That was what life was all about – finding joy in the little things.
Even though Clarissa and Matthew were still in the honeymoon phase, they had laid out a sturdy foundation for their relationship to thrive slowly even after their passion fades.
Clarissa finished the whole plate of baked chicken wings herself.
It was as if she was rebelling against grandma’s words by not leaving a single piece for Matthew.
Catherine glared at her several times for her childish behavior. After dinner, Matthew was rubbing Clarissa’s tummy while Catherine went for a walk with Jenny.
“Look at that! It seems like you’re now her favorite.”
Clarissa was still stuck on that issue.
Matthew smiled gently and lightly pushed her forehead with his finger.
“Grandma is doing all of that for you.”
Clarissa went silent as she knew that grandma’s actions were out of concern for her.
Clarissa pouted and nodded her head in hesitation.
“You knew, and yet you’re still upset?” Matthew chuckled at Clarissa’s grumpiness.
“She’s showing concern for me so that I would dote on you more. That’s just how she expresses her love for you. I’m sure you know her intentions too.”
Matthew pulled her ears in a teasing manner. “Setting aside grandma’s concern, don’t you feel my love for you?”
“Still not enough!”
“I’ll do better, as long as you still love me. Alright, so that’s our agreement, okay?”
Clarissa puffed her cheeks, pointed her finger, and poked hard at Matthew’s forehead.
“You view our relationship as a transaction?”
She was not pleased to know that.
Matthew smirked, grabbed her finger, and kissed her.
“Yes, a transaction involving my heart and my life. You have no other choice but to accept my offer.”
Clarissa stuck out her tongue and returned the joke, “So I guess I just got kidnapped onto a pirate ship.”
“So, do you want to be on this pirate ship?”
Clarissa flattened her lips in response.
Matthew chuckled in his deep voice.
“It seems like you love it.”
Clarissa pouted, and Matthew went in for a peck on her lips.
It was only a peck as Catherine may return soon. Clarissa let out an evil expression.
Matthew intentionally stayed close and poked her forehead teasingly.
As Catherine was about to rest, Clarissa entered her room with some queries.
Catherine patted for Clarissa to sit beside her, and she did immediately.
“What do you want to talk about? Are you still upset about what happened?”
Clarissa shook her head, grabbed Catherine’s hand, and clarified, “I’m not upset. Do I seem that petty?”
“A little.”
“Hmph!” Clarissa expressed in a coquettish tone.
“I was not at all! I knew what you were trying to do. Matt knows it too, and he treats me very well.”
Catherine chuckled. “Can’t I express a little bit of care for Matt? I am sincerely worried about him. On some of my sleepless nights, I see him still awake doing work. Compared to you, who sleeps so soundly every night. Do you even know that he has been working till late?”
Catherine poked Clarissa’s forehead lightly, and Clarissa pouted.
“I know. He does that occasionally. He wouldn’t exhaust himself out; he has to remain healthy for his employees. Don’t worry too much, grandma. He’s a capable man and is more resilient than normal people like us. He’s already used to it.”
Catherine nodded her head and advised, “Alright, I don’t know much about that, but he should learn to loosen up. He’ll understand the pain when he reaches my age. Life’s not about the amount of money – it’s about health and happiness. Grandma is just afraid that Matt is tiring himself out. How could the both of you take care of each other for the rest of your lives?”
Pfft!
Clarissa let out a laugh at Catherine’s ulterior motive.
“Why are you laughing?”
Catherine poked Clarissa’s forehead and repeated, “What are you laughing at?”
Clarissa tried to hide her laugh, but it was spilling out of her eyes.
“I’m not laughing!” In her heart, Clarissa was overwhelmed by joy.
Catherine continued, “I’m serious. It’s important to keep a man healthy.”
“Okay, I’ve got it. Grandma, let’s talk about something else. I recall that you wanted to make a quilt for me as a wedding gift. Please buy one instead, as I don’t wish to tire you out. Just scrap that idea. I don’t need it.”
They went on and on until Clarissa fell asleep on Catherine’s bed.
On the other hand, Matthew was turning back and forth, waiting for Clarissa to return to their room.
Matthew looked at the time and wondered if he should carry her back.
However, would it be impolite to carry her back in front of Catherine?
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