Chapter 388

Vivian Bennett stood frozen.

Double petrification?

What did he mean by that?

"Liam Sullivan, are you inviting me to cohabitate illegally?" The words escaped before she could stop them.

Liam Sullivan turned with shopping bags in hand, one eyebrow arched. "An invitation? You moved in last night. We're already de facto cohabitants."

Vivian was rendered speechless.

De facto cohabitation?

She'd only heard of common-law marriage. This man really knew how to invent terms.

Though his tone was infuriating, a flicker of warmth stirred inside her.

"Hey!" She hurried after him, holding out the groceries. "What about these?"

"Take them to the kitchen."

"But I don't know how to cook."

Liam turned again, a mocking smile playing on his lips. "I never expected you would."

Vivian glared, furious.

This man always knew exactly how to push her buttons.

Ten minutes later, Liam emerged from the walk-in closet.

He had changed into a casual Thom Browne knit polo. A pair of Tom Ford semi-rimless glasses rested on his nose.

Without his usual suit, he exuded a scholarly, refined air.

Vivian felt momentarily dazed.

"You're really going to cook?" She couldn't help confirming.

Liam ignored her, casually rolling up his sleeves as he entered the kitchen.

Vivian followed curiously.

What she witnessed next left her utterly stunned.

Liam's knife skills were fluid and practiced, clearly those of an experienced cook.

"You actually know how to cook?" she asked in disbelief.

Liam tossed ingredients into the sizzling wok, speaking calmly amid the splattering oil. "Is it that strange? My mother passed when I was ten. I never knew my father. I've lived in boarding schools since I was ten. Got tired of cafeteria food. Started cooking for myself when I got older."

This was the first time Liam had shared anything about his past.

Vivian immediately felt guilty. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to bring up painful memories."

"It doesn't matter. It was a long time ago." He stirred the contents of the wok with practiced ease, his expression neutral.

The first dish was finished quickly.

Stir-fried shrimp. Tender pink shrimp paired with diced green peppers and carrots. The colors were vibrant and inviting.

He handed the plate to Vivian. "Take this to the table."

She accepted it, sneaking a piece into her mouth.

"Did you wash your hands?" Liam tapped her forehead lightly with the spatula, his tone stern.

Vivian ducked away, escaping while continuing to sneak bites.

The shrimp were fresh, springy, and perfectly seasoned.

Liam prepared four dishes and one soup for the meal.

The steamed sea bass was exceptionally delicious. Vivian nearly finished the entire fish herself.

When only the last piece remained, she found herself hesitating to eat it.