Chapter 443: Elias Mercer Deftly Washed and Prepared Vegetables in the Kitchen

Elias Mercer deftly washed and prepared vegetables in the kitchen, his movements efficient.

Clara Whitmore tied on an apron and sliced ingredients into uniform pieces with practiced ease.

Steam rose from the pot on the stove as oil sizzled in the pan.

Within half an hour, four dishes and a soup were arranged on the dining table.

Elias pulled out a chair and served Clara a bowl of rice first.

"Thanks." She accepted it with a small smile.

They ate in comfortable silence, as if their earlier awkwardness had never existed.

After dinner, Elias began clearing the dishes without prompting.

Clara stood by the sink, drying each plate he handed her.

Their coordination was seamless.

Until trash time—

They both bent down simultaneously to tie the garbage bag.

A dull thud.

"Ow!" Clara straightened up, clutching her forehead with teary eyes.

Elias immediately leaned closer. "Sorry, I didn't see—"

Gently moving her hand aside, he inspected the red mark.

"At least it's not swelling." He exhaled in relief.

She blinked rapidly. "It's fine, doesn't hurt."

But her pink-tinged eyelids betrayed her.

Only then did Elias realize he still held her wrist.

He released her like touching fire, stepping back two paces.

Clara stared before bursting into laughter.

"That amusing?" He raised an eyebrow.

"Very!" She nodded vigorously.

Shaking his head, Elias retied the trash bag properly.

* * *

The AC repairman knocked on Elias's door.

"Professor Mercer, your unit's fixed. Want to test it?"

Elias swapped his shoes, neatly returning the slippers to their rack.

The technician grinned. "Must be convenient living across from your wife like this, easy visiting—"

"Let's check the AC." Elias cut him off.

He didn't clarify their relationship.

First, it wasn't necessary. Second, explanations might embarrass Clara.

In society, women always faced more scrutiny.

His only duty was protecting her from unnecessary harm.

"Payment's transferred. Thanks for your work."

As the repairman left, Clara's door opened the moment Elias closed his.

"Professor, AC fixed?"

"Mhm."

"Still running tonight?"