However, they did not bear to interrupt the peaceful atmosphere between the two and hid in the walkway, quietly peeking. Meanwhile, the two on the couch seemed so immersed in what they were doing that they didn’t notice the others.
Ellen had a gentle expression while holding a needle in one hand and pinching Hector’s sleeve in the other. While she was focused on sewing, he looked at her and praised her, “You’re such a talented woman.”
Smiling, Ellen bowed her head to bite the string. “My mom made me learn a lot of things while l was young, like how I should speak, walk, and even sew. It’s only now that I realized they are useful.”
Hector concurred, “Of course they are. You benefit from everything you learn. Perhaps you might not use that knowledge much, but it will show in your temperament. You’re a gentle and quiet woman, which is something etched in your bones. No one can take that away from you.”
While smiling gently at him, Ellen replied, “I understand. It’s just that I found them useless. Living a happy life has nothing to do with someone’s temperament. Since Hector did not know what had happened to her previously, he could on try to assure her.
“Life is tough and unpredictable. You can’t just remember those upsetting thoughts. Your happiness is in your hands!” Ellen grinned. “You speak with a transcendent. state of mind, which is something I must practice doing.”
While speaking, she unconsciously raised her head and saw a few shadows moving. Then, she shot up from her seat and asked, “Who’s there?”
At that moment, Hector also looked over warily, and when he felt movement coming from the doorway, he subconsciously stood in front of Ellen to protect her.
“Who is it? Come out!” Meanwhile, Ellen looked at the man standing before her, surprised. He did not have a bulky body and seemed weak, but being protected during such tense situations still made her feel safe. Looking at the two, Eugene and Olivia looked at each other, feeling happy. Then, they all came out slowly.
“Mom, it’s just us,” Eugene explained. Ellen let out a long breath and reprimanded, “You almost scared me to death.”
Olivia laughed. “There’s nothing to be afraid of. My master’s here.”
A trace of embarrassment appeared on Hector’s face as he quickly released Ellen’s hand, chastising, “What were you guys doing sneaking around instead of coming inside?”
While showing an innocent expression, Olivia rebuked, “We weren’t being sneaky. We saw you guys talking and didn’t want to disturb you.”
She then looked toward Ellen, whose cheeks were blushing. Suddenly feeling shy for no reason, Ellen asked, “Where did you guys go? Why are you home so late?”
Hector continued, “Yes. Why were you guys out for such a long time?” Olivia replied with a grin. “I had something to do. Also, I did ask George and Mrs. Nolan to accompany you, didn’t I?”
Once she finished, Hector rebuked, “George? He’s even more unreliable than you. I haven’t seen him since this morning. He’s been out for the whole day, and Ellen has to cook for the entire family. Don’t you feel ashamed?”
Unconvinced, Olivia retorted, “What choice do l have? You don’t eat whatever I cooked!” Hector shook his head and complained to Ellen, “You might not know, but the kitchen looks like a train wreck every time she’s done with it. Cleaning up after her is more tiring than cooking the food myself.”
In the meantime, Ellen listened while smiling. But he wasn’t done and continued, “That’s not the funniest part. I’m telling you. It’s not a lie when I say her food is completely inedible. I don’t even know how she could make food taste so bad.”
Olivia’s face was dark as coal while she pulled Hector to the side and whispered, “Master, can you please stop exposing me before my future mother-in-law and boyfriend? It might taste bad, but it is still edible!”
However, Hector continued complaining, “They will find out sooner or later. What’s more, with your cooking, the more I should tell them earlier so that they can be prepared. If they dislike you for that, you should just move on!”
