Chapter 1552:

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Pushing the thoughts aside, she headed for the shower. By the time she came out, she’d changed into one of the more modest nightgowns. After tossing her dirty clothes into the washing machine, she wandered back to the living room.

Marcus was nowhere in sight. A faint clatter drifted from the kitchen instead.

Curiosity got the better of her, but the moment she reached the doorway, she stopped in her tracks.

Tonight, Marcus seemed intent on shattering every impression she’d ever formed of him.

His sleeves were rolled neatly to his forearms as he stood by the stove. One pot held pasta at a rolling boil, while another simmered with a rich tomato meat sauce that filled the kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma.

“You’re cooking?” Novalee asked, unable to hide the disbelief in her voice.

She had never seen Marcus anywhere near a stove before. The first time she’d come here, she’d been half convinced he survived on bottled water alone, like some ethereal being untouched by ordinary habits. She’d certainly never seen a refrigerator stocked with anything but mineral water.

“Nothing fancy, just instant food,” Marcus said without looking back. “I had the ingredients delivered.”

𝗨p𝗱𝘢𝘁𝘦𝘀 𝘦𝗏𝗲r𝘆 𝗐𝗲𝖾𝘬 𝗼ո 𝗀a𝗹n𝗈𝘷𝖾lѕ.сo𝗆

Novalee walked over and quietly helped divide the pasta between two plates. Marcus spooned up a little of the sauce and held it out to her. “Give it a try. It tasted a little flat, so I tweaked a few things.”

She leaned in for a taste. The moment the sauce hit her tongue, her eyes lit up, and she gave an approving nod. “It’s delicious.”

With dinner ready, they carried the plates to the dining table and settled across from each other. Novalee hadn’t realized just how hungry she was until the first bite. Before long, she was taking one generous mouthful after another.

Across from her, Marcus remained as composed as ever. Even eating convenience food, a meal he’d normally never spare a second glance, he carried himself with effortless elegance. He took an unhurried sip of red wine before finally lifting his eyes to hers. “So, what were you doing out getting drunk that late at night?”

Novalee understood that telling the truth would be painful. After being so certain about her relationship with Barry before, there was no way to take those words back now.

She also knew Marcus was far too perceptive to deceive. Any excuse would be meaningless, and sooner or later everyone at Owen Studio would learn that she and Barry had ended their relationship.

After pausing briefly, she chose honesty. “Barry and I are breaking up.”

Marcus gently rotated the wine in his glass while quietly watching her. Whatever thoughts crossed his mind remained hidden. “Why? There was no reason for him to let you go. If anything, he was the fortunate one to have you.”

A bitter smile spread across Novalee’s face as the alcohol lowered her guard. “You’re only seeing what appears on the outside. In reality, I was the one who wasn’t good enough.”

“Novalee.” Marcus’s hand became still, and his eyes narrowed slightly. “When did you begin talking about yourself like this?”

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