Chapter 9
Sophie ate a few bites of the meal happily. However, she suddenly noticed that Willard was simply adding food to Roger’s plate, and Roger was slowly savoring each bite. Roger seemed unaware of what he was eating.
Glancing around, Sophie understood that because the Nicholls family probably didn’t engage much conversation during meals, Willard had to refrain from asking too many questions.
in
Sophie didn’t care about the family rule. Lowering her voice, she asked Roger, “There’s quite a variety of food today. There’s garlic butter cod, chicken soup, pork chops, and broccoli. Roger, what do you like?”
It was the first time Sophie called him by his name. Roger’s hand froze for a moment, but then he smiled. “Broccoli and chicken soup.”
The Nicholls family rule led Roger to become accustomed to being served by Willard. Roger rarely bothered about what food there was. If Willard picked something, Roger ate it. It was the first time someone at the dining table asked Roger what he liked.
Sophie replied, “Alright. I’ll serve the soup, and Willard can help you with the broccoli.”
Willard was still in a daze, not expecting Sophie to break the family rule. However, Willard had always wanted to know what Roger liked to eat, so Willard helped Roger with the broccoli. “Mr. Roger, this is broccoli.”
“Okay. Thank you.” Roger nodded.
Sophie brought a bowl of soup to Roger and continued, “There are also boiled peas and mashed potatoes. Would you like to try
like to try them too?”
“Sure.” Roger agreed to Sophie’s suggestions.
The two were engaged in a conversation, breaking the oppressive silence. Damian and Jasmine’s expressions remained ominous throughout.
However, seeing Sophie taking care of Roger, Norman felt Sophie was considerate. “Sophie, you’re so thoughtful. With you around, Roger will be well taken care of.”
In the past, everyone followed the family rules. Over the years, no one had asked Roger what he liked to eat. Now, Sophie not only noticed but also helped Roger choose what to eat. It was a good thing.
“You flatter me, Mr. Norman. It’s something I should do,” Sophie replied with a smile.
Seeing this, Daisy couldn’t help but feel moved. “From now on, you will be Roger’s eyes.”
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Chapter 9
The single sentence from Daisy made Sophie’s heart tremble. It was then that Sophie realized how important she was to Roger. Curling her lips, Sophie nodded. “Yes. From today onwards, I will be his eyes.” After all, Sophie had initially thought the same way. Roger had brought her out of the Bourn family, and she would remember the favor.
Seeing that Sophie truly felt that way, Daisy nodded approvingly.
During the meal, Sophie served Roger his food, poured water for him, and even handed him tissues. She was very thoughtful. Although Sophie’s arrival disrupted the family rules of the Nicholls family, with Norman’s approval, no one dared to say much. They could only eat in silence.
Soon, Norman finished his meal. Humphrey also stopped and said slowly, “Dad, your birthday party is in half a month. I’ve already booked a hotel, but we need your confirmation on the details.” Norman glanced at Humphrey and said, “No need. We held it every year. You can handle it yourself. The party was almost the same each year. Norman did not have much patience for it
anymore.
Humphrey understood. “Got it. I’ve also chosen your clothes.”
“Fine.” Norman nodded, no longer concerned about such matters.
Jasmine, who had been holding back her anger, glanced at Sophie and suddenly said, “Speaking of clothes, everyone should dress up nicely as usual. After all, we are the hosts, and we can’t embarrass ourselves.”
As Jasmine spoke, her eyes glanced toward Sophie and widened deliberately. She feigned surprise. “Oh, I almost forgot. This year, we have a new addition. Sophie, do you have any gowns, or should I prepare some fo
you?”
Sophie was about to refuse, but Jasmine pretended to gasp and covered her mouth. “Oh, look at me. I almost forgot. With your condition, attending Norman’s birthday party may not be convenient for you. Never mind, you don’t have to attend.” If Roger turned up with a cripple, the Nicholls family would be embarrassed. Jasmine didn’t want to attend the party with Sophie.
Seeing that her daughter–in–law was being treated unfairly, Daisy immediately argued, “Since Sophie has come to our family and it’s her first time attending Norman’s first birthday party, how can she not attend?”
Since Sophie married into the Nicholls family, her identity should be announced at the Sophie wasn’t allowed to go, it was the same as not acknowledging her status.
However, Sophie reassured Daisy, “Daisy, it’s okay. I’m not good at socializing, and I feel uncomfortable in a crowd. I won’t go.”
party. If
Sophie’s considerate response made Norman quite satisfied. However, no one noticed that Roger’s brows faintly furrowed.
Chapter 9
Sophie then directed her attention to Jasmine. “Thank you, Aunt Jasmine, for your concern. I didn’t expect you to be so considerate and thoughtful. Thank you.”
Jasmine had thought Sophie would be angry. She did not expect Sophie to thank her instead. Jasmine felt as though her shot had missed the mark. She couldn’t release her pent–up anger and could only purse her lips.
After the brief episode, everyone quieted down. It was only then that Norman said, “This matter is settled. I will go upstairs to rest first.” Assisted by Willard, Norman went upstairs, and the others dispersed.
When everyone left, Daisy sighed before turning to Sophie. “Sophie, I’m sorry about the party. I don’t have much say in these matters. It’s my fault that you can’t attend.” Daisy’s tone carried a sense of self–blame.
Sophie, however, could see that, given her gentle nature, Daisy had summoned her courage to speak up for her just now. “It’s okay, Daisy. I don’t want to go. You know, with my appearance, I don’t want to draw so much attention in a crowd,” Daisy replied considerately.
Daisy could sense that Sophie truly wasn’t interested in the party and nodded. “Then we’ll listen to you.”
Sophie nodded in agreement, watching as Daisy left first. Turning back, she noticed that Roger had fallen into silence. Roger didn’t speak, and Sophie couldn’t fathom what he was thinking.
“Come on. Let’s head back,” Sophie told him, reaching out habitually to move the wheelchair.
However, Roger grasped the handles of the wheelchair and replied, “Sure.” With that, he began pushing Sophie into the elevator.
As the elevator doors closed, Sophie sensed the stifling tension. Unable to contain herself, she asked, “Roger, are you?. feeling unhappy?” Otherwise, why did he look so gloomy?
Roger said coldly, “We got married without a wedding to announce your identity. Now, attend the party. It’s even less likely for others to know who you are.”