Chapter 124
Raul cheerfully agreed and let Connor take his place, as he dashed to the kitchen to prepare pork ribs for Flora. It was his daughter’s special request, and he was determined to do it right.
When Connor sat down, Ray’s interest in playing poker waned. Both of them were an unusual pair; playing games with them was a guaranteed loss.
However, when Ray thought Connor and Flora would collude for a win, Connor deliberately passed all the good cards to Henrik.
Sometimes Henrik didn’t catch on right away, and Connor would continue to deal out another favorable card. Flora, too, quietly fed cards to Henrik.
They helped Flora’s brother, and they were ganging up on Ray at the same time?
With each hand dealt to Connor, Ray was on the verge of losing his mind. He was consistently the underdog, nearly spiraling into despair.
It wasn’t until Raul called them for dinner that Ray felt a weight lifted off his shoulders, hurrying to the dining room. Connor and Flora exchanged a look, their mutual prank on Ray sparking shared amusement.
During dinner, Raul asked Connor some questions, to which Connor always responded with humility and respect, offering deep insights.
Raul was genuinely impressed with Connor. He had seen the years of Connor’s dedication firsthand.
Connor’s devotion to Flora could be described as nothing less than wholehearted.
Raul felt reassured entrusting Flora to Connor, but the thought of his precious daughter getting married still stirred a hint of jealousy in him. Therefore, Raul adopted the air of a future father–in–law schooling his son–in–law.
After dinner, Connor prepared to do the dishes.
Flora kicked Ray’s foot, “Think you can freeload here? Go do the dishes.”
“Flora, your hospitality needs work,” Ray said seriously.
“You’re not a guest right now.” Flora wagged her finger, “Forgot how much money you lost to me? I’m your creditor now. Either pay up or do the dishes.”
The money was nothing to Ray. He could easily afford it, but he found Flora’s insistence amusing.
Shrugging, he voluntarily started to clear the dishes.
He took off his jacket and hung it over a chair, rolled up his sleeves, and then said to Connor, “Connor, hand me your apron.” Henrik had to leave right after dinner to deal with some business. Raul always took a nap after lunch, and went upstairs to rest. After washing the dishes, Ray came out to find Connor sitting on the sofa with Flora lying across, her head resting on his lap. The sunlight at this time was perfect, casting a warm, dappled glow through the leaves onto the floor–to–ceiling windows. The expression on Connor’s face was one of a tenderness rare for Ray to see, his eyes soft and filled with an indissoluble warmth.
Leaning against the door, Ray watched them and felt a sudden envy. He was happy for Connor’s hard–won love and envied his long journey finally culminating in a happy union with Flora.
And Ray himself?
