I placed the cordless phone back on the nightstand. I stood by the window and kept brushing my hair.
The evening breeze was cool, but it felt nice.
This time of year had the best weather. The temperature was perfect, and the air wasn’t too dry.
Alexander wasn’t in the bedroom. I had no idea if he was working late in his study.
I dried my hair a bit more, then went back to the bathroom. After blow-drying it halfway and combing it through, I left the bedroom. I walked over to the study door and knocked.
No one answered. I pushed the door open. The study was empty.
“Where did you go?” I muttered to myself.
I closed the study door and headed downstairs.
Alexander wasn’t on the first floor either.
I decided to call him. He picked up and said he was at the main house, just about to come back.
“You’re at Mom’s place?” I asked.
“Yeah, I was chatting with her for a bit. I’m heading back now.”
“Oh, tell Mom I’ll join her for tea tomorrow morning.”
“Got it,” Alexander said.
“I’m going to make some supper. What do you want to eat?” I asked.
“Anything is fine. You decide.”
“Then I’ll just cook whatever’s in the fridge. See you soon.”
“Okay,” Alexander replied.
After I hung up, I walked into the kitchen to check what was inside the refrigerator.
Meanwhile, Alexander passed my message along to his mother.
“Evelyn has a simple heart. She’s a good match for you,” Eleanor said.
“Mom, just praise your daughter-in-law directly. Don’t beat around the bush and scold me,” Alexander replied with a smile.
Eleanor shot him a look. “You’re overthinking things.”
She sighed and continued, “Evelyn doesn’t have too many schemes. Her social circle is simple. Given our family situation, it’s not wise for you to marry someone too complicated.”
“Mom—” Alexander looked at her helplessly.
“Treat Evelyn well. She may be simple, but she’s not stupid. Don’t let a good wife like her down.”
“I know,” Alexander said.
“I hope you do. I’m old enough to be your mother, and I won’t have many years left. I’m still the chairwoman of Sterling Group, but it’s just a title to balance things between you and your siblings. In the end, the Sterling family and the group will be in your hands,” Eleanor said solemnly.
“Mom, you’re not that old. Don’t say things like that,” Alexander replied, a bit exasperated.
“Your mother is already buried up to her neck. If I don’t say it now, I might not get another chance. Gray, I know it hasn’t been easy for you. But you were born into the Sterling family. There was your brother, Thomas, but he left too early. Now it’s all on you,” Eleanor said with a sigh.
“Mom, don’t overthink it. Isn’t our family doing well now?”
“Yes, it’s good. If it can stay this way forever, I’ll be at ease.”
“It will. Our family will only get better,” Alexander replied with a smile.
“Alright, that’s all. Go back early and keep Evelyn company,” Eleanor said with a nod.
“Mom, you should rest early too.”
“Okay, go on,” Eleanor said, waving her hand.
Alexander got up, left the sunroom, and walked back to Sterling Manor.
I was in the kitchen, cooking noodles.
Alexander walked over and wrapped his arms around my waist. “What are you cooking? It smells amazing.”
“You’re back. I’m making some ramen with cabbage,” I turned to him and smiled.
“My wife is getting more and more virtuous,” he praised.
“That’s right,” I laughed, then urged him, “Go get the chopsticks. The noodles are almost ready.”
“Yes, Mrs. Sterling,” he said playfully.
I smiled. I tasted the broth to check the salt level, then added the remaining cabbage leaves. Once they were cooked, I turned off the heat.
I set the pot on the table, then grabbed the bowls and started serving the noodles. I filled a bowl for Alexander and handed it to him. “Did Mom say anything?”
“Mom praised you for being a virtuous wife who can run a household,” Alexander looked up and replied with a grin.
“Stop joking around,” I said, my face turning red.
“I’m not joking. You’re beautiful, you can cook delicious ramen, and you know how to please your mother-in-law. If that’s not a virtuous wife, what is?” he asked with a smile.
“I’m asking you seriously,” I stomped my foot, feeling anxious.
“I’m serious. Mom really praised you,” Alexander said.
I was at a loss. I couldn’t tell if he was telling the truth or just teasing me.
I served myself a bowl of noodles and sat down to eat. “I haven’t visited Mom in a few days. I hope she’s not mad.”
“No, she knows you’re busy with your internship.”
I glanced at Alexander, wondering if he was making fun of me again.
“I mean it. Mom knows you’re taking your internship at the company seriously.”
“Did you tell her?”
“Maybe Secretary Harper told her.”
“Secretary Harper knows about us—”
“Doesn’t she? Then I don’t know. Maybe Mom just figured it out on her own,” Alexander shrugged.
I gave up on that question. I knew I wouldn’t get a straight answer out of him anyway.
“Is the noodles too bland?” I asked.
“No, it’s perfect,” Alexander said.
I didn’t say anything else. I just lowered my head and focused on eating the ramen.
Today, I had cooked the ramen differently. I stir-fried the aromatics first until they were fragrant, then added water. After it boiled, I put in the noodles. It tasted better than before.
Then I added the cabbage stems first, followed by the leaves. That way, the leaves wouldn’t get overcooked. It was a successful attempt.
After we finished eating, Alexander was in charge of washing the dishes. I helped by drying them.
“Alexander, I’m really happy today,” I said while wiping a bowl.
“You’re not usually happy?” he raised an eyebrow and looked at me.
“No, I mean I’m especially happy today,” I emphasized.
“Why’s that?”
“I finally told Charlie that we’re married, and she forgave me. And I played games with you for the first time, and we worked really well together. And the chicken you made was so delicious,” I counted off on my fingers.
“As long as you’re happy,” Alexander looked down at me and smiled.
I was the kind of person who was easily satisfied. I cherished happiness. I could take small, joyful things and magnify them to make myself feel content.
That was why being with me was easy. Alexander would unconsciously relax and feel at ease around me.
Later, Charlie called me back.
“What were you busy with earlier? You didn’t answer my call,” I picked up and asked.
“My phone was in my bag, and I didn’t hear it. Did you get home?” Charlie asked on the other end.
She didn’t tell me that she had hit the windshield and hurt her head. She had just gotten home.
If I had known, I would have definitely come to see her.
It wasn’t a big deal. There was no need to make a fuss.