“Even if you had, it wouldn't matter," Bennett replied nonchalantly, releasing her wrist and eyeing the noodles. "Did you prepare these?"

Relieved by his seemingly unconcerned attitude, Claudia confirmed, "Yes."

Who else would it have been?

Bennett merely nodded and started consuming the noodles.

Still seated, Claudia found herself distracted by the phone conversation between Bennett and his father.

It was quite a revelation

She felt somewhat relieved to be merely Bennett's sham wife. The real deal would have been overwhelming.

Claudia gave a soft pat to her chest trying to calm herself down, which captured Bennett's attention. "Are you feeling unwell?"

Embarrassed, she stuttered, “No.”

Bennett studied her thoughtfully.

“Any regrets?”

Claudia wanted to nod affirmatively but couldn't meet his gaze. She could only reply vaguely, "Not really."

“Oh, so there is some regret."

Bennett released his grip on the fork, smirking. "Too Late for regrets now, though."

For some reason, whenever Bennett Looked at her that way, Claudia felt like prey under a predator's watch.

She nervously retorted, "I... I won't regret it."

"Excellent!"

In any case, regret wouldn't afford her an escape route.

"The noodles are delicious. Thank you."

Upon hearing his statement, Claudia cast her eyes towards the bowl and noticed that it was empty, all the noodles consumed.

In her mind, she believed her food had brought comfort to Bennett. "Oh, you're very welcome. I should Leave and Let you rest then."

"Sure." Just before departing, Claudia wondered if she should remove the vacated bowl.

Just as her hand was about to grasp them, Bennett unexpectedly Leaned in. Their foreheads brushed briefly, yet even that fleeting contact made Claudia conscious of it.

She felt slightly bashful and a blush spread across her cheeks.