?Chapter 421:


    The manager’s smile didn’t waver.


    “No problem, we’ll leave it out.”


    Cedric continued to peruse the menu with an eagle eye, while the manager kept up a facade of calm but was internally baffled. Hadn’t Cedric been married before? Why all this fuss over a meal? He had designed the menu himself, hadn’t he? So why this meticulous inspection? To an outsider, it could appear as though this wasn’t even Cedric’s own restaurant.


    Dani also felt Cedric was being overly meticulous. She was on the verge of speaking up when he suddenly stood, smoothly took off his suit jacket, shook it out, and hung it neatly on the back of his chair. He turned to her and said warmly, “Just wait here for me. I’ll cook for you on our first day as husband and wife.”


    Dani was momentarily speechless. Cedric was already on his way to the kitchen.


    The manager tucked the menu away and leaned in.


    “Madam, would you care for a drink? Our boss has a few rare bottles stashed away, each a small fortune now. Shall we open one to celebrate?”


    Dani was about to decline, but Cedric reappeared, donning an apron.


    “Open the most expensive one. It has a fruity undertone you’ll appreciate, Dani. I bought it thinking of you. Go ahead, try it!”


    Cedric’s culinary skills were exceptional. He rested his chin in his hand, watching her reaction closely.


    “So, how is it?” Since they had registered their marriage, Cedric’s smile hadn’t faded. Seeing his unabated cheer, Dani found herself smiling back.


    “It’s delicious,” she admitted.


    “Then I’ll make it for you every day,” Cedric dered, his tone affectionate as if rehearsed many times over.


    Dani didn’t protest. She didn’t believe Cedric would hold to his word. She had long cultivated a practice of not relying on others’ promises. That way, disappointment was less likely to sting.


    Cedric could tell right away that Dani didn’t believe him, but it didn’t bother him. After all, she was right there with him, and the marriage certificate was safely tucked in his pocket. He was now her legal husband, and he felt no worry in the slightest.


    After dinner, Cedric suggested they go out for a movie.


    Dani watched the screen with keen interest. Out of the blue, she felt a touch from the side, which jolted her. She was about to pull away reflexively when the familiar voice whispered, “Honey, it’s me.”


    That moment rified everything for Dani. She remembered she was married now, and the man beside her was her husband.


    Cedric, with a gentle smile, took Dani’s hand in his, rested it on his knee, and murmured, “Honey, your hands feel cold. Allow me to warm them.”


    Dani bit her lip slightly. Hearing that made her heart flutter unexpectedly. She wondered why this particr nickname made her feel so different when it came from Cedric. It seemed like a tender caress to her heart.


    This was a new sensation for her, one she had not felt with Alexander or during their marriage.


    The feeling was strange.


    Yet, she found herself not minding it one bit.


    Dani found herself gazing at Cedric’s profile. Feeling her stare, he turned and met her eyes with a warm smile.


    In a soft tone, he teased, “People oftenpliment my looks. What’s your verdict?”


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