Revenge is best served cold

Upon hearing that, I immediately headed downstairs. I had just exited the building when Natasha rushed over and linked her arm with mine.

"What took you so long?" Natasha asked, her lips forming into a pout.

I smiled and said apologetically, "I was caught up with something. I was just about to head down when you called me, though."

Natasha, with a flourish of self-entitlement, proclaimed, "I don't care! You'll have to prepare an elaborate dinner tonight to make up for this!"

I nodded helplessly and said, "You can rest assured that I'll make all your favorites."

I had been caught up with work recently, which resulted in me postponing Natasha's invitations several times.

I had promised to take Natasha out for dinner a couple of days ago, but it was put

on hold because Eric got injured. I felt bad about it, so after consulting with Eric, I extended an invitation to Natasha for a meal at our place, where I would personally cook for her to make amends.

I came home to find Eric seated comfortably on the couch, reading a book.

Natasha accompanied me into the kitchen after exchanging a quick greeting with Eric.

She then whispered with a mischievous grin, "Is it just me, or does Eric look even more dashing in his home clothes than in his suit?"

Having solely witnessed Eric in suits at formal gatherings, it was Natasha's first time seeing him in a private setting.

I turned to look at Eric, who was seated on the couch and attentively reading his book.

It seemed like Eric had sensed my gaze as he suddenly looked up from his book, causing our eyes to meet across the room.

I hurriedly averted my gaze and muttered, "I guess he's alright. I've gotten used to it now."

Natasha's eyes widened in disbelief as she exclaimed, "Oh my goodness! You're totally blowing it! He's leagues beyond Jeremiah! I always questioned your judgment after you got together with Jeremiah back then. Now that you've found someone as good-looking as Eric, I can't believe this is merely a fake marriage!"

She then nudged my arm with a mischievous grin and whispered, "Come on, be honest with me. Have you caught feelings for him or not?"noveldrama

I fell silent for a moment as I struggled to formulate a response.

Natasha, ignoring my silence, leaned in with a mischievous grin and whispered, "I think he likes you! I mean, ever since you got back, he has already stolen a few glances at you. I'm telling you, I'm sure of it!"

I sighed helplessly and suggested, "Why don't you go out for a stroll? I need to focus on cooking dinner for us."

Natasha immediately refused, saying, "No way! It's been so long since we last saw each other, so I just want to have a little chat with you. You do your cooking. I won't get in the way."

In the end, Natasha managed to

remain in the kitchen. I thought she

would update me on her life, but

instead, she began talking net

how often Eric glanced in our direction, which induced an

ove

inexplicable sense of unease within

me.

I ended up ruining two dishes, but thankfully, I had cooked five dishes in total. Otherwise, I would've felt utterly ashamed.

It wasn't until Natasha sat down in the chair at the dining table that she finally stopped talking.

I was still worried about Eric's shoulder injury, so I took a seat beside him and assisted him with his meal.

I had given Natasha a heads-up beforehand, yet she still looked shocked by the scene before her. There was a mix of surprise and curiosity in her eyes, though.

It was right after we were done eating that Natasha suddenly dragged me into the room and demanded, "Come on, spill it! What's going on between you and Eric? I can't figure you two out anymore!"

I looked utterly confused as I asked, "What are you talking about?"

Natasha clicked her tongue in disapproval, looking exasperated. She then exclaimed, "You guys are way too intimate! How can you still call it a fake marriage? I mean, who in the world would behave so intimately in a fake marriage?"