Chapter 73
Chapter 73 Warm Family Dinner
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It unsettled Holden to watch her listen calmly as they planned to send her away, not throwing a single fit or word of argument. Those eyes of hers, quiet and unruffled as still water, gnawed at his heart.
It might have stemmed from the day she’d fainted pale and weak in his arms. Catching sight of her vulnerable side had made him realize she was just a young girl, a little sister who ought to be cared for and protected.
Or perhaps it was the way she’d kept a cold distance, leaving him feeling out of sorts.
Or maybe it stung to see her turn icy the moment they appeared, shutting them out with sheer indifference. It felt unfair, and it left them all ill at ease.
Whatever the reason, Holden only knew one thing for certain he refused to let Zora stay this cold toward him any longer.
She was clearly furious with him, and he owed her an apology.
Maybe if he said he was sorry, her anger would fade. Maybe she’d be willing to warm up to him again.
“Zora…” He trailed off, wishing she wouldn’t stay so silent.
He stared at her quiet face, growing increasingly unsure of himself.
“I don’t need it p>
Zora’s expression didn’t shift an inch after he finished speaking.
The arm Holden had wrapped loosely around her slowly dropped away.
“You’ve never forgiven me, have you?” His voice carried a quiet trace of loneliness.
“Why do you assume I have to forgive you just because you apologized p>
Zora couldn’t understand why he looked so dejected and hurt.
Did an apology automatically mean she had to accept it?
Holden fell silent.
He supposed she was right-no rule said you had to forgive someone just because they said
sorry.
“Zora p>
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Chapter 73 Warm Family Dinner
A voice came from behind them.
“Kian p>
Zora turned her head, a faint glimmer of soft joy lighting up her round eyes.
She paid Holden no mind anymore, stepping past him to walk straight toward Kian.
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Kian had been swamped with work lately, and it had been days since Zora had seen him.
“I’m back.” A warm smile softened Kian’s refined tone the second he spotted her. He brought his hand out from behind his back, revealing a fluffy white teddy bear.
“I broke my promise. This is to make it up to you p>
Regret laced Kian’s voice. He’d sworn he’d stay by Zora’s side until school started, only to get an urgent call from his professor early the next morning, leaving him no time to linger with her.
“Thank you, Kian p>
Zora hugged the plush bear tight. It was soft and cuddly, perfect to snuggle against. She nuzzled her cheek into its fur, her voice small and sweet.
“No need to thank me.” Kian’s heart warmed at the sight of her. He gently ruffled her hair, a tender smile playing on his handsome features.
“Kian! You’re home p>
Rapid footsteps clattered down the staircase behind them, followed by Reed’s loud, boisterous
voice.
“Now that Kian’s back, we might as well get ready for dinner p>
Opal appeared out of nowhere. Her eyes crinkled with warmth as she glanced between her grandson and her granddaughter.
Holden stood just outside the garden, watching the warm, lively scene inside. To him, Zora looked as if she truly belonged with the Marlow family, while he was nothing more than an outsider looking in.
The thought left a bitter taste in his mouth.
There was no denying Zora was far happier with the Marlows than she’d ever been at the Knox Villa.
“Holden, come eat p>
Opal had noticed him lingering outside. Taking in the sad look on his face, she shook her head
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Chapter 3 Warm Family Dinner
silently to herself.
What good was regret now?
It was too late.
They’d already broken Zora’s heart.
“Kian, are you leaving again p>
At the dinner table, Zora sat surrounded by Kian and Reed.
Jensen was tied up with company work and couldn’t make it tonight.
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“I’m not leaving again. I’ve taken a position at the city hospital, so I can come home every day to stay with you p>
Kian piled food onto her plate, carefully picking out all the bones before setting the portion down for her.
He’d already applied to transfer from his research lab to work at the local hospital, though he’d still step in to help at the lab whenever they needed him.
“Here, try this-it’s amazing p>
Reed loaded Zora’s plate with spiced grilled meat.
“It’s so good p>
Zora took a big bite, her cheeks puffing out as she squinted her eyes in pure contentment.
Savory food really was the best thing in the world.
Holden sat across from her, watching as the two Marlow brothers doted on her, watching her eat with such unbridled enjoyment. It suddenly hit him-she’d never once looked this relaxed and happy during meals at the Knox Villa.
She mostly just nibbled on her side dish and barely ate any of the main courses.
He glanced over the dinner table spread: pepper enoki skewers, pineapple-glazed ribs, tomato beef scramble, butter-seared prawns, seasoned beef with potato strips, scrambled eggs, sautéed seasonal vegetables, chilled leafy greens…
Every dish looked richly flavored and perfectly cooked, hearty and full of seasoning. Nothing like the plain, mild meals served back at the Knox home.
His family preferred light, subtle flavors and never ate such rich, heavily seasoned food at all.
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Chapter 13 Warm Family Dinner
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Holden studied Zora’s eating habits. There were plenty of vegetable dishes on the table, yet she didn’t touch a single one on her own.
When Kian served her greens, she’d frown and glance at them with obvious distaste before forcing herself to take a bite. She never helped herself to vegetables voluntarily.
She preferred all the rich, boldly seasoned dishes instead—especially the pineapple-glazed ribs, tomato beef scramble, and butter-seared prawns.
Holden watched her and couldn’t help wondering-was she only eating plain side dishes at home because there was never anything she actually liked?
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