Chapter 19 A Grand Meal

Claire’s POV:

I hadn't even had the chance to object to the suggestion before Colin dragged me out of the house. I was silent, my mind whirring with how far my paycheck could take us for dinner.

Stealing glances at Colin, whose life had always been confined by poverty, I doubted he knew of any good eateries in New Jersey. Given his budget, a roadside diner would probably do.

Plus, some places offer unlimited servings of staples, which would surely suffice for his appetite. I bowed my head, my lips curling into a smile. Since our wedding, I've been scrimping and saving, always opting for the cheaper groceries when cooking at home.

I remember an old servant of the Watson family once saying that the scariest thing for a young married couple is losing the spark. Going out for a romantic treat every now and then can be quite beneficial to the relationship. So... let's be extravagant just this once and dine out.

But as I looked up, I realized that Colin and I had already reached the bustling commercial street, standing in front of the Kingdom Hotel!

"Let's eat here," he said as nonchalantly, as if he were picking out an uninspiring head of lettuce, at the market.

"What did you say?" I exclaimed in near shock.

"I said, let's have our meal here," Colin replied with a light chuckle. "This place looks pretty good."

I found myself holding my breath, instinctively clutching my purse tighter. This was the most expensive five-star hotel in the area, one I wouldn't even glimpse at when passing. Eating here would likely cost more than my entire paycheck just for the appetizer!

Colin pulled me inside, where servers bowed respectfully at ninety degrees and the manager came out to greet us with a professional smile, "Welcome."

"Colin!" I suddenly yanked at his arm.

"What's the matter?"

"We..." I wanted to say ‘our money isn't enough. We should choose somewhere cheaper. People like us can't afford to dine here.’ Yet as these words rose to my lips, I swallowed them down.

Seeing the hopeful look in Colin's eyes and remembering how he entrusted me with all those valuable jewels and jewelry, it was clear he already considered me one of his own. How could I be stingy with my own husband?

Gritting my teeth and steeling my heart, I managed a smile and said, "Let's go in."

Colin paused, seemingly surprised by my response: "We're really going in?"

"Of course!" I replied cheerfully, leaning against him, "If you like it here, then let's dine here. It's just a meal, don't worry, I can pay for it."

His eyes flickered, "Or maybe we..."

Sensing his hesitation, I swiftly pulled him into the hotel, finding a table by the window with a perfect view of the night scene. I ordered two dishes, that weren’t too expensive, but the most I could afford. I made it clear to the waiter to bring small portions just enough for Colin.

"Why aren't you eating?" he asked, his eyes on mine.

I smiled, my gaze flickering away, "I'm not very hungry, I don't have much of an appetite."

"But you were just complaining about me not cooking at home."

I fell silent, a hint of distress flashing through my clear eyes. Colin set down his utensils, his gaze piercing, as if seeing right through me. After a pause, he asked me a question.

Careful to enunciate every word, "We've been married for a while now, is there nothing you wish to tell me?"

My face changed, and my heart started to race. Did he suspect something?

Or was it hearing what others had to say, claiming that the Watson family used an illegitimate daughter to impersonate and fulfill a marriage contract? They say he married a fake, not the cherished daughter of the Watson family?

Men are vain, after all. They all want to marry a fair, rich, and beautiful woman, not a grimy Cinderella like me. I lowered my head slightly, my hands nervously twisting the hem of my clothes.

I desperately told myself not to admit anything, Colin has been in fights and jail. If he started causing trouble, the consequences would be unimaginable!

"What is it you want to say?” I looked up at Colin with my bright, large eyes, racking my brains to change the subject.

“Oh right, I haven’t done well this month, so I need to work even harder next month. I... I might not be able to come back to cook often, you can take care of yourself, okay?"

"I'm not a child, of course, it's no problem," Colin replied with a gentle smile, pushing half of the truffle pasta in his plate towards me. I persisted in refusing, but Colin's eyes glared, and in a firm voice he offered.

"Shall I feed you?"

I shrank back, and eventually accepted the fragrant pasta.