Chapter 238

Chapter 238:

“Mushroom soup,” Austin said, his fingers still wrapped around Brinley’s hand, his eyes brimming with warmth. “Miguel mentioned this morning that you were handling the Westgate Project. I figured you’d be tied up p>

“No matter how busy I am, I have to come see you.” Brinley rose on her toes and brushed a kiss against his cheek before steering him toward the sofa. “Take a break. I’ll take over from here and make sure you get a proper taste of my cooking p>

But Austin didn’t move. Instead, he slid his arms around her from behind, resting his chin gently on her hair. His voice came out low and tender. “There’s no need. I’m almost finished p>

“Hey, I made this whole trip just to cook for you! You have to try it.” Brinley wriggled free of his embrace, turned, and firmly pushed him down onto the sofa. Snatching the ladle from his hand, she declared, “Stay right there. Dinner will be ready in half an hour p>

Austin leaned back against the cushions, his eyes following her every move as she slipped into an apron and busied herself in the kitchen. He couldn’t help the smile that tugged at his lips.

Outside, the sky had gone dark. Inside, the soft glow of the lights wrapped around them, and the air filled with the rich fragrance of simmering tomatoes and tender beef. It was the scent of warmth—the scent of home.

Taking out his phone, Austin quickly sent Miguel a message: “Reschedule tomorrow’s meetings. Leave my morning free.” Nothing else mattered when it came to his beloved wife.

As Brinley arranged the dishes on the table, she glanced around the empty dining room and frowned. “Where’s the butler and the rest of the staff? I haven’t seen anyone since I came in p>

Austin hesitated briefly, then continued ladling soup into a bowl. His tone was calm. “The day you returned to Shaw Mansion, I had them sent back to Moore Estate p>

“Oh?” Brinley lifted a brow. “Why send everyone away so suddenly p>

Rе𝘤𝘰𝗆𝗺𝖾n𝘥 𝗀a𝘭ո𝗈𝘷𝘦𝗅𝗌.сom tо y𝗈u𝗿 frie𝗻𝘥𝗌

Placing the bowl of soup in front of her, Austin answered simply, “I prefer the quiet p>

Brinley let out a soft laugh.

He must have felt the emptiness sharply—that large, lit dining room with only himself at the table. The sight would have unsettled even a man used to being alone.

She didn’t tease him about it. Instead, she said gently, “You should have them come back. Your stomach is sensitive, and you can’t always get by on simple meals. Besides, a house this big needs people to manage it p>

At her words, Austin scowled slightly. He wasn’t angry; he just looked like someone whose little secret had been uncovered.

Setting his knife and fork aside, he walked toward her and braced his arms on either side of her, trapping her between his embrace and the edge of the table.

The cold marble pressed against her back, while his clean, sharp scent surrounded her.

Austin pinched her chin, his tone carrying a hint of insistence. “Are you planning to stay at Shaw Mansion for good and never come back? Is that why you’re suddenly so eager to find someone else to look after me p>

Brinley froze at his sudden question, then burst out laughing. His way of thinking was always so peculiar—she voiced a little concern, and he immediately twisted it.

Placing her hand on his tense shoulder, she said gently, “Austin, you’re being ridiculous p>

“That’s not true,” he replied, though the flicker of insecurity in his eyes betrayed him. “I just need to know if you plan on staying there permanently p>

“My father still needs my care, and there are unresolved issues with the company, so yes. I’ll be spending more time there for now.” Brinley tilted her head up at him, poking his cheek playfully. “But this is my home. Why would you think I wouldn’t come back p>

Austin’s eyes widened slightly as her words instantly settled the restless unease in his chest.

“Then why insist on bringing the staff back?” he asked again, stubborn but gentler this time, loosening his hold. “We don’t need them. Just the two of us—I can take care of you myself p>

“But I want you to have proper meals,” Brinley insisted. “At least let the butler come back. He can manage your meals properly p>

Austin stayed quiet for several seconds, which was as good as giving in.

He bent down and brushed a tender kiss across her forehead, his voice mellow again. “Come on. Let’s eat before it all gets cold p>

Brinley watched him return to his seat and slipped the softest pieces of beef brisket onto his plate.

Outside, the night grew darker. Inside, the golden lights filled the dining room, wrapping them in warmth. Their silhouettes leaned toward each other as they ate.

Brinley knew Austin’s preference for solitude wasn’t the real reason he had dismissed the staff. What he feared most was her absence. He feared that if the house were lively with people but empty of her, the noise would only amplify his loneliness.

This man, who carried so much power in the business world—decisive and commanding—always revealed a childlike need for reassurance whenever he was with her.

When they finished eating and Brinley reached for the dishes, Austin stopped her.

“Leave it to me,” he said firmly, already rising to collect the plates himself.

She settled back, her eyes following his tall figure as he moved between the table and the kitchen, his hands full of greasy dishes. She clicked her tongue softly.

This was Austin Moore—the man who commanded respect and fear in Bleron—now standing in a neatly tied apron, earnestly scrubbing dishes.

The sound of running water filled the kitchen, his movements awkward but careful, with suds clinging to his wrists.

Brinley lingered at the doorway, her chest tightening with a mix of tenderness and disbelief. At last, she whispered softly, “Let me do it. You’ve never done this kind of thing before p>