Five Years of Marriage to Mr. Bradford (by Koi Fish) novel Chapter 224

Chapter 224

“I’ve got you,” Vance said. “Or the staff can shell the crabs for us.”

“I want the crab risotto,” Rebecca said, a rare flash of defiance after years of accommodating his tastes. if king crab is what you’re after, order it yourself.”

He paused, surprised by her uncharacteristic edge. She had always been so yielding.

“What do you feel like?

“Sure, sounds good.”

“I’m flexible.”

Π

Still, he managed a smile. “It’s just risotto. We’re not exactly pinching pennies. No need to get so fired up.

#

He snapped the menu shut and addressed the waiter. “We’ll go with that lineup, plus a seasonal vegetable. Dealer’s choice.”

Rebecca couldn’t shake the sense that his attentiveness carried an ulterior motive. His solo invitation and deference to her menu picks screamed “buttering up”, hinting at some revelation he’d drop.

She hoped he’d hold off until after the meal. She didn’t want to lose her appetite.

Fortunately, he obliged.

Her appetite was great, aided by the restaurant’s petite portions. The braised beef, for instance, offered just four pieces. She and Vance split them evenly before she dipped hers in the sauce.

She could have ordered more, but the crab risotto awaited.

Vance acted weirdly, glancing at her from time to time. She pretended not to notice, maintaining her focus until she’d savored every bite.

Only then did she set down her utensils. “Whatever’s brewing in that head of yours, just say it.”

His hand froze mid-reach for his fork. “What’s with the snippy tone?”

She shrugged. “Why else would you keep glancing at me?”

He’d intended to broach the subject over dinner, but the moment felt wrong.

It was unusual to see her so voraciously engaged with her food; her enthusiasm even spurred him to consume more than usual.

The servings were modest, but they had ordered a lot. Clearing every plate was still a feat.

“Finished? Time to head home,” he said, rising and extending a hand to help her up.

She paused, memories stirring of their early marriage days when such gestures were common. He’d

1/2

Chapter 224

+25 Bonus

hover, supporting her every move as if she were fragile.

She’d known then that guilt fueled his actions, yet she’d been content to just have him around like that.

But time, that relentless arbiter, had revealed the truth. His tenderness eroded gradually over the years, proving that without true passion, no one sustained such efforts indefinitely.

With a subtle twist, Rebecca evaded his grasp, standing on her own and shouldering her bag as she strode toward the exit.

She didn’t glance back at his expression. There was no point in looking over her shoulder anymore.

On the way home, her mind rehearsed how to broach the topic of picking up Josette.

Just as she formulated her words, Vance emerged from the kitchen with washed fruit, placing it before her. “Did you polish off those two crates of cherries already?”

His voluntary mention surprised her; she shot him an odd look.

He flashed a sheepish smile. “I’m not that petty. If they’re your thing, go for it. Just figured they spoil fast.

“I turned them into wine,” she replied, aware of their short shelf life.

During lunch that day, she’d soaked them accordingly. Whoever would enjoy the batch later was not her

concern.

BIG SALE: 3500 bonus free fou you

日

Comments

Support

Share

get it