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Novel Catalog
Chapter 89: Cook Together
Cason had just finished signing a contract at a high-end coffee shop. Though he was busy with work, a sense of unease lingered in his mind, his thoughts constantly drifting back to the image of Ainsley and Manuel together.
After leaving the coffee shop, he passed by a popular dessert shop called Flavor Dessert Shop, which had a long line outside. His assistant, noticing Cason’s gaze, said, “Mr. Baldry, this place is very famous in Seattle. People drive for hours just to get in line for their desserts. The demand is so high that many leave without getting anything.”
Flavor Dessert Shop? Cason vaguely remembered hearing the name before. Then, the memory clicked. He recalled a day when Ainsley had excitedly shown him a variety of desserts, including ice tarts she had waited for three hours to buy.
“Cason, look! These ice tarts are from Flavor Dessert Shop. I lined up for so long just to get them. Come try one!” Ainsley had smiled brightly, offering him a tart. But he had dismissed her with a cold response, stating he was too busy to care about her efforts. He had seen her smile fade, but he hadn’t given it a second thought.
Now, as Cason thought about it, he felt a strange ache in his chest. That same ice tart now seemed to have a bitter reminder attached to it.
“Do they sell ice tarts there?” he asked abruptly.
“Yes, the ice tarts are their most famous dessert,” his assistant replied, a little surprised by Cason’s interest.
“Buy some. And get other desserts as well,” Cason ordered.
His assistant went to line up, and Cason sat in the car, lost in thought. He had a sinking feeling, as though he were trying to fill an emptiness he couldn’t understand. Why did he feel this way? He didn’t even like Ainsley, right?
The assistant returned with the desserts, the sweet scent filling the air. Cason handed him an order. “You can go home now. Go spend time with your girlfriend. I’ve got something to take care of.”
At a pharmacy, Cason bought burn ointment. He thought back to the time when Kaitlin had caused Ainsley harm. He had already sent the compensation money to her bank account. It wasn’t enough to erase the past, but it was a start.
Meanwhile, Ainsley and Manuel were grocery shopping at a nearby supermarket. The cart was already full of vegetables and fruits, with only the meat section left to explore.
“Shall we look for some meat?” Ainsley suggested, pushing the cart forward.
Manuel nodded, following her, but Serina clung to Ainsley’s side, nervously clutching her hand. Ainsley noticed Serina’s discomfort, especially as they passed the meat section, where bloodstains seemed more vivid under the fluorescent lights.
“I’ll take her to the other side,” Ainsley said, gently guiding Serina away. “You can pick the meat, Manuel.”
Once home, Ainsley was busy cooking while Manuel helped out in the kitchen. Suddenly, the doorbell rang.
Serina, who had been near the door, rushed to open it. But when she saw who it was, she froze in fear and hurried to the kitchen, whispering to Ainsley, “Someone’s here…”
Ainsley wiped her hands and walked over to the door. Her eyes widened when she saw Cason standing there.
“What’s the matter, Cason?” she asked, her tone cold.
“I… Ainsley, I remembered that you liked the desserts from Flavor Dessert Shop. I was near there and bought some for you,” Cason explained, his hand holding a box of treats.
Ainsley’s annoyance was palpable. “You came all the way here just to deliver desserts?” she asked, her voice icy.
“No. I also brought burn ointment. It’s from the incident with Kaitlin. I’ve sent the compensation money to your bank account, too,” Cason added, pulling out the ointment from his bag.
“I don’t need the ointment right now,” Ainsley responded sharply.
Just as Cason was about to reply, Manuel emerged from the kitchen.
“Who’s at the door? Why did it take so long?” Manuel’s voice was gentle, but the way he looked at Cason was guarded.
Cason’s expression turned pale as he put the herbal tea back into his bag. His gaze shifted from Ainsley to Manuel.
“Why is he here?” Cason asked, the words laced with jealousy.
Manuel, with a cold stare, answered, “It has nothing to do with you.”
“I’m her ex-husband,” Cason stated, attempting to assert his position.
“Yes, you’re her ex-husband. You’re divorced now, so you have no reason to be here. She’s asked you to leave, so please do so,” Manuel retorted sharply.
Ainsley, growing more impatient, added, “If you don’t leave now, I’ll call the police. You’ll be detained for trespassing.”
Cason looked at them one last time, his gaze lingering with something unspoken, before he turned and left.
Once the door was closed, Ainsley returned to the kitchen where Manuel was. The food was almost ready, and the water in the pot was boiling. A peaceful moment followed after the tension of the visit.
