Chapter 21 Australian sunlight always poured down with extravagant generosity. Sophia walked barefoot on the sand, fine white grains spilling between her toes as waves rushed up to kiss her ankles. She carried freshly bought daisies, their golden petals shimmering under the sun. "Slow down." Gerald's voice came from behind, laced with amused resignation. He held two ice cream cones while quickening his pace to catch up. The sea breeze lifted his shirt, revealing lean waistlines. "Any slower and these'll melt." Sophia turned, walking backward deliberately as she stuck out her tongue at him. Gerald closed the distance in strides, handing her the ice cream. "Then wait for me, would you?" Vanilla sweetness melted on her tongue, making her squint with pleasure. Sophia stole a glance at the man beside her, finding him gazing intently at the horizon, sunlight gilding his eyelashes. For three months, Gerald had been just like this-present but never overstepping, constant but never crowding. Pretending indifference was impossible. "Done staring?" He turned abruptly, mischief dancing in his eyes. Sophia's ears burned as she whipped her face away. "I wasn't! Just watching seagulls!" "Oh~ really now~" Gerald drawled, blinking slowly. "Because that seagull looks like me?" 0.0 % 10:55 Chapter 21 "Gerald!" She made a grab for his ice cream, but he easily dodged. Their playful chase ended when Sophia slipped, tumbling into his arms. Mint scent enveloped her. "Throwing yourself at me? How forward." Gerald steadied her, laughter threading his words. Sophia looked up to retort but caught his tender expression instead. Suddenly the wind stilled, leaving only their synchronized heartbeats. "...Ice cream's melting." She mumbled. Gerald chuckled, releasing her. "Let's head home. Got steaks." "Steak again?" Sophia wrinkled her nose. "Is that Chef Gerald's only specialty?" "I have had steak for days." "Tonight's different." He winked mysteriously. "Mastered a new sauce." Their white cottage stood by the sea, daisies crowding the doorstep. When Gerald first brought her here, he'd said daisies meant "love hidden in the heart." The kitchen bloomed with melting butter's aroma. Sophia leaned against the counter, watching Gerald flip steaks in his apron. His movements were practiced, sleeves rolled to expose defined forearms. "Taste this." He offered a small piece on his fork. 32.7 % 10:56 288 Vouchers Chapter 21 Sophia's eyes lit up as she bit into it. "Wow! This is amazing today!" "Good." Gerald exhaled in relief. "Took fifteen tries to nail it." "Fifteen?" Her eyes widened. "When did you..." "During your naps. 11 He shrugged, turning to fetch wine. Foreign ingredients are tricky to work with-they never quite taste the same as back home. Only steak is healthy and easy to handle, but I can't keep serving you the same flavor every day." Sunset light streamed through the window, gilding his profile in soft radiance. Sophia suddenly felt her nose sting-no one had ever practiced a dish dozens of times just for her. After dinner, they sat watching stars from the porch. Gerald spoke abruptly. "A dessert shop downtown's transferring ownership next week. Want to check it out?" "Really?" Sophia straightened up eagerly. "Where exactly?" "City center, not far from the seaside." He handed her some documents. "The owner's Chinese. Family emergency back home forced this rushed sale. All equipment's nearly new." Flipping through pages, she froze mid-motion. "You'd planned this earlier?" Gerald simply smiled without denial. Night breeze rustled through daisy clusters, carrying faint floral sweetness. 60.6 % 10:55 Chapter 21 Sophia inched closer stealthily, resting her head against his shoulder. "Gerald." "Hmm?" "I'm truly... so grateful you're here." He gently tousled her hair, voice tender. "Sophia, I'm glad too-that I'll get to stay by your side, always." Closing her eyes, Sophia finally believed those nightmarish memories could fade into the past forever. 91.2 % Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!