Chapter 136

Avery and Elliot went home in the afternoon to rest because they planned on staying up to ring in the

new year.

Once Elliot was asleep, Avery opened her eyes and stared at his face.

She felt as if she could never watch him for long enough.

It was a shame that she could not stop time.

It would be perfect if everything could come to a stop at this moment.

When Elliot woke up around four in the afternoon, Avery was not next to him.

He got out of bed and went downstairs to look for her.

“You’re up!”

Avery was in the middle of making dinner.

“I’m thinking of making steak tonight. What do you think?”

Elliot stood at the entrance to the kitchen and watched as she worked away.

“How about I make dinner?” he asked.

“You cook?” Avery exclaimed with a look of surprise on her face, then took off her apron and said, “Be

my guest! I’ve never tried your cooking before!”

IT

“I’ve never cooked before, but I can follow a recipe,” Elliot said as he took the apron from Avery. “Take a

break in the living room.”

“Can I stay here and watch?” Avery asked with sparkling eyes.

Elliot did not refuse but pulled up a chair for her.

Avery sat down and enjoyed the show as he prepared their dinner.

Elliot gave off an air of expertise no matter what he did.

.When Avery dug into the steak Elliot made that evening, she was singing his praises.

“It’s even better than a five-star restaurant.”

“Maybe you haven’t been to many good restaurants.”

“Can’t you just accept my praise?”

“Sure. I think I’m a pretty good cook, too.”

Avery burst into laughter.

“I don’t like broccoli,” she said as she deposited the broccoli from her plate onto Elliot’s, and she took the

cherry tomato from his plate and popped it into her mouth.

“Don’t be picky, Avery,” Elliot said earnestly as he chewed on her broccoli.

“I’m not! I just don’t like steamed foods.”

They took a stroll outside after dinner, then returned to the living room and watched TV.

Avery rested her head on Elliot’s shoulder and dozed.

He woke her up at half past eleven and said, “Let’s set off some fireworks. It’s another half hour until the

new year.”

A wide smile appeared on Avery’s face, but a hint of sadness flashed across her eyes.

They threw on their coats and made their way outside where the bodyguard was preparing the fireworks.

Before long, a dazzling display of fireworks covered the night sky above them.

Avery lifted her head and felt the night breeze brush her skin.

“I have something for you, Avery,” Elliot whispered in her ear.

Avery turned to him and asked, “A gift? Didn’t we agree not to prepare anything?”

Once again, she had not gotten him anything.

“It’s something I ordered beforehand,” Elliot said as he pulled out a red, square box from her pocket.

Avery guessed what it was without opening it up.

“We’ve been married for over half a year. This is your make-up wedding ring.”

Elliot opened the box to expose the exquisite diamond ring within.

Avery’s eyes filled with tears at the sight of it.

Elliot took out the ring, picked up Avery’s left hand, and carefully slipped the ring onto her ring finger.

“It’s beautiful,” Avery whispered hoarsely.

“I’m glad you like it,” Elliot said as his hand tightened around hers.

The vibrant fireworks continued to light up the night sky.

When the new year’s countdown began to display in the sky, Avery got on her tiptoes and kissed Elliot’s

cold lips.

Elliot felt something wet on his face, then noticed the tears streaming down Avery’s face.

He wanted to ask why she was crying, but the countdown came to an end, signifying the arrival of the

new year. “Happy New Year, Elliot Foster,” Avery choked as she loosened her grip on Elliot.