That was what life was all about – finding joy in the little things.
Even though Clarissa and Matthew were still in the honeymoon phase, they had laid out a sturdy foundation for their relationship to thrive slowly even after their passion fades.
Clarissa finished the whole plate of baked chicken wings herself.
It was as if she was rebelling against grandma’s words by not leaving a single piece for Matthew.
Catherine glared at her several times for her childish behavior. After dinner, Matthew was rubbing Clarissa’s tummy while Catherine went for a walk with Jenny.
“Look at that! It seems like you’re now her favorite.”
Clarissa was still stuck on that issue.
Matthew smiled gently and lightly pushed her forehead with his finger.
“Grandma is doing all of that for you.”
Clarissa went silent as she knew that grandma’s actions were out of concern for her.
Clarissa pouted and nodded her head in hesitation.
“You knew, and yet you’re still upset?” Matthew chuckled at Clarissa’s grumpiness.
“She’s showing concern for me so that I would dote on you more. That’s just how she expresses her love for you. I’m sure you know her intentions too.”
Matthew pulled her ears in a teasing manner. “Setting aside grandma’s concern, don’t you feel my love for you?”
“Still not enough!”
“I’ll do better, as long as you still love me. Alright, so that’s our agreement, okay?”
Clarissa puffed her cheeks, pointed her finger, and poked hard at Matthew’s forehead.
“You view our relationship as a transaction?”
She was not pleased to know that.
Matthew smirked, grabbed her finger, and kissed her.
“Yes, a transaction involving my heart and my life. You have no other choice but to accept my offer.”
Clarissa stuck out her tongue and returned the joke, “So I guess I just got kidnapped onto a pirate ship.”
“So, do you want to be on this pirate ship?”
Clarissa flattened her lips in response.
Matthew chuckled in his deep voice.
“It seems like you love it.”
Clarissa pouted, and Matthew went in for a peck on her lips.
It was only a peck as Catherine may return soon. Clarissa let out an evil expression.
Matthew intentionally stayed close and poked her forehead teasingly.
As Catherine was about to rest, Clarissa entered her room with some queries.
Catherine patted for Clarissa to sit beside her, and she did immediately.
“What do you want to talk about? Are you still upset about what happened?”
Clarissa shook her head, grabbed Catherine’s hand, and clarified, “I’m not upset. Do I seem that petty?”
“A little.”
“Hmph!” Clarissa expressed in a coquettish tone.
“I was not at all! I knew what you were trying to do. Matt knows it too, and he treats me very well.”
Catherine chuckled. “Can’t I express a little bit of care for Matt? I am sincerely worried about him. On some of my sleepless nights, I see him still awake doing work. Compared to you, who sleeps so soundly every night. Do you even know that he has been working till late?”
Catherine poked Clarissa’s forehead lightly, and Clarissa pouted.
“I know. He does that occasionally. He wouldn’t exhaust himself out; he has to remain healthy for his employees. Don’t worry too much, grandma. He’s a capable man and is more resilient than normal people like us. He’s already used to it.”
Catherine nodded her head and advised, “Alright, I don’t know much about that, but he should learn to loosen up. He’ll understand the pain when he reaches my age. Life’s not about the amount of money – it’s about health and happiness. Grandma is just afraid that Matt is tiring himself out. How could the both of you take care of each other for the rest of your lives?”
Pfft!
Clarissa let out a laugh at Catherine’s ulterior motive.
“Why are you laughing?”
Catherine poked Clarissa’s forehead and repeated, “What are you laughing at?”
Clarissa tried to hide her laugh, but it was spilling out of her eyes.
“I’m not laughing!” In her heart, Clarissa was overwhelmed by joy.
Catherine continued, “I’m serious. It’s important to keep a man healthy.”
“Okay, I’ve got it. Grandma, let’s talk about something else. I recall that you wanted to make a quilt for me as a wedding gift. Please buy one instead, as I don’t wish to tire you out. Just scrap that idea. I don’t need it.”
They went on and on until Clarissa fell asleep on Catherine’s bed.
On the other hand, Matthew was turning back and forth, waiting for Clarissa to return to their room.
Matthew looked at the time and wondered if he should carry her back.
However, would it be impolite to carry her back in front of Catherine?
After that bit of turmoil, Matthew decided to head to Catherine’s room to get Clarissa back.
Catherine did not say anything as it was within her expectations.
As Matthew laid her down on the bed, she opened her eyes for a moment and smiled sheepishly. She then pulled Matthew to the bed and continued sleeping in his embrace.
Witnessing that moment, Matthew let out a smile, kissed the corner of her lips, and said in a soft voice, “Good night.”
“The banquet?”
Clarissa was surprised. “Are you’re bringing me along?”
Matthew broke the news to her in a video call while he was busy at work.
She tried to hold her smile in by covering her mouth. Matthew had the urge to kiss her upon witnessing that.
“Can’t I bring you along?”
“Hehe, is it finally the time to go public?”
The cheekiness in her voice was extremely adorable to Matthew.
Matthew raised his brows and replied, “Of course! My beautiful darling. Even though I wish to keep you to myself, I’d still love to show off to the world that you’re mine!”
The way Matthew described that sweet feeling was accurate.
Clarissa was delighted to be called ‘Darling’ by Matthew.
She acted coy by tilting her head slightly and blinked innocently.
“Alright, Mr. Tyson, I’ll attend the banquet. Should I dress up especially for it or keep it casual?”
What an interesting question.
Matthew smiled lightly as he received the underlying message.
“Leave those to the stylist. Mr. Davis will bring you there.”
“Yes, Mr. Tyson, see you later.”
Just as Clarissa was about to end the call, Matthew called out, “Clare!”
It seemed like she knew what Matthew wanted, so she rolled her eyes and forced a smile.
“What?”
“What do you think?”
Clarissa’s lips curled into a smile. “I don’t know!”
Matthew stared hard into her eyes.
Clarissa stared back and started acting coy.
At last, Clarissa could not hold it in any longer. “Pfft! Love you!”
She pouted her lips and teased, “Just keep staring, and you still wouldn’t be able to kiss me.”
“You owe me that kiss later!”
It was cheesy, but Clarissa broke into a bright smile after the video call ended.
However, that would be their first appearance in a banquet together.
I should be taking it seriously.
Clarissa changed and headed to the shop. Everything was arranged for her at the shop, from her hairstyle, make-up, to her heels.
For the final touch, they put accessories for her.
She wondered if such services actually existed or were put together by Matthew.
She walked out when she was done to see Matthew, who was seated on the sofa. He was tall, handsome, and filled with charm that even the female staff at the shop could not resist staring at him.
Clarissa’s lips curled into a smile while she walked over to Matthew’s side.
Just as she was about to play a prank on him, his eyes opened up to a beautiful lady.
Clarissa was startled.
“You scared me!”
Matthew stared at her in silence.
Clarissa smiled brightly, twirled around in front of him, and threw him a suggestive look.
“Are you mesmerized?”
Matthew blinked his eyes and replied in a low voice, “Yes, I am.”
“Hehe. I knew it! I knew that you’d be swooned by my beauty. You’re lucky to have gotten such beauty for yourself.”
Yea, I’m indeed a very lucky guy.
Matthew smiled with a sparkle in his eyes. She donned a long ivory lace dress, just like a fairy. Her waist was so tiny, her facial features so intricate with the light make-up. It was like she had been reborn.
Matthew reached out his hand and pulled her to his lap.
It was like an angel fell into his embrace, and he had to hold on tight else she would fly away.
Clarissa was satisfied with the infatuated look that Matthew gave her. She appreciated it even more as it came from the man she loved.
Just as he was about to lean in for a kiss, she stopped him with her hand.
“Don’t kiss me, or you’ll ruin my lipstick. Let’s head to the banquet! I’m looking forward to charm everyone there!”
