Halle looked surprised. "Since when did you get so good at saying nice things?"
After Benjamin's death, James understood her upbringing more deeply. These past few days, his feelings had been complicated.
But in the end, it all came down to one thing, he felt sorry for her.
Now he understood why she couldn't just jump into a relationship with him, why she kept testing him, and why she kept asking if he was only saying nice things to make her happy.
Halle might seem a little tough on the outside, but deep down, she was always trying to make sure she was truly chosen and that he wouldn't leave her.
The moment James realized that, he wished he could give her everything, just to make up for the hurt she had carried.
So, when he spoke to her, he didn't need to think too hard. The words came naturally.
"I just say what I truly feel," he told her again, patiently.
He patted her head. "Alright, I'm going to buy groceries now. Once I get back, I'll cook and let you taste my skills."
Halle looked at him and nodded. "Okay."
James clicked his tongue softly.
Seeing Halle so obedient and quiet when she wasn't feeling well made his heart melt.
...
James really was a beginner when it came to cooking. But he had talent. Following a recipe, he managed to make simple home-style dishes that tasted surprisingly good—even if they didn't look perfect.
Halle was especially amazed by his Buffalo wings.
She hadn't had much of an appetite these past few days, but now she suddenly felt hungry again.
When a person can't calm down, even cooking becomes rushed and messy. That was how Halle used to be. On top of that, she always felt like cooking was a waste of time, so she could never fully focus on it.
But James was different. When he cooked, he was fully focused. He even seemed to enjoy the process.
Every time Halle felt anxious or restless, just watching his calm and patient movements helped her settle down. Her breathing slowed, and she finally felt at ease.
After finishing a shrimp scampi, Halle still felt amazed. "You really have a talent for cooking."
"Then I'll peel another shrimp for you."
"Okay."
Halle's home was beautifully designed, with soft lighting and tasteful decor. As James peeled the shrimp, the warm light fell gently on his face, making him look especially gentle.
The atmosphere was quiet and peaceful.
It almost felt like they had been living together for years.
And that feeling gave Halle a deep sense of comfort and safety.
"You're staring at me like you're in a trance," James said with a smile. They were sitting close, so he could easily tell she had been watching him.
As he spoke, he placed the peeled shrimp onto her plate. "Eat."


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The readers' comments on the novel: Divorce me I'm done serving you (Ayla)
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Why is half of each of these chapters missing? The story sort of trails off in the middle of the chapter. That’s unfortunate....