Chapter 383: "I don't mind leaving the door open for you."
Jessica organized the things she bought and placed the vegetables that needed washing on the counter.
It had been a long time since she cooked at last time. What's more, she wasn't sure what to make. She didn't buy much. Because she not only liked typical kids' food, but also loved potatoes, carrots, and eggs. As a result, she bought plenty of those.
She shredded the carrots, planning to make a light, oil-free salad she learned from Caroline, and then turned to wash and peel the potatoes.
While peeling, she accidentally knocked a potato off the counter, which rolled onto the floor.
Jessica was still peeling and didn't have time to pick it up. Suddenly, she noticed Gabriel had come out of the study and in the kitchen.
Gabriel saw the potato at his feet, bent down to pick it up, and Jessica noticed him wince in pain, almost losing his balance. He quietly straightened up and placed the potato back where it was.
"After a busy day, dinner can be simple," he said, glancing at the ingredients she had prepared and then at the eggs. "Pasta works too."
Jessica followed his gaze to the eggs, remembering how he used to love the simple egg pasta she made.
She didn't say much. She just picked up another potato and continued peeling. "They're just two simple dishes, nothing complicated. If I hadn't come, it would be fine, but since I'm here, even if I'm not thrilled about it, I can't be too careless."
Gabriel glanced at her, half-smiling. "How unenthusiastic are you?"
Jessica peeled the potato forcefully, speaking firmly, "I've been so busy these past two years that I rarely cook at home. It's not an exaggeration to say I'm a big star who hadn't cook before. Now I'm here making dinner for you. If paparazzi find me at the supermarket, who knows what stories they'll make up."
She turned with the potato, not realizing Gabriel had silently moved behind her, almost bumping into him. She quickly stepped back, hearing Gabriel say above her, "False stories are fabrications. What do you call fabricating false stories for yourself?"
Jessica turned to the sink to wash the peeled potato, pretending to be unheard.
Gabriel didn't ask further, just stood there watching her every move, like a supervisor.
Jessica suddenly couldn't stand it and glared at him. "I'm not going to poison the food. Do you need to stand here and watch me cook?"
Gabriel slowly picked up a newly opened bag of sugar beside her and asked, "What did you buy?"
"Seasonings. I can hardly find any materials that can be cooked in your home. I can't cook air."
"And this?"
"Salt."
Gabriel said nothing, just glanced at the "salted" salad she had made.
Jessica sensed something wrong, quickly grabbed the bag from him, and after seeing the label, she put the sugar aside and coughed. "I misspoke. I learned a new recipe, sugar-coated carrots."
"So, are we having sugar-fried potatoes next?"
"At least you won't starve! Weren't you busy in the study? I didn't disturb your work, so don't disturb my cooking!" Jessica didn't realize how distracted she had been to make such a ridiculous mistake. Embarrassed, she pushed him. "Out, get out!"
Gabriel's face turned pale, his muscles tensing for a moment. Jessica quickly withdrew her hand, realizing how hard she had pushed.
It had only been three days since the incident at the Golden Orchid Hotel. His wounds hadn't healed and could start bleeding again, especially after flying back from San Francisco without proper rest.
Even a strong man like Gabriel couldn't handle such strain.
Jessica knew she had gone too far but didn't apologize. She just withdrew her hand and said, "I'll go buy salt."
She quickly slipped out, put on her hat and mask, and went downstairs.
After buying salt from the nearest grocery, she returned to find Gabriel seemingly heading to the bathroom. She instinctively asked, "Need help?"
Gabriel turned to her, his eyes calm yet lazy, with a hidden, unreadable allure that made Jessica want to avoid his gaze.
Just like the day of the incident, Gabriel shielded her. His eyes had the same look.
Gabriel didn't respond, went into the bathroom, and noticed her gaze following him.
Jessica was worried she had hurt his wound, but Gabriel suddenly looked at her again. "If you want to watch, just say so. I don't mind leaving the door open."
With that, Gabriel really didn't close the door.
"Who wants to watch? I'm not a voyeur!" Jessica quickly shut the door, turned around, and tried to calm herself, reminding herself to smile.
She was about to return to the kitchen when she heard Gabriel chuckle.
Jessica hurried into the kitchen, bringing the salt that she bought just now.
How could she mistake sugar for salt? Such a basic error—was she getting dementia early?
The carrots were probably inedible now, and she didn't have much food left. Jessica decided to use the eggs Gabriel had mentioned and made beef potato soup and egg pasta, making a portion for herself, too, because she hadn't eaten much of the airplane meal and was hungry.
Gabriel had been in San Francisco for the past few days. The anesthesia had long worn off. Though the wound wasn't severe, it was deep. He had had two fevers in the hospital, which led to a bad appetite even though he seemed fine. He ate regularly just to maintain his strength.
However, he surprisingly had a good appetite today.
