Crystal's POV:
Adela fell two steps back, the expression on her face tight and awkward. "Well, then. I'll go and change my clothes."
She dashed out the door without a backward glance.
Rufus said nothing and continued to cuddle Beryl, coaxing his little girl out of her sulk.
Thinking that something like this might happen again, I decided to offer some explanation. "Beryl has rhinitis and doesn't like particularly sharp and strong smells. She especially hates the smell of jasmine."
"I see." Rufus raised his head to shoot me a cold look.
I touched my nose and averted my eyes, unsure of what to do next. He had been aloof toward me since his recent return. Usually, he would pick on me and mess with me. Now, he didn't even say a single word more than that was necessary.
I ducked my head, feeling dejected. Was he really going to break our bond and marry Adela?
"Don't think too much. Your relationship with him is already long gone." Of course, Yana would pop out only to rub salt on my wound. It didn't help at all.
"You're right," I sighed inwardly.
Yana clicked her tongue. "If you honestly think I'm right, then you wouldn't look like the world is ending. Cheer up and be on guard. Don't forget that Rufus is still suspicious of you."
"Okay, okay, fine! I know already. Should I just laugh, then?" I let out a cackle in my head, which annoyed
Yana so much that she instantly blocked me.
Adela chose that moment to return into the room. She had changed her clothes, and the scent she had been wearing earlier was gone as well. It seemed that she had retouched her makeup, though. I had to admit, she was more of a fighter than I was. She just never gave up, did she?
"Come over here, Beryl. I have a lot of delicious snacks here." Adela walked to the table and gestured at the platter of desserts.
Adela opened her mouth to say something else, but I cut her off without hesitation. "Beryl, I've prepared your favorite mango cheesecake and salty biscuits in the kitchen. Do you want to have a look?"
Beryl immediately lit up. "Mango cheesecake! Yes! I'll go! I'll go!"
She jumped off Rufus' lap and waddled over, grabbing my hand in her chubby little fingers. I was about to lead her to the kitchen when she looked back and beckoned at Rufus. "Come on, Daddy! What are you waiting for? You also like mango cheesecake, right?"
My eyes instinctively darted toward Rufus.
"Go ahead and take Beryl there first," Rufus said to me with a slight nod. "I just need to make a phone call. I'll be right with you in the kitchen."
"Sure," I hummed and took Beryl downstairs.
Moments later, Beryl was in the dining room with her spread, obediently waiting for Rufus. That left me alone with Adela in the kitchen. The she-wolf finally snapped, vehemently confronting me with her question. "Why are you always trying to thwart me?!"
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