Chapter 78 - Seventy Eight
The soft glow of candlelight cast a warm ambiance over the grand dining room as Suzy descended the grand staircase. Her steps echoed softly on the polished marble floor, a stark contrast to the pounding in her heart.
At the center of the room, Ryan sat at the dining table, his posture ramrod straight, his eyes fixed on something beyond the window. The sight of him sitting there, looking almost ordinary in his casual attire, took her by surprise. He looked surprisingly well, the remnants of his illness seemingly vanished.
A wave of confusion washed over her. Why was he waiting for her? Had he recovered so quickly? And why did he look so... expectant?
She took her seat, her movements stiff and awkward. The silence stretched between them, heavy and oppressive.
The table, adorned with a lavish spread of delicacies, was missing one crucial element – the main course. Suzy’s brows furrowed in confusion. Had they forgotten to prepare dinner?
Just then, Mrs. Madelyn, the head chef, entered the room, carrying a platter of roasted chicken. "Apologies for the delay, your grace," she said, her voice filled with concern. "The kitchen seems to have miscalculated the timing."
Ryan nodded, a hint of amusement playing on his lips. "It’s quite alright, Mrs. Madelyn," he said. "We can wait."
Suzy couldn’t help but notice the subtle exchange between the two. It was as if they were in on a secret, a silent communication that excluded her.
As Mrs. Madelyn placed the platter on the table and left the room, Suzy couldn’t help but feel a surge of annoyance. So, that was it? He had been waiting for the chicken? She seem to be having high expectations towards him lately.
"I see your patience is as admirable as your appetite," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.
Ryan raised an eyebrow. "Or perhaps," he replied, his voice laced with a hint of amusement, "I was simply enjoying the anticipation."