Sidney dragged Jayson through the import supermarket at the mall to buy some spices and supplies. She told him she planned to properly practice the cookbook his mother had left behind. He patiently accompanied her while she picked out items, though he checked his phone a few times and brushed his hair back a few more. After buying a whole bag of items, he took the initiative to carry the bag for her, showing his gentlemanly manners.
"Anything else you need to buy?"
"No, that's about it. We already have everything else at home." Sidney realized how much she liked hearing the word "home"—it felt strangely warm.
"Then let's head back, I've got some things to take care of later."
Sidney nodded, walking alongside him. At first, she thought he was a difficult person to get along with, but when they truly opened up to each other, she realized he was actually quite easygoing. At least, he was considerate when it came to her.
Although it had been less than two days since they officially decided to be husband and wife, Sidney felt strangely at ease. Of course, it would be better if he didn't run Opal Lounge, given the shady people there, but nothing or no one is perfect. She had to focus on his strengths and stop nitpicking his flaws.
Sidney looked up at his profile, feeling a bit incredulous. This tall, handsome, and mysterious man was now her husband!
She extended her left hand and lightly tugged at his sleeve. He looked down at her for a moment, as if asking what was wrong.
She shook her head, her fingers sliding down his sleeve slowly until they reached his fingertips, gently grasping them.
He looked at her, his expression stiff. He turned his head and continued walking ahead. Sidney thought about how she wanted to nurture their marriage, realizing she too needed to put in some effort for both him and their relationship.
Love is mutual.
After hesitating for a long time, just before entering the office building, she casually said while looking ahead, "This seat is mine. No one can take it."
He didn't reply, but she knew he had heard her, because he tightened his grip slightly.
As they passed by the security office, they instinctively let go of each other's hands.
When they returned to the office, Sidney saw two large take-out boxes from the restaurant next door stacked high on Mr. Smith's desk.
When Mr. Smith saw Jayson, he immediately became nervous. He gestured toward the take-out boxes, unsure of what the boss meant. Was this some sort of last meal before being sentenced?
"Here's some food for you guys, feel free to eat!" Sidney said.
Mr. Smith looked incredulous as he opened the boxes and then nervously glanced at Jayson. Before entering his office, he didn't look at him, just coldly said, "Enjoy it."
Mr. Smith knew this must have been the wife's doing. Surprised and grateful, he thanked Sidney before taking the food outside to share with the other employees.
Sidney followed him into the room, seeing Jayson placing the supermarket bag on the coffee table. She walked over, took out the spices, handling them with care as she opened her phone to check online reviews.
Suddenly, Jayson wrapped his arms around her, looking at her for a long moment. "What's wrong?"
"I'll be busy later, I won't have time to look after you. Do you want me to have someone take you home first?"
Sidney shook her head. "I'll stay here with you. I'm curious about your work, and I'm bored at home."
"You can find something interesting to do at home."
"But you can't just stay cooped up at home every day! How about letting me tag along with you today?"
Jayson seemed a little reluctant. "Don't blame me if it's boring here."
"No way!"
Sidney urged him to go back to his own business quickly. Jayson ruffled the top of her head and told her to help herself if she wanted a drink, then went off to his own tasks.
Sidney finished browsing the internet on her phone. Seeing that he was still busy with the computer, she made him a cup of coffee, and on a whim, added a bit of the spice she had bought today.
"Try this."
Jayson kept his eyes on the computer, too busy to pay attention to her. He reached for the cup and drank from it. After a sip, he suddenly looked up at Sidney.
Sidney smiled and asked, "Do you like cinnamon?" She knew it was in his mother's recipes, so she figured he probably liked it too.
Jayson silently nodded, saying nothing. Sidney was about to turn and leave, but he suddenly grabbed her hand and forcefully pulled her into his embrace.
"What's wrong?" Sidney fell into his arms, confused by his sudden action. He held her tightly, his chin resting on the top of her head.
"I think you're like an angel."
Sidney looked up at him. "How do you know what an angel looks like?"
He smiled.
He found her very interesting.
He went back to his work, and Sidney sat on the sofa reading a magazine. They both felt that this quiet yet busy afternoon wasn't so bad; in fact, it was warmer with the two of them together.
This winter doesn't feel cold at all.
