After Ariel separated from Jessica, she went to the market to buy some groceries.
Today, Rhysand had done so much for her, and she really wanted to cook something nice for him.
Over the past few days, Ariel had gotten used to Rhysand's personality.
He wasn't much of a talker, kind of like a big block of ice.
He never sweet-talked her or anything, but he showed kindness through his actions.
On her way back, Ariel called Jessica and asked her to help find a job.
She wanted to earn some money to help out Rhysand. His job as a bodyguard didn't pay a lot, and he still owed money.
He even used all the money they saved for their marriage and house, just so she wouldn't be looked down on.
Ariel couldn't help but feel touched.
A man spending money on a woman doesn't always mean he loves her, but if a man is willing to invest everything he has, then he must really care.
As for guys who won't spend anything on women and call them materialistic, well, they only love themselves.
When Ariel got home, she started cooking.
She was happy because she got her ring back and even got a gift from Rhysand.
She wanted to make him a great meal. But after frying up some vegetables, she frowned when she tasted them—they were way too salty.
She tried again, but now it was too bland.
After several more tries, Ariel realized that her cooking was pretty bad—either too salty, too bland, too burnt, or not cooked enough.
Just thinking about how Rhysand had eaten her burnt eggs yesterday made her feel guilty.
He didn't say a word about it, probably not to embarrass her.
Ariel dumped the food in the trash, rolled up her sleeves, and downloaded a cooking app.
She found a tutorial for braised carp and decided to give it a try.
The fish she bought from the store was still alive.
She put it on the cutting board and tried to hit its head like the guy at the market did.
But she didn't hit hard enough, and the fish started flopping around, splashing water all over her face. She jumped back, startled.
Just then, a strong hand reached over her shoulder and took the knife from her.
"Let me do it."
Ariel turned around to see Rhysand standing behind her. "When did you get back?" she asked, surprised.
"When the fish splashed you."
Rhysand took off his suit jacket, and Ariel quickly grabbed it from him.
She stepped aside and watched him expertly clean the fish that had been just flopping in her hands moments ago.
Ariel couldn't help but blush while watching Rhysand's muscular arms and his slender fingers holding the knife.
To be honest, Rhysand was really good-looking—perfect features and even an eight-pack.
Aside from being cold and quiet, he was flawless.
No wonder Hailey kept trying to chase him, even though he wasn't rich.
As Ariel thought about Hailey's attempts to have dinner with Rhysand, she felt a bit uneasy.
After all, Rhysand was her husband, and Hailey asking him out like that was just wrong.
While Rhysand chopped the vegetables, Ariel helped out and admired his quick, skillful moves.
"Did your mom teach you how to cook?" she asked, trying to make conversation.
Rhysand paused for a moment, then said coldly, "My mother died when I was young. I learned on my own." He continued chopping after that.
Ariel felt awkward and swallowed her next words.
She had wanted to ask more about his parents, but hearing that, she kept quiet. She didn't expect his past to be so tough.
Looking at his tall, strong figure, she wanted to comfort him somehow.
After dinner, Rhysand went out for a run, and Ariel cleaned up.
She changed into her pajamas, but just as she was halfway dressed, the door opened, and Rhysand came in, sweat still dripping from his neck.
"Ah!" Ariel squeaked, panicking as she grabbed a shirt to cover herself.
Rhysand just stood there, staring at her, frozen.
His stare was so intense that Ariel's face turned bright red. "Aren't you going to stop looking?" she whispered.