Chapter 3

"We don't need multiple hardworking individuals at home. I'll be the diligent one, and you can rest as much as you like," Rowan said, his tone brimming with fondness.

I examined him closely, searching for any signs of guilt in his demeanor. He behaved as if nothing improper had occurred.

"Darling, I've brought you a tasty treat. You should eat while it's still warm."

He offered me a hot bowl of my preferred soup dumplings.

He had purchased them from a long-established eatery in Evernight City, located in the far western part of town. The dumplings were famous for their generous filling and exquisite taste.

Their main drawback was the shop's distant location, making delivery impossible.

Rowan always made the journey himself to bring them to me.

"Whatever my beloved desires, even the celestial bodies, I'll collect them and transform them into star-shaped cookies."

Usually, I cherished these dumplings and would consume them all. Not just because of their taste, but because I viewed it as a symbol of his devotion.

However, at this moment, the sight of them made me feel terribly unwell.

"I can't eat right now. You go ahead," I said, my voice devoid of emotion.

"What's the matter, sweetheart? Are you feeling under the weather?" Rowan asked worriedly, reaching out to feel my forehead.

He was oblivious to what I had just discovered. Recently, Marion had shared an update on her social media.

[These soup dumplings are from a century-old shop that's difficult to access. I'm thrilled to have gotten them today!]

To verify her claim, she included a photo. The dumplings were identical to those Rowan had brought me.

My eyes drifted to the faint lipstick traces on his white shirt collar.

My stomach churned, and I felt increasingly nauseous.

I averted my gaze and said calmly, "Perhaps I overindulged yesterday. You enjoy them. I'm going to catch up on some sleep."

Later that day, I accompanied Rowan to the laboratory. It was a scheduled day for sample deliveries, and the project was nearing completion.

Everything went according to plan, and the team celebrated with visible excitement.

One of the students proposed a group lunch to mark the occasion. Rowan agreed, his smile relaxed and cheerful.

At the restaurant, whether by chance or design, the seating arrangement placed Marion directly to my right.

While eating, she casually pushed up her sleeves, revealing faint, suspicious red marks on her arm, almost teasingly within my line of sight.

Rowan gave her two subtle warning glances that were barely noticeable before she finally toned down her behavior.

I forced a smile, determined not to acknowledge their antics.

But just as I was preparing myself to endure, something unexpected occurred. Midway through the meal, one of the younger lab assistants suddenly stood up.

I vaguely recalled the young man's name was Luca. Timidly, he reached into his bag and produced a small bouquet of flowers.

He first raised his glass to toast me and Rowan as his professor. After taking a deep breath, he announced, "I'd like to take this opportunity to say something."

Then, with surprising courage, Luca turned to Marion seated beside me and blurted out, "Marion Sterling, I... I have feelings for you. Would you be my girlfriend?"

The room erupted in cheers. Someone even shouted, "Just accept already!"

Marion was visibly stunned, clearly unprepared for the sudden declaration. Her expression fluctuated between shock and nervousness as she instinctively glanced at Rowan.

However, Rowan maintained a composed smile as he reached out to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

This subtle gesture appeared to unsettle Marion, as her gaze momentarily hardened.

Standing abruptly, Marion replied, "Luca, I like you too, but your confession today has taken me by surprise. Could you give me a few days to consider it?"

Luca's face flushed bright red, but he nodded enthusiastically. The students around the table burst into applause and playful comments.

"Oh? Looks like we'll have a couple in the lab soon!"

"No more lonely single life for us. Ugh, I'm already feeling queasy imagining all the public displays of affection!"

Rowan smiled gently and said, "Indeed. When you two tie the knot, my wife and I will be sure to present you with a substantial wedding gift!"