Elijah’s Silent Support

Before leaving the company, Hannah had scolded Adrian sharply about his drinking at the party. "How could you? !

 she snapped, her frustration bubbling over. "And now, you've added to my stress by inviting Dan and Emma for lunch! I have to cook for them, and you know I'm not good in the kitchen!"

Adrian looked at her, his face calm but slightly confused. "Hannah, I didn't drink. I swear."

Hannah crossed her arms, glaring at him. "I don't believe you. You were clearly out of it, and now you expect me to just take care of everything. It's not fair, Adrian!" She stormed off before he could say anything more, leaving him standing there, shaking his head.

Adrian sighed, watching her go.

Later, Hannah arrived home, still fuming. Determined to make lunch despite her anger, she picked up the phone and dialed her mother for help.

"Mom, I have no idea what to make for lunch. Can you help me?" she asked, her voice tense.

"Of course, sweetheart, hold on for a moment," her mom replied, setting the phone down to go collect a parcel at the door.

Unbeknownst to her, the call hadn't ended. Emily's distant voice floated back through the phone, unaware that Hannah could hear every word.

"Lisa, the party plan didn't work," Emily said with a sigh. "I gave him the drink, but it didn't have the effect I expected. He's still fine."

Hannah froze. The drink? She felt her heart pound in her chest as the pieces started falling into place. Adrian hadn't voluntarily drunk alcohol at the party. She had been wrong—so terribly wrong. Guilt clawed at her insides.

I've accused him of something he didn't even do. She had to apologize.

Without thinking, Hannah quickly dialed Adrian's number, her hands shaking as the phone rang. He picked up almost immediately, his voice soft and warm.

"Hey, darling. What's on your mind?" Adrian asked, his voice calming.

Hannah's voice trembled. "I… um… I was just wondering when you're coming home."

Adrian chuckled, the sound sending a wave of guilt through her. "I'll be back in about an hour. I'm picking up Dan and Emma from the mall. Everything okay?"

Hannah swallowed hard. "Y-Yeah, everything's fine. See you soon." She hung up quickly, her heart heavy with remorse. How do I make this right?

Determined to make it up to him, she called Julie. "Julie, can you start preparing a few dishes? I'll be in the kitchen soon. Just let me know what ingredients we need."

Julie nodded, leaving to fetch groceries. Meanwhile, Elijah arrived to pick up some files Adrian needed for Dan's signature.

"Hannah," Elijah greeted, stepping into the study. "I'm here to grab some documents Adrian needs for Mr. Sullivan."

"Of course, Uncle," Hannah said with a polite smile, directing him toward the files.

But Elijah lingered, noticing her troubled expression. "You seem a little... tense. Everything alright with you and Adrian?"

Hannah hesitated, chewing on her bottom lip. She debated whether to confide in him but ultimately decided to keep her feelings hidden. "No, everything's fine."

Elijah raised a brow, clearly not convinced. "If there's something bothering you, it's better to address it now rather than later."

Hannah sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly. "I messed up. I accused him of something that wasn't true, and now… I don't know how to apologize."

Elijah chuckled softly, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Apologies don't have to be complicated. Just be genuine. Trust me, it'll work wonders."

Hannah offered a small, grateful smile. "Thanks, Uncle."

As they moved further into the kitchen. Elijah felt a surge of emotion. Every moment spent with her was precious, even though she didn't know the truth. Watching her struggle with the simple tasks, a warm smile spread across his face. This is my chance to help her—and maybe, in a small way, to make up for the lost time. Elijah, couldn't resist lightening the mood. "So, how's the 'chef in training' doing?"

Hannah groaned, tossing a spoonful of sugar into the dish. "I'm a disaster in the kitchen, uncle. I'm probably going to burn something."

He laughed. "Well, you're lucky I'm here. We'll manage. You focus on the simple stuff, and I'll handle the rest."

Hannah playfully stuck her tongue out. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."

With a light laugh, Elijah began chopping vegetables with practiced ease. He glanced over at Hannah, who was fumbling with the spices. His heart tightened slightly—if only she knew. Every little interaction, every shared moment like this, was a silent treasure to him. He found himself cherishing these small tasks, a father wanting to help his daughter, even if she never realized it.

"Alright, stir that a little slower," Elijah advised gently, stepping closer. His hand hovered over hers for a brief moment as if wanting to guide her, but he pulled back before he could get too close. "You're doing just fine, Hannah."

Hannah laughed, the tension lifting a little. "I hope so. I'm not trying to poison our guests."

Their laughter was still echoing in the kitchen when Adrian entered, his presence filling the room. He stopped in his tracks, surprised to see Elijah cooking. "Mr.Elijah, I didn't expect you to be helping with lunch." His tone was light, but his eyes were curious.

Elijah grinned. "Well, someone's got to make sure Hannah doesn't burn the house down."

Hannah rolled her eyes but smiled. Adrian's gaze softened as he watched her, but before he could say anything more, Elijah handed her the last ingredient.

"Here, add a pinch of this, and you're good to go," Elijah instructed.

Taking a deep breath, Hannah followed his directions, adding a touch of cardamom powder to the dish. "Thanks, Uncle," she said, her voice full of gratitude.

Soon after, Hannah arranged the table beautifully, making sure everything was perfect for their guests. When Dan and Emma Sullivan arrived, the compliments came pouring in.

"This is delicious!" Emma exclaimed, her eyes lighting up as she tasted the food. "I didn't know you were such a good cook, Hannah."

Dan nodded in agreement. "You're a lucky man, Adrian."

Adrian glanced at Hannah, his eyes twinkling with warmth. "I sure am."

Their eyes met across the table, and Hannah felt her heart flutter. How could I have doubted him?

As the conversation continued, Emma nudged Dan, whispering with a playful grin. "Newlyweds—they're always so sweet, aren't they?"

Hannah, still feeling the weight of her guilt, focused on serving Adrian more food. Her hands trembled slightly as she ladled some soup into his bowl. "Here, have some more," she said softly.

"Stop, Hannah, that's enough—" Adrian began, but before he could finish, Hannah accidentally spilled the soup on his hand.

Adrian flinched, pulling his hand back in pain. "Ow!"

Hannah's eyes widened in horror. "Oh my God, I'm so sorry!" She quickly grabbed a bowl of cold water, dipping his hand into it. "Are you okay?"

Adrian chuckled, his smile reassuring. "It's okay, love. It's not that bad." He placed his hand over hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "You've done enough."

But Adrian winced slightly, teasing her. "My finger's burnt, though. I don't think I can hold a spoon anymore. Guess I'll have to stop eating."

Hannah's face fell, her guilt deepening. "I'll feed you," she offered quietly, her voice laced with concern.

Adrian looked at her, surprised but amused. "You're going to feed me?"

"Yes," Hannah said with determination, picking up a spoonful of food. "Now stop teasing."

Adrian opened his mouth, allowing her to feed him, but as she moved the spoon closer, he playfully bit down, holding the spoon in his mouth and refusing to let go.

"Adrian!" Hannah scolded, her eyes narrowing.

But Adrian grinned mischievously, still holding the spoon between his teeth. He gave her a playful look, his eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Let go," Hannah demanded, her voice exasperated but tinged with a smile.

Finally, Adrian released the spoon, grinning like a mischievous child. "Just making sure you're still paying attention."

Hannah sighed, shaking her head but unable to hide the fondness in her expression. "I swear, you're impossible."