Chapter 240: The Sound of Running Water Filled the Kitchen

The sound of running water filled the kitchen as Elena Ward washed dishes with her head slightly lowered. Adrian Stone stood beside her, drying the plates and utensils. Neither spoke, the air between them thick with unspoken tension.

"That nickname is too mushy—can we change it?" Elena suddenly broke the silence, her hands still moving steadily.

Adrian took the bowl she handed him, carefully drying it with a towel. "Then call me 'Second Brother.' I am older than you."

"Second Brother!" Elena chirped, her voice bright with youthful charm.

The corner of Adrian’s mouth lifted involuntarily. "Hmm."

"By the way, Daniel already booked the tickets. We’re leaving the day after tomorrow." Elena flicked water droplets from her hands. "Happy New Year in advance."

"I’ll see you off," Adrian said, placing the last dish in the cabinet.

"No need!" Elena turned to leave. "You’re about to go on leave—it’d be awkward to request time off now. With Daniel around, you think I’d get lost?"

Adrian followed her, his gaze landing on the luggage bag resting on the counter. Elena had already opened it with curiosity. "I told you not to buy so much stuff," she said, though her eyes sparkled with delight.

Inside, neatly packed, were wood ear mushrooms, red ginseng, candies, and on top—a camel-colored wool coat. Elena rummaged through, then frowned. "Why is there only one?"

"Of course there’s only one," Adrian’s voice came from behind, laced with unmistakable bitterness. "I’m not as wealthy as some people, buying piles of gifts to win your favor."

Elena spun around, meeting his sullen expression before realization dawned—he’d been jealous this whole time!

Adrian grew uncomfortable under her gaze and turned toward the kitchen.

"Are you mad?" she asked softly.

"No." He averted his face. "I’m going to boil water."

Elena suddenly wrapped her arms around him from behind. Through the thin fabric of his sweater, she could feel the firmness of his waist and the warmth of his skin.

"Are all men this petty?" she teased deliberately.

Adrian tried to pull away, but she only held on tighter. "It’s not pettiness," he sighed. "I just... don’t want you to suffer with me. My family’s well-off, but my own salary is limited—"

Before he could finish, Elena rose onto her toes and kissed him.

The suddenness of it stunned Adrian for a second before he took control, cupping the back of her head to deepen the kiss. Only when Elena pushed him away, flushed, did he finally relent, pressing one last light peck to her lips.

"Second Brother," Elena leaned against his chest, "I’m not immune to material things, but what I want, I’ll earn myself. Those people’s flattery? It’s just because of my medical skills. If you get jealous over every one of them, how are we supposed to live?"

Adrian tightened his arms around her, burying his face in her hair. "I was being unreasonable," he muttered. "It won’t happen again. I’ll work harder—to become someone you can’t leave."

"This coat is for you. Try it on." He released her. "I’ll handle the luggage arrangements and have someone escort you back."

Elena kissed him happily. "You’re the best!" She dashed off to try on the coat.

The tailored design cinched at the waist, accentuating her slender figure. She twirled. "How do I look?"

Adrian stood in the kitchen doorway, pride and adoration in his eyes. "Beautiful."

In that moment, all traces of jealousy melted into something far sweeter.