Belinda mustâve forgotten something and came back.
Ellinor didnât think much of it. She put down her milk mug and got up to open the door.
As soon as she opened the door, she saw Bartlettâs handsome face.
Ellinor was a bit surprised, but she didnât let it show. âWhat brings you here?â
Bartlett held a thermos. âJust checking in on you! I had someone make you some bolete mushroom soup for breakfast.â
âThanks.â Ellinor said it in a neutral tone and invited him in.
This was Bartlettâs first time at Ellinorâs place. He looked around the room and seemed to quite like the decor.
âWhereâs the kitchen? I need to get a bowl to serve the soup.â
âJust sit down; Iâll get it.â Ellinor didnât tell him where the kitchen was; she went there herself.
Bartlett didnât sit down; instead, he followed her into the kitchen with the thermos.
The cupboard for bowls was under the sink, and it was a bit hard for Ellinor to bend down since she was heavily pregnant.
Bartlett went over and helped her up. âYou just stay put Iâll get it.â
Ellinor didnât insist so she stepped aside.
Bartlett took a bowl from the cupboard, opened the thermos, and served her a bowl of soup on the counter. âHere, have some.â
Ellinor nodded and didnât refuse.
Ever since she got pregnant, she had been leaning towards soup.
When she was living in the villa arranged by Bartlett, heâd instructed the staff there to make soup for her every night Todayâs breakfast was prepared by Ida. It was hot milk and sandwiches, which she found a bit bland.
So, Bartlettâs soup really arrived right on time.
Bartlettâs eyes were full of tenderness as he watched Ellinor quietly sip the soup. He frowned. âHow come your eyes are so dark even though itâs only been a day since I last saw you? Didnât you sleep well last night?â
Ellinor nodded. âYeah, I had some insomnia.â
Bartlett spoke with a serious tone, âEllinor, youâre close to your due date: you canât stay up late like this.
How can I not worry when youâre like this?â
Ellinor understood that she needed to take care of herself now. But last night, her mind was a mess, and she just couldnât fall asleep.
However, Bartlettâs concern made her a bit uncomfortable.
After hearing her say this. Bartlett sighed and then smiled. âEllinor, do I look like someone whoâs overly calculative? I just want to take care of you. I donât think too much about Ellinor kept her head down and kept drinking the soup. After a while, she said, âYouâve helped me a lot.
I consider you a good friend. If you need any help in the future. just say it But other than that, I really canât offer you anything more. I hope you understand.â
Bartlett moved closer to her. âEllinor, do you really have to be so definite?â
Ellinor looked up at him. âIâm just expressing my true feelings. Itâs better than giving you any false hope.â
Bartlett moved even closer. âYou have a long life ahead. Are you really not planning on dating again?â
Ellinor felt like he was too close, so she moved back a bit. âI honestly donât have the energy to date again.â