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After Orlando left , Owen didn’t linger either . He blurted out , “ Pearl , any food allergies or things you don’t eat ? I’m going to cook for my girl Aria ,”
The moment Owen said that , both Aria and Lily immediately turned to look at him .
Owen kept his composure , though he stole a guilty glance at Aria .
He thought to himself , ‘ Oops , a slip up .’
Pearl shook her head . “ Nope , I’m not picky . I eat everything . ”
“ Alright , I’ll get cooking then , ” Owen said . Before leaving , he stole a quick glance at Aria .
Aria had anticipated his glance and gave him a knowing smile . ‘ You’ve really gotten the hang of calling me ‘ my girl , haven’t you ? ”
Owen cleared his throat and hurried out .
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Aria stood up and gently ruffled Pearl’s hair . She said , “ Orlando must have told you that you have a biological older sister . If you’d like to meet her , I can help arrange it . ”
Pearl quickly shook her head , her eyes filled with caution . She said softly , “ Aria , having you is enough . I don’t want anyone else . ”
Aria gave a helpless smile . “ No one’s sending you away . Even if you reunite with her , we’re always family . ”
Pearl’s fingers twisted nervously in her lap . She stammered , “ What if … what if she doesn’t want me ? Maybe it’s better not to disturb her . ”
“ How about I contact her first , just so she knows you exist ? Would that be alright ? ” Aria asked gently .
Aria thought she couldn’t offer Pearl much . Though Lily was with her , she’d barely taken care of her . If someone else wanted to look out for Pearl , that might actually be a good thing .
Pearl thought for a moment , then gave a small nod . “ I’ll do whatever you think is best , Aria . ”
“ Let Lily show you to your room . And if you need anything , don’t hesitate to speak up , ” Aria said .
Pearl nodded . “ Okay ! ”
Aria gently patted Lily on the head and said , “ Now that the exams are over , you deserve a break . Talk it over with Pearl and pick a place . I’ll take you both
out . ”
Aria said , “ I’ll head over . ”
“ Okay ! ” Lily replied .
As Aria arrived , she heard the sound of chopping from the kitchen . Leaning casually against the doorway , she eyed Owen with a playful smile . “ My girl ,
huh ? ” she teased .
Owen heard the sound and knew it was Aria , but pretended not to notice . He hadn’t expected her to tease him the moment she walked in .
He paused mid – chop , glanced up at her with a sideways look . “ You’re my girl , aren’t you ? So , what’s the problem with that ? ”
Aria tilted her head playfully . “ Yeah , you’re right . Then , what should I call you ? ”
He kept his head down and continued chopping , avoiding eye contact . “ Call me whatever you like , ” he said .
Aria walked in and slipped her arms around Owen from behind . He tensed up momentarily before relaxing into her embrace , glancing over his shoulder . “ What’s up ? ” he asked gently .
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“ Owen , thank you , ” Aria said .
Owen smiled softly . “ What are you thanking me for ? ”
Aria murmured , “ If it weren’t for you , the girls would be stuck eating takeout from Amour Bistro with me every day .”
Owen chuckled . “ With Amour Bistro’s food being so famous , you should be grateful I’m not depriving them of it . ”
Aria let go of him and rolled up her sleeves to wash her hands . “ I’ll help too – this way , we’ll finish faster . ”
Owen didn’t refuse . “ Alright , you can wash those veggies first , then chop up the tomatoes , ” he said .
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Aria got right to work , peeling garlic and prepping scallions . Once Owen had the soup ready and started stir – frying , he grinned and shooed her out . “ Go wait in the living room . I’ll be quick . It’s about to get smoky here , ” he said .
“ It’s not that smoky , ” Aria said with a playful tone . “ Let me stay and help . ”
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