Chapter 954

The clatter of cooking utensils came from the kitchen.

Vivian turned toward the sound and saw Ethan emerging with steaming dishes.

"You're awake?" His eyes crinkled with warmth. "Wash up for dinner. Emily said you barely ate at lunch."

The savory aroma in the air stirred her appetite.

Vivian instinctively touched her stomach.

"I'll get Emily." She headed upstairs.

Ethan disappeared back into the kitchen to serve the rice.

Emily's bedroom door was slightly ajar.

"Emily, dinner's ready."

The door swung open as Emily bounced out.

"Vivian!" She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "When you were napping earlier, the way Ethan looked at you—wow!"

Vivian arched an eyebrow. "Hmm?"

"Like you were the most precious treasure in the world!" Emily gestured dramatically. "I've never seen anyone gaze so lovingly."

The tips of Vivian's ears warmed.

"You're exaggerating."

"Am not!" Emily pouted. "When have I ever lied to you?"

They walked downstairs together.

Emily suddenly sighed. "I envy you two. When will someone love me like that?"

"You're still young." Vivian chuckled. "Your time will come."

"But I don't even know what liking someone feels like." Emily kicked at the steps dejectedly. "Tell me, Vivian?"

Vivian paused mid-step.

"It's..." Her gaze drifted toward the kitchen. "Your heart races when you see them. You miss them when they're gone. Yet you feel nervous together."

Emily tilted her head. "Like how Lulu feels about Dr. Ji?"

"Something like that." Vivian pinched her cheek playfully. "Should I introduce you to someone? Lucas isn't bad."

"Vivian!" Emily stomped her foot. "Stop teasing me!"

Laughing, they entered the dining room.

Ethan was setting the table.

"What's so amusing?" He glanced up.

Emily stuck out her tongue. "Secrets!"

The table was laden with aromatic dishes.

"You cooked all this?" Emily's eyes widened.

Ethan nodded. "Your sister hasn't had much appetite lately."

"Exactly!" Emily immediately tattled. "She's been eating like a bird these days!"

Vivian shot her a warning look.

Ethan placed a bowl of soup before Vivian. "Drink this first. It'll warm your stomach."