Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 117

117 /199

After dropping Xanthe off at the one-bedroom apartment, Arthur grabbed the empty food containers and hauled them upstairs to wash.

Once he finished, he told Xanthe, "Amber is getting out of school soon. I'm going to the market to grab groceries for dinner and prep a few extra things for tomorrow. I'll scrub these containers when I get back. You've worked hard all day, so just rest for a bit. We'll run the numbers tonight."

Xanthe smiled. "Arthur, you don't need to treat me like a guest. You worked hard all day too, and now you're cooking for Amber. I'll scrub the containers. But... before you do all that, we still have some time. Could you teach me how to ride the scooter?"

Xanthe didn't want him to exhaust himself. Watching him chat so happily with the construction workers today made her feel like a burden.

He made decent money on his own, and all the capital for this venture was his anyway.

She had read once that no matter how hard life got, doing what you loved was the best medicine in the world.

She could tell Arthur genuinely loved working and talking with those guys on the site. Even if the labor was exhausting, being around friends clearly made him happy.

Arthur was surprised she wanted to learn to ride the scooter. It wasn't hard, but...

"Are you sure? Won't that be too physically draining? You always overthink things. I told you, there's no rush. Take your time." Arthur assumed she just didn't want to be an inconvenience.

"No, it's not that. I just feel like I should learn basic skills. It doesn't look too hard, and there are those rental bikes on every corner you can just scan and ride. It'd be really convenient. If I learn, it'll save a lot of hassle."

"Please teach me, Arthur. You're heading out for groceries anyway, so it's right on the way."

Seeing her determination, Arthur couldn't refuse.

"Alright, let's go. I'm making Amber a massive feast tonight. She's going to love it."

Xanthe nodded enthusiastically.

Meanwhile, Grace was marching over with the beef from her fridge, fully prepared to coax Arthur back into her clutches. But instead, she walked straight into Arthur practically holding Xanthe's hands as he taught her how to ride the scooter.

Because Xanthe was a beginner and couldn't keep her balance, she stumbled. Arthur instinctively caught her to keep her from falling. Perfect timing—Grace witnessed the two of them essentially wrapped in each other's arms.

In that instant, logic went out the window. Regardless of whether the moment was actually romantic, Grace felt her territory was being violently invaded. She planted her feet and shrieked, "Arthur Newman! What the hell are you doing?!"

Her roar echoed like a thunderclap.

Arthur, who was only holding Xanthe to keep her upright with zero romantic tension, suddenly felt like a husband caught cheating. "Grace..."

"You ungrateful bastard! I trusted you! I ignored all the neighbors laughing at me and let you help her sell lunches, and this is how you repay me? Hugging her behind my back?!"