In the living room, Felix and Joanna exchanged bewildered glances. Joanna’s expression was even more shocked than Felix’s. The two left the apartment with looks of utter disbelief. Once outside, Joanna couldn’t contain her excitement.
“Did you see that? Our Mr. Livinus and Dr. Smith—this is…”
“Not there yet,” Felix said rationally. “Or at least, they might be together, but they haven’t crossed that line yet.”
“How do you know?”
“Didn’t you hear Dr. Smith call him ‘Scott Livinus’? If they had crossed the line, wouldn’t she drop the formality? Besides, she just got divorced. Things wouldn’t move that quickly.”
Joanna was full of envy. “Dr. Smith’s life is just too good. She just got divorced, and now there’s already a big shot waiting for her! It looks like our Mr. Livinus’s efforts weren’t in vain.”
“Don’t worry about Mr. Livinus,” Felix said knowingly. “Don’t you know him by now? When he wants something, no matter how roundabout or difficult it is, he’ll get it. Especially when it’s the woman he’s after.”
Sophia was no match for Scott Livinus in this pursuit.
“I wouldn’t be so sure,” Joanna said, less optimistic. “Dr. Smith seems so cold and indifferent, barely giving him the time of day. I don’t see any bubbles between them at all!”
“ Bubbles? Do you think you can see those?” Felix chuckled. “Don’t be fooled by how calm they seem now. If they end up together, they might be more passionate than anyone else!”
Joanna thought about it and had to admit he might be right. But then she wondered—if they’re both so cold by nature, who would make the first move once they’re together?
Surely, they wouldn’t be that indifferent even in bed, would they?
“Ah! Why am I thinking about such inappropriate things?” Joanna shivered and quickly pushed those thoughts from her mind.
Felix smirked. “Our CEO is the epitome of masculinity! Besides, Dr. Smith knows how to maintain her health. She could even help the boss stay fit, and then…”
“Hehehe!”
The two exchanged mischievous grins, already spinning their own CEO romance movie in their heads.
—
Because Sophia was still settling into her new place, she decided not to attend any appointments today. Instead, she planned to go to the supermarket to buy essentials for her new life.
Since it was the weekend, Livinus also happened to be at home for a rare day off.
Felix and Joanna delivered some documents to him, which he could handle at home.
Seeing Sophia about to head out, Livinus asked, “Where are you going?”
“To the supermarket to pick up a few things.”
“I’ll come with you.” Without waiting for her response, Livinus stood and grabbed his keys.
Sophia wanted to decline, but then he added, “We’ll buy some groceries, and I’ll make lunch.”
There was something about this arrangement that felt off to Sophia. She couldn’t quite put her finger on it, but this whole “I cook, you wash the dishes” dynamic seemed oddly domestic.
Back when she lived with the Scott family, she had always thought of Livinus as a spoiled heir who sat back and enjoyed life. But now, she realized he could cook, fix electrical wiring, and even had the air of a household head.
She pushed aside the strange feeling, picked up her shopping bag, and got into Livinus’s car.
Although it was the weekend, the imported goods supermarket he took her to wasn’t crowded at all.
Sophia was relieved that fewer people meant fewer chances for misunderstandings about her relationship with him, and she relaxed noticeably.
The imported goods supermarket was laid out much like international supermarkets, with all the items being imported. Sophia quickly picked up essentials like toothbrush holders, towels, and bathrobes. She didn’t want to waste time choosing, so she opted for the most expensive items. In less than ten minutes, she had filled an entire shopping cart.
Turning around, she realized Livinus Scott had disappeared. She looked around, and a staff member noticed her.
“Are you looking for your husband? He’s over there.”
Before Sophia could correct him, the staff member kindly led her over and smiled at Livinus. “Sir, your wife was looking for you.”
Sophia froze, about to explain, but Livinus smiled faintly and said, “Thank you.”
“You’re welcome. You two look like such a perfect couple. A perfect match.”
The comment seemed to please Livinus as his lips curled up further. “Do you sell pots?”
“Yes, sir! This is our newest imported non-stick pan. It’s great for stir-frying and has a sleek design, perfect for couples like you who appreciate quality living.”
Livinus nodded. “I’ll take one.”
“Thank you! I’ll wrap it up for you right away!” The staff member was delighted. The pan was expensive, and it didn’t sell well even in a high-end supermarket. He hadn’t expected it to sell so easily with just one recommendation.
After wrapping up the pan, the staff member handed it to Scott. “If you or your wife have any issues with it, feel free to contact me anytime.”
Sophia was about to protest, but Scott gently pulled her away before she could say anything.
“Why didn’t you let me explain?” she asked.
“Explain what? He was just being kind.”
“But we’re not a couple.”
“Oh? Does that matter?” Livinus raised an eyebrow at her. “Do you have to be a couple to shop together?”
Sophia had no retort for that.
—
Back home, Scott put on an apron and pushed Sophia out of the kitchen, handing her the TV remote.
“Let me help you,” she offered.
“You’ll help me more by relaxing and watching TV.”
With that, his tall figure disappeared into the kitchen. Through the transparent partition, Sophia watched him work, feeling a strange warmth in her heart.
Livinus’s recent behavior inevitably made her feel suspicious.
Take last night’s electrical repair, for instance. She didn’t believe that Livinus Scott had nothing better to do. And now, he insisted on making her lunch while she sat and relaxed. It all seemed too deliberate.
It almost felt like… Livinus was pursuing her.
Sophia was startled by her own thought.
She couldn’t focus on the TV after that.
Half an hour later, lunch was ready. He brought the dishes to the table, and the two of them sat at a small dining table to eat.
It wasn’t as lavish as the meals at the Scott family estate, but it was one of the few times Sophia could sit down and enjoy a simple, home-cooked meal.
It was ordinary but warm, giving her a sense of domesticity.
With his usual calm expression, Livinus placed a piece of sweet-and-sour cow ribs on her plate.
“Try this.”
Sophia lowered her head, feeling a little awkward.
The sweet-and-sour cow ribs were surprisingly well-balanced—sweet but not cloying. The sauce had been reduced to perfection, and the ribs were tender yet firm, with the meat practically falling off the bone. The flavors were exceptional.
Even Sophia, who wasn’t fond of meat, found herself eating several pieces.
“This is delicious!”
She then took a bite of the stir-fried celery, and as she chewed, a thought suddenly struck her like lightning.
Sophia stared at the celery in disbelief. The taste was incredibly familiar. Scott had often sent her boxed lunches in the past, and this dish was always included. She had even praised the dish to Joanna, saying it was both delicious and nutritious.
Back then, she had often asked Joanna where the food came from, but Joanna would never tell, only saying the chef was someone very important.
Could it be…
Had Livinus been the one cooking those meals?
Sophia glanced at Livinus. With his calculative nature, if he didn’t want her to figure it out, he wouldn’t have repeated the same dish and let her catch on.
