Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 42

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**

Emma’s voice was warm and inviting as she said, “When we go home, I’ll make it for you.” A radiant smile graced her lips, one that seemed to light up the dimming evening.

If others can indulge in my cooking, why shouldn’t he?

Edric, feeling a surge of pride, cast a triumphant glance at Damian, his eyes gleaming with satisfaction. “With Emma around, I’ll finally get to savor all those exquisite dishes you’ve been raving about,” he said, his tone laced with playful arrogance.

Damian’s expression shifted to one of confusion and curiosity. What makes him so special? Why does Emma seem to care so much for him?

The aroma of the meat wafted through the air, signaling that it was finally ready. Edric wasted no time, eagerly presenting his creation to Emma.

“Emma, please try this—let me know if my roast lives up to its reputation!” he urged, his enthusiasm palpable.

Not one to be overshadowed, Damian quickly placed his own freshly grilled meat in front of her, a competitive glint in his eye.

“Ms. Tibarn, don’t forget about mine! You should give it a taste too!” he insisted, his voice full of charm.

Emma glanced back and forth between the two generous plates of barbecue, both men looking at her with eager anticipation. She couldn’t help but feel a twinge of pressure; whichever dish she praised would surely leave the other one sulking in disappointment.

After a brief moment of contemplation, she decided to take a piece from each man’s offering, carefully sampling both. She took a bite from Edric’s roast, then from Damian’s grilled meat, and nodded in genuine delight.

“Delicious! You both did such an incredible job—honestly, it’s even better than mine,” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with sincerity.

Edric’s face lit up at her compliment, and he immediately thrust all the meat he had in his hands toward her. “Emma, please, take it all! I’ll just roast more,” he declared, his eagerness evident.

Damian, who had been about to enjoy his own meal, hesitated. He couldn’t let Edric outshine him. With a swift motion, he pushed his own meat toward Emma as well.

“Ms. Tibarn, mine is for you too. You can have it all!” he insisted, a determined look on his face.

There’s plenty for everyone. If Emma enjoys my dish, I’ll simply make more. Edric won’t win this round.

Between the two of them, they were offering more than ten catties of perfectly roasted meat, a feast fit for a king.

Emma, sensing the abundance, took a modest amount from each plate, placing it on her own before gently pushing the rest back toward them.

“This is more than enough for me. You two should enjoy the rest,” she said, her voice cheerful and inviting.

Edric frowned slightly, his brow furrowing at how little she had taken. “Emma, why are you eating so little?” he asked, concern creeping into his tone.

No wonder she was so slim—she hardly ate!

“Are you not in the mood for barbecue? Just tell me what you’d like, and I’ll find it for you,” he offered, his genuine care evident.

Whatever Emma desires, I’ll make sure she gets it.

Truly, having companions made life infinitely richer. Her days were finally beginning to feel brighter.

Finishing her meal quickly, Emma rose while Edric and Damian continued to enjoy their food. She made her way to wash her hands, conjuring water with her ability, the cool liquid refreshing against her skin.

After drying her hands, she turned towards the rest pod that Edric had prepared for her, a small sanctuary in the wilderness.

The pod resembled a cozy little home, complete with a bathroom, a snug living area, and a warmly decorated bedroom that felt inviting and safe.

Edric had told her he set it up in a hurry upon their arrival, promising to create an even better one for her once they returned home.

Emma had seen these rest pods listed in the virtual mall before—each one priced at over a hundred million star coins, a sum she could only dream of in her previous life of scarcity.

Now, glancing at Edric, who was not far away, a soft smile graced her lips. How wonderful it felt to know she wasn’t alone anymore. Finally, she had someone by her side.

As Emma reached the door of the rest pod, ready to push it open, an unexpected chill danced along her spine—a sharp, unsettling feeling as if something sinister was watching her from the shadows.

She spun around abruptly, her heart racing, but found nothing amiss.

Nearby, Edric and Damian were still calmly grilling their meat, their laughter mingling with the crackling of the fire.

Even Laura and her partner, who were situated nearby, showed no signs of anything unusual, their conversations light and carefree.