Sophia shook her head. “Forget it. It’s late anyway. I’ll just sleep here.”
Even though she had the habit of leaving a bedside lamp on at night, going to someone else’s place in the middle of the night didn’t seem convenient.
“Are you sure?” Scott Livinus frowned.
“Yeah, I’ll keep my needle kit by the bed for protection.” That would be more than enough to deal with an ordinary intruder.
Scott Livinus turned and walked downstairs, his expression one of indifference, as if to say, “Do as you please.”
However, just as he reached the ground floor, he heard the sound of a door slamming. Sophia came out of the house, carrying her bag.
“Hmm?” Scott Livinus raised an eyebrow.
Sophia coughed awkwardly. “I thought about it… I’ll go with you.”
As she turned, the corners of Livinus’s lips curled into an almost imperceptible smile.
—
Meanwhile, Nancy anxiously messages Sophia on WhatsApp, asking how the electrical repair is going. When Sophia didn’t respond, Nancy became worried. She ran to Liam’s room and asked, “Brother, is Scott Livinus reliable? What if he can’t fix it?”
“Why wouldn’t he be reliable? Your ScottLivinus knows electrical circuits inside out. I’ve known him for years, and there hasn’t been a circuit he couldn’t fix. Back when we traveled abroad if anything in the villa broke, he was the one to fix it.”
“But…”
Liam waved dismissively, continuing his game. “Relax! If he wants to fix it, he’ll definitely fix it perfectly.”
—
Livinus ’s apartment was indeed close to Sophia’s house—just a ten-minute drive downhill and a left turn.
The apartment was on the top floor, with floor-to-ceiling windows that offered stunning views. The interior decor was minimalist, dominated by shades of gray with little decoration, giving it a clean and refreshing look. It was evident that the place hadn’t been lived in for some time, but it was spotless, as though someone regularly came to clean.
Once inside, the understated luxury of the apartment caught Sophia’s eye. It matched her aesthetic preferences perfectly.
“You can use the guest room,” Livinus said, pointing to a room. “I don’t usually stay here, so feel free to come by whenever you need to.”
“No need. I’m actually considering buying a place of my own.”
Livinus poured himself a glass of wine. “Care for a drink?”
“No thanks. I’m on a health regimen.”
Knowing she was a health enthusiast, Livinus smirked slightly and took a sip. “Have you decided on a neighborhood?”
“Not yet. It’s just an idea for now.”
Sophia actually liked living in the mountains, but the inconveniences couldn’t be ignored, especially in winter, when the damp cold of the south could be quite unpleasant and bad for her health. Moreover, housing prices in the city continued to climb, making property in the city center one of the most valuable investments. Now that she had received the $1 million divorce settlement and had no immediate use for it, buying a property seemed like a sound decision.
Even if she didn’t live there, having an extra property wouldn’t hurt.
“Investing in real estate isn’t a bad idea,” Livinus mused. “How large of a place are you thinking?”
“Something small, just for myself. Preferably under $500,000.”
Livinus nodded. “I’ll keep an eye out for you.”
“Thanks.”
With nothing else to discuss, Sophia went to take a shower and then went to bed early. She had thought she wouldn’t be able to sleep in a new place, but to her surprise, she fell asleep almost instantly and woke up at 8 a.m., which was unusual for her. Missing her usual morning workout, she decided to take the day off and rest.
When she stepped out of her room, the sound of sizzling oil came from the kitchen. She assumed it was a housekeeper cooking breakfast, but when she walked over, she sawLivinus in the kitchen, wearing a red apron.
Livinus ’s tall frame naturally exuded a commanding presence, but the red apron, with its cute cat design, created an amusing contrast.
“You’re up?”
“Yeah.” Sophia blinked in surprise as he plated some purple sweet potato millet porridge, freshly sliced pancakes, boiled eggs, a fruit salad, and a steaming cup of milk.
“You made this?” Sophia asked, astonished.
“Obviously.” Livinus removed the apron and said in a deep voice, “Go wash up and have breakfast.”
After washing up, Sophia sat at the table and stared at the breakfast in front of her. It felt surreal. Livinus, of all people, could cook?
She took a bite and was even more surprised—the food was delicious. The purple sweet potato porridge, in particular, looked simple but was incredibly flavorful, comparable to what a professional chef would make.
For once, Sophia finished her entire breakfast. “I’ll wash the dishes.”
Livinus didn’t say a word. He leaned back in his chair, watching her clean up.
It seemed this arrangement—he cooked, and she cleaned—suited him just fine.
Standing in the kitchen, Sophia’s long, toned legs—thanks to her regular workouts—looked even more graceful. Even in flat slippers, she had the posture of someone wearing high heels. She wore a tight-fitting dress that accentuated her curvaceous figure, and from Livinus’s angle, every movement she made seemed designed to entice him.
He sipped his tea, his breathing growing heavier. The scene from last night was etched in his mind as if carved there.
Her full curves, slim waist, and long legs… He suddenly felt regretful for not doing more last night in the dark.
Suddenly, the doorbell rang. Felix and Joanna entered. “Mr. Livinus, the documents have been delivered.”
“Hmm. Leave them here.”
As they turned to leave, the sound of running water and clinking dishes from the kitchen caught their attention.
“Livinus, where’s the dishwashing equipment?” came Sophia’s voice from the kitchen.
Livinus walked over naturally, retrieved a set of tools from a cabinet, and handed them to her. “You can put the dishes in the dishwasher.”
“That’s too much trouble. By the time I arrange everything, I’d already be done washing.”
