Hazel rushed into the living room where Rachel and Harry were sitting on the sofa, discussing the details of the party.
Seeing her who suddenly ran, Rachel asked in amazement. "Hazel, aren't you cooking with Joshua in the kitchen? Why is your face so red?"
"... The kitchen is a little hot," Hazel said awkwardly. She couldn't tell her parents that Joshua had made a pass at her, could she?
No... It shouldn't be called 'flirting.' She knew when Joshua was joking and when he was serious. When he said having s.e.x in the kitchen or the living room, she heard his expectations and d.e.s.i.r.ed deep down. He was serious.
If not, she would not have been frightened into escaping. Because she actually imagined such a scene with him while he said so... What a shame!
Hazel always felt she had been completely misguided by Joshua!
But there was no need for her to tell her parents about their little love affair. Otherwise, she would die of shame.
"Oh yes, you're incompatible with the kitchen." Rachel nodded. "I'm very thankful you survived."
"..." Hazel was very speechless. This was her real mom as expected! If she wasn't her real mom, would she make fun of her cooking like that?
"Rachel, don't say so." Harry whispered, "Don't disbelieve Hazel."
Hazel immediately looked at him with tearful eyes. Sure enough, the only dad was the best in the world. But Harry's next words stop her moved tears.
"Hazel's ability to protect herself is pretty good. The big question is whether the kitchen can be intact," Harry added.
"..." Hazel's eyes were filled with hidden resentment instantly. She was doubly mocked. She didn't want to live such a life!
"But," Rachel said apprehensively, as though she had remembered something, "Can Joshua… cook?"
"He can, and he's a great cook!" Without hesitation, Hazel started complimenting her husband.
"Why don't we believe it when the words come out of your mouth?" Rachel was skeptical. Harry agreed with her.
"I'm telling the truth!" Hazel said firmly and confidently. "Don't worry, I'm a terrible cook, but I'm a real foodie."
Rachel and Harry laughed and ignored her words. After all, how could such a rich young man like Joshua cook when he didn't need to cook with his hands normally? Hazel must love Joshua too much.
Suddenly, Hazel's phone vibrated. She took out her phone. It was a text message.
"Grandpa Sloane is going to the Imperial Capital Exhibition the day after tomorrow."
Hazel's eyes grew dark slightly.
To keep Joshua from noticing, she asked Sharon to have someone find out Grandpa Sloane's whereabouts. She didn't expect that she could really make it.
The day after tomorrow... Time was really urgent. It seemed that she ought to find a way to go to the exhibition, too.
Hazel opened a web page and searched the Internet for information. The exhibition had been published in the newspaper. She thought for a bit and had an idea in her mind.
A moment later, she went to fetch today's newspaper. She flipped through a few pages. When she found the one mentioned in the exhibition, she left it on the table.
Harry enjoyed reading the newspaper. After a while, he picked it up.
Hazel didn't worry because Harry had been reading newspapers very carefully, and he was a very literary man at heart even though he was a doctor. He was very interested in film, painting, music, and other artistic things. Once he knew about the exhibition, he would not want to miss it.
Sure enough, moments later, Harry muttered, "... Art Tour... Exhibition…"
"Dad, what are you talking about?" Hazel asked, pretending she was curious.
"Nothing..." He put away the newspaper with somewhat regret, but it was quickly snatched away by her.
"You want to go to the art exhibition?" she asked. "Go ahead, dad. You seldom have leisure."
"But your party…." He was hesitant.
"I still have Joshua preparing for my party." Her heart felt warmed. "Well, I'll go with you. Are you going, mother?"
"I'm not interested." Rachel shook her head. "You two can go."
Hazel had been feeling it amazing. Harry and Rachel had very few interests in common, but their relationship had never been anything but sweet, and they were deeply attached to each other.
Soon, Joshua got the meal ready and asked them to eat together.
When they arrived at the dining room, Rachel and Harry were surprised to see the food at this table.
In fact, they had been prepared to pretend to praise him for Hazel no matter what Joshua cooked, whether the dishes were delicious or not.
But now... At least the food looked very beautiful and smelled great. The only thing left was the taste.
Sitting down at the table, Rachel asked in disbelief, "Joshua, did you really cook all this yourself?"
"Of course!" Hazel said in anger, "Mom, what do you mean? Didn't we see clearly in the living room just now? He's alone in the kitchen!"
Rachel gave her a speechless look. "I'm just too surprised. Why the rush? Would I get your man wrong?"
"..." Hazel's hidden resentment increased. However, hearing 'your man,' her mood became good somehow.
She secretly held out her hand to hook Joshua' finger.
Joshua's mouth tilted upward slightly at the corner. He took her white palm backhand, the tip of his finger rubbing her palm.
A numb sensation came over Hazel, whose whole body shuddered suddenly. She unconsciously tried to withdraw her hand, but he held it tightly.
She looked at him sheepishly, only to see him casually say to her parents, "Mom, dad, have a taste and see if the food tastes good."
He said solemnly, but his fingertip still rested in her palm, gently circling.
She only felt the numb sensation become stronger. She suddenly regretted it. She should not have deliberately seduced Joshua with these little movements under the table. Instead of seducing him, she was made to pass by him, also, in front of her parents.
Now Rachel and Harry were still shocked by Joshua' cooking skills. Although they had a lot of dissatisfaction with Joshua, Joshua' score in their hearts was getting higher and higher as they spent these days together.