Chapter 292
Chapter 292:
Yelena, realizing how hungry she was, agreed without hesitation. John, tagging along out of practicality and hunger, joined them as they made their way to a familiar barbecue stall they had visited before.
As soon as they arrived, the owner’s face lit up with recognition. He warmly welcomed them, his excitement particularly directed at Yelena.
The last time she was there, Yelena had fearlessly chased away a group of thugs, leaving quite the impression. Seeing her again brought a smile to the owner’s face. They took their seats, and John eagerly ordered a variety of dishes, his appetite apparent.
Truthfully, he didn’t want to feel like a third wheel, but the late hour and his growling stomach gave him all the justification he needed to stay.
Besides, John noticed Austin seemed a little uneasy around Yelena, and he thought his presence might actually help lighten the mood.
The three chatted and laughed, the conversation flowing easily.
At one point, John, his curiosity piqued, leaned in and asked, “Yelena, do you have any other hidden talents we don’t know about p>
Yelena shrugged casually, her tone as nonchalant as ever. “It’s nothing. The violin isn’t that difficult p>
Her words hung in the air for a moment, and John chuckled in disbelief.
“Not difficult? For you, maybe! You’re seriously my idol.” Yelena smiled faintly, not entirely sure how to respond to the praise.
Meanwhile, Austin sat quietly, watching Yelena with a mix of admiration and thoughtfulness.
He didn’t join the banter, but his actions spoke volumes. Without a word, he subtly helped Yelena with her food, ensuring she had everything she needed.
Yelena, feeling completely at ease, ate comfortably. The atmosphere remained light, and the three of them enjoyed their meal amidst easy conversation.
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After their late-night meal, Austin offered Yelena a ride home.
She accepted, and as they drove through the quiet streets, she couldn’t help but feel a small flutter of nervousness. It was strange, this feeling she got whenever she was around him.
Even after she returned home, her mind lingered on the night’s events.
The next morning, as Yelena descended the stairs, she was surprised to see the entire family gathered in the living room.
It was rare for everyone to be up and together so early on a weekend, and the sight piqued her curiosity.
Donna noticed her first, her face lighting up with a warm smile. “Yelena, there you are! Just in time—we’ve been waiting for you p>
Yelena returned her smile, glancing around the room with a raised brow. “Waiting for me? What’s going on?” Was there some sort of event today she had forgotten about?
Before Donna could answer, Cayson stepped forward, a playful grin on his face. “We’re heading to the countryside for horseback riding. What do you think? Feel like joining us p>
Cayson’s schedule rarely left room for moments like this, but with his international projects finally winding down, he was eager to enjoy some family time.
He thought a day of horseback riding would be the perfect escape, something they hadn’t done in a long time. Yelena’s surprise quickly gave way to excitement. “Horseback riding? It’s been forever! I’d love to p>
She used to ride often and loved the feeling of galloping.
“Perfect,” Cayson said, his tone brimming with energy. “Oh, and there’s something else—I’ve got a surprise for you—a special gift p>
Yelena tilted her head, intrigued. “A surprise? Cayson, you’ve already done more than enough. What are you up to now p>
He chuckled, his voice teasing. “Come on, who complains about getting too many gifts? You’ll find out soon enough. Just be patient.” He had carefully planned the surprise, eager to bring a spark of joy to his sister’s day.
For him, spoiling Yelena was more than a gesture—it was his way of showing just how much she meant to him.
Yelena’s smile radiated warmth, her heart brimming with gratitude. Her brother’s unwavering attention and the familial love she now enjoyed felt like a soothing balm, healing the gaps of affection she had once known.
Bella, standing quietly at the edge of the scene, wore a faint, forced smile.
She felt adrift, a solitary figure in the glow of the family’s camaraderie. The lively chatter flowed around her like a current she couldn’t catch, leaving her on the outskirts.
Cayson, who had once doted on her with gifts and gestures that made her feel valued, seemed to have turned away.
Every thoughtful souvenir from his business trips, every small effort to make her feel included, felt like distant memories.
Now his attention was wholly fixed on Yelena, as though Bella had faded into irrelevance.
When did it all shift?