Guiding Jennifer to a lounge chair, he mimicked Nathan’s demeanor, seating himself gracefully beside her, delicately peeling gr@pes for her.


    Observing his earnest yet clumsy attempts, Jennifer couldn’t help but notice his solemn expression.


    He even stole nces at Nathan and Lucinda from time to time.From N?velDrama.Org.


    His determination to master the art of spoiling his partner was palpable.


    Jennifer felt deeply moved, her heart overflowing with appreciation for Hilliard’s sincerity.


    Seizing the moment while Hilliard was engrossed in his gr@pe-peeling task, she leaned in and tenderly ki*sed his forehead.


    “Hilliard, I’m eager for you toplete your year-long pursuit of me.


    But after this trip, I believe… I desire our rtionship to evolve further.


    ”


    Before she could finish, Hilliard stared at her in disbelief, interjecting with firm resolve, “No.


    We agreed to a year-long pursuit, and we must honor thatmitment.


    I cannot abandon it halfway, risking my integrity.


    Jennifer, you promised to give me a chance as well.


    ”


    Jennifer was rendered speechless, her enthusiasmpletely extinguished.


    Her mouth twitched.


    “You…”


    She implied Hilliard could be her future husband! Couldn’t he perceive that? Was he really that clueless about her implication? She simply aimed to expedite that process, nothing more.


    “Jennifer, you must uphold your promise.


    We agreed I would court you for a year.


    Any deviation from that timeframe is uneptable.


    I ammitted to excelling.


    ”


    Hilliard misconstrued her intentions, believing she was dissatisfied and ready to end his pursuit.


    He eagerly extended a te of peeled gr@pes.


    “They’re exceptionally sweet.


    Would you care to sample?”


    Jennifer felt frustration bubbling up inside, bordering on exasperation.


    “I decline.


    You should enjoy them yourself, to nourish your intellect.


    ”


    Brushing away Hilliard’s hand, she turned away, reclining on the lounge chair with closed eyes, feigning sleep.


    “Jennifer?” Hilliard’s confusion grew as he sensed her discontent.


    “Why are you upset? Don’t you enjoy gr@pes?”


    Jennifer remained silent.


    Despite the tense atmosphere between them, Nathan and Lucinda harmonized perfectly.


    The refreshing, chilled fruit feeding brought Lucinda delightful sensations.


    After Lucinda’s fifth bite of watermelon, Nathan set aside the fruit te, halting the feeding.


    “Consuming excessive cold food isn’t beneficial for digestion.


    Darling, you should pause before continuing.


    ”


    “Understood.


    Might you provide a massage, my love?”