Chapter 530 Can't You Just Cut the Vegetables Properly?
Starry Ridge Estate
The resort was not only breathtakingly beautiful with stunning landscapes, but also featured modern water attractions and Aivalia-style bamboo cottages nestled among the trees. Staying here promised a romantic and relaxing getaway.
The moment they stepped out of the car, the two adorable children gasped at the magnificent scenery before them.
"Wow, this place is gorgeous!" Nate exclaimed.
Andy breathed in deeply. "The air is so fresh! Daddy, where are we staying tonight?"
"I've arranged everything. Let me show you," Ethan replied.
"Okay!"
Ethan walked hand in hand with their children and Ashley, the family of four making their way toward the bamboo cottages.
The manager had been waiting anxiously for their arrival and greeted them with the utmost respect. "Your Highness, welcome! When we heard about your visit, we cleared the entire resort. Security has been tightened, so you can enjoy your weekend in complete privacy. Your accommodations are ready—please, follow me."
"Thank you."
The four followed the manager to the finest suite among the bamboo cottages. It featured a spacious living room, three bedrooms, a kitchen, bathrooms, and every amenity they could need. Even appropriate clothing had been prepared for them.
Seeing this, Ashley felt a wave of happiness. "Ethan, you even arranged clothes for us?"
They had left in such a hurry for this vacation that Ashley had completely forgotten to pack changes of clothing. She had been planning to buy something on-site.
The realization of Ethan's thoughtfulness made her heart swell with tenderness.
"Yes," Ethan replied with a gentle smile, his face radiating happiness. "Everything here belongs to us. This suite is always reserved for our family. We can come vacation here whenever we have time—it's our home away from home."
Ashley smiled sweetly. "Perfect."
The children, excited by their new surroundings, scampered about like playful puppies, exploring every corner of the suite.
"Andy, let's sleep in this room tonight!" Nate suggested.
"Sure!" Andy replied. He then asked, "Daddy, Mommy, which room will you sleep in?"
"This one," Ethan said, pointing to the master bedroom.
Ashley watched them with crinkled eyes, feeling indescribably happy. Checking the time, she said, "Darlings, you must be hungry. I'll make dinner for you."
"Yes, please, Mommy!"
The children, delighted, ran to the living room to watch television.
Ethan turned to Ashley. "Pearl, shall we cook together?"
"Of course."
They gazed at each other, seeing their reflections in each other's eyes.
Hand in hand, they walked to the kitchen where Ashley opened the refrigerator to find it stocked with both meat and vegetables.
"What would you like for dinner, Ethan?" she asked.
"Anything you make is perfect," he replied warmly.
Ashley considered for a moment. "How about I grill some steaks and make a fresh salad?"
"Sounds wonderful. But you're still recovering from your injury—you shouldn't do heavy work. Let me handle the chopping." With that, Ethan began taking out ingredients.
"Then I'll wash the vegetables," Ashley offered, not wanting to stand idly by.
"No need. I'll take care of it." As he spoke, Ethan poured a glass of warm water. "Pearl, have some water and just relax. You can keep me company."
Ashley felt both touched and surprised. "Ethan, do you know how to cook?"
"Not really, but I've watched tutorials on vegetable cutting. I should be able to manage."
Ashley nodded. It made sense—with his severe eating disorder, if he had known how to cook, he would have prepared his own meals rather than relying on IV nutrition. The thought of him surviving on intravenous nutrients for years made her heart ache. He had only eaten a few proper meals in recent years, and only after meeting her. How had he endured alone for so long?
The more she thought about it, the more her heart went out to him.
Ethan washed the vegetables and began chopping, starting with a cucumber. His first slice was exceptionally thick.
"Ethan, the cucumber slices need to be thinner," she suggested gently.
He tried again but still couldn't get them thin enough.
Ashley stepped forward, standing beside him. She placed her hand over his that held the knife, and her other hand over his that held the cucumber. Her voice was soft as she instructed, "Ethan, try cutting like this... this way you'll get thinner slices."
With gentle pressure, she guided him to slice a perfect, thin piece of cucumber.
Throughout this demonstration, Ethan gazed intently at Ashley, his eyes burning with warmth.
"Now you try," she said, releasing his hands.
As soon as she stepped away, Ethan felt uncomfortable. He frowned slightly. "I'm not sure I've got it. Could you show me one more time?"
"Of course."
Ashley moved closer again, their bodies nearly touching as she guided his hands once more. They could feel each other's warmth.
After helping him slice a few more pieces, she asked, "Do you understand now?"
She looked up at him, and in that moment, Ethan bent down and captured her lips in a kiss.
Ashley's eyes widened in surprise. From the corner of her eye, she saw the knife in Ethan's hand slip dangerously close to his fingers.
She cried out, "Ethan, watch the knife!"
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