hapter 111 Warmth She Thought Shed Never Know Finished Felix lounged back in the chair , legs crossed with effortless elegance .
One hand rested loosely on the amrest , while the other lazily flicked ash from his cigarette .
He radiated an easy , laid back confidence .
But before he could finish the cigarette , Annas voice called out from just beyond the door .
Mr.
Brooker , dinners ready .
Coming .
Felix answered .
He stubbed out the cigarette in the ashtray with deliberate grace cool and controlled .
Instead of leaving right away , he moved to the window and cracked it open .
A breeze swept through .
clearing out the smoke from the room and his clothes .
He straightened his shirt , adjusted his collar , and only then headed downstairs .
He immediately spotted Kate , Anna , and Marilyn gathered around Lauren .
The room felt warm , calm , almost like something out of a memory .
Kate held Laurens hand , the same way she used to hold his when he was little gentle , affectionate , protective .
Laurie , dont be shy .
This is your home now .
If theres anything you want to eat , just tell me , and Ill have Anna cook it for you .
Anna came out of the kitchen with a plate of steaming Barbecue short ribs .
Ms.
Bennett , I wasnt sure what you liked , so I made a few of my specialties .
Come have a taste .
The moment Marilyn saw what was on the plate , her smile widened .
Anna , Ms.
Bennett loves barbecue short ribs .
She does ? Well then , eat up .
Kate picked up a piece with her fork and placed it on Laurens plate , her face lit up with anticipation .
Laurie , youve got to try Annas cooking .
In all her twenty three years , Lauren had never been cared for so thoughtfully .
Being treated like something precious , out of the blue , left her both touched and unsure of how to respond .
Her chest tightened and her nose stung- Dont cry now .
Trying to hold it together , she said , Madam Kate , Mr.
Brooker isnt here yet .
Maybe we should wait for him ? Kate waved her off casually .
No need to wait for him .
If youre hungry , Laurie , start eating .
Felix heard her and gave a light smile.
Sounds like Im losing my top spot in Grandmas heart .
Kate shot him a look .
Well well .
So you do remember theres food downstairs .
I figured you werent hungry anymore .
1/3 20:16 Fri , Mar 28 Chapter 111 Warmth She Thought Shed Never Kni 979 % Finisherl The truth was , hed just wanted the cigarette smell to be completely gone .
Lauren was sensitive smoke would bother her .
Youre right .
My bad .
Felix said simply .
He was about to sit across froin her when Kate grabbed him by the arm and pulled him over , planting him firmly in the seat right next to Lauren .
Felix didnt say a word .
Neither did Lauren .
Alright now , lets eat , Kate said warmly , worried Lauren might feel shy .
Try this .
You must be hungry .
Anna and Marilyn chimed in too , pushing all the dishes toward Lauren before she could take a single bite .
Felix noticed the look on Laurens face she was too polite to say anything and decided to step in .
Grandma , if you keep this up , she wont need to eat for the rest of the night .
He reached over and took half the dishes away .
Lauren glanced at him , a little stunned .
Felix gave her a subtle smile .
You should eat more .
Youre way too thin .
That made Kate grin so hard that her eyes practically disappeared .
Oh my , my grandsons finally catching on .
He actually knows how to care about someone .
Anna and Marilyn giggled quietly across the table .
Laurens cheeks turned bright red like a ripe apple.
She ducked her head and quietly kept eating .
Dinner that night had a special kind of warmth .
Kate sat at the head of the table with Lauren to her right and Felix on Laurens other side .
Anna and Marilyn were across from them , smiling kindly .
All the attention made Lauren feel a little shy , but deep down , she felt something shed never really felt before .
That dinner was the most delicious , most comforting , most heartwarming meal of her life .
For the first time ever , it truly felt like home .
Lauren : After dinner , up to help clear the dishes , but Anna and Marilyn quickly stepped in to stop her .
Anna smiled kindly .
Ms.
Bennett , you just got out of the hospital .
Youre still healing .
Let us handle this .
Marilyn agreed right away .
Exactly , Ms.
Bennett .
Anna and I have it covered .
You should go rest in the living room .
Kate nudged Lauren gently toward Felix and said with a playful tone , You two are young .
Im sure youll have something to talk about .
Go chat for a bit .
Then she grabbed Anna and Marilyn and slipped off to the kitchen , leaving the living room empty except for Felix and Lauren .
2/3 Chapter 111 Warmth She Thought Shed Never Know They sat on the couch , the atmosphere between them Felix was the first to speak , his voice deep and calm .
I know a store with great thread colors and really solid 1 Laurens eyes lit up , full of anticipation .
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