’ll be ready soon.”

Halle was shocked by how rough James was being. “It’s so late. How about we forget it? This is elder abuse. I can just order takeout.”

James looked at Halle and provocatively asked Wilfrid, “Am I abusing you?”

Wilfrid was suddenly full of energy. “Absolutely not!”

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Chapter 268 Feels Like Home

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James turned back to Halle. “See? You’re really good at framing people. Even Wilfrid can’t stand

it.”

Halle froze, stunned.

Ayla’s gaze moved back and forth between them.

She was sure now. Some people were just born incompatible.

It would take a while before the late–night food and drinks were ready, but being with friends meant no boredom. Besides, James had a strange talent for lightening the mood.

A comedy movie was playing on the TV. Halle’s record player filled the room with soft classical music. In the kitchen, Wilfrid chopped and prepped ingredients with practiced ease, the sound full of homely warmth.

Draven wasn’t a workaholic. He actually enjoyed relaxing, sitting comfortably in the living room and watching TV.

From time to time, his peripheral vision drifted to Ayla.

Thinking about moving into her place, he found himself starting to imagine what home might feel like…

As long as Ayla didn’t change her mind.

James wandered all over the first–floor living room, as if memorizing every corner. He even took photos now and then, claiming he was looking for home décor inspiration.

He’d just moved and still hadn’t created a homey atmosphere.

Halle took out a scented candle she’d been saving for a long time. After lighting it, she placed it on the vintage dining table. Then she brought out long taper candles, set them in candleholders in the center of the table, and lit them. The flickering candlelight made everything feel warm and cozy.

Halle’s home was filled with fresh flowers and greenery. With a pair of scissors, she quickly arranged a beautiful bouquet, placed it in a designer vase, and set it at one corner of the table.

Finally, she took out five sets of utensils and laid them out one by one. Beneath each white napkin was tucked a small sprig of greenery. The contrast of white and green looked especially elegant.

It was just a simple setup, but it looked prettier than many restaurants, Like the rest of her home, everything felt refined and thoughtful.

Ayla had wanted to help, but Halle told her to relax. So Ayla sat on a dining chair, tilting her

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head as she watched Halle bustle around. There were friends nearby, good music playing, and sounds from the kitchen. In that moment, she finally understood what happiness felt like.

When Halle finished, Ayla couldn’t help praising her. “It’s beautiful.”

“Right?” Halle asked. “You like it?”

“I love it.” Ayla was an artist and had a great eye. The table really did look amazing.

James, a man rough around the edges when it came to life’s details, didn’t quite understand how a simple meal could turn into all this effort. A late–night snack was supposed to be just a plate and some utensils.

Of course, he’d seen setups like this before. But those were events he planned, not things he did himself. Watching it come together piece by piece was still surprising.

He looked at Halle, unable to tear his eyes away. “You can do this too?”

Halle heard his tone and immediately felt suspicious. “It’s not that hard.”

James couldn’t help being annoying again. “Looks pretty hard to me. Teach me when you have time, yeah?”

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