Reborn to Marry My Best Friend's Uncle novel Chapter 177

Annie's fingers froze, and the wet vegetables nearly slipped from her grasp. She looked up and met Christian's gaze, her heart tightening inexplicably.

It was a topic that felt both familiar and incredibly distant.

She lowered her eyes, her voice low. "My parents... They're usually abroad.

"A large portion of the Steward family's business is overseas, and it requires someone to be there in person. Sometimes, they return only once every few years."

Annie's tone was calm, as if she were stating a simple fact.

Growing up, she had long become accustomed to her parents' absence. She was used to days filled only with Irene's company.

But when Christian brought it up, the old sense of loss she had buried deep inside began to creep back in.

Christian gazed at the faint shadow of Annie's long lashes. He knew that beneath her practiced nonchalance were countless nights spent growing up alone.

He stepped forward and slipped his arms naturally around her waist from behind, resting his chin lightly on her shoulder.

His warm breath tickled the side of her neck.

"It's okay, Ann. You have me now. I'm not going anywhere," he said softly.

The cook, who was busy at the stove, overheard the intimate exchange. She glanced back and grinned knowingly before quickly turning back to her work.

Annie's cheeks flushed crimson, the heat rising all the way to her ears.

Christian always knew how to say the things that made her heart race when she least expected it.

Annie could feel the warmth of his body against her back. It made her nerves, which had been strung tight for so long, involuntarily relax. She gently pulled away from his embrace.

"I'm going to check on Grandma." She dropped the excuse and hurried out of the kitchen, looking like she was fleeing the scene.

Christian watched her retreating figure, his smile growing even gentler.

Meanwhile, in the backyard, the afternoon sun was warm, casting a golden glow over the manicured flowers and shrubs.

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