Chapter 256
Ethan Roscente pointed to the corner cabinet without looking up.
Sophia Lowell's expression turned peculiar.
The man didn't notice her reaction as he took another bite of the biscuit in his hand. He nudged away the calico cat circling his feet with his shoe, wrinkling his nose in disdain. "You live like a slob. Keeping snacks next to cat treats?"
Sophia glanced at him, then at the bristling cat on the floor.
"Um..." She chose her words carefully. "Is there a chance... you're holding cat treats right now?"
The air froze.
"Meow!" The calico yowled angrily, claws scraping against the hardwood.
Ethan's hand stilled mid-air.
He slowly lifted his head, disbelief flashing in his eyes.
Sophia bit back a laugh and nodded. "Premium imported cat biscuits. Quite expensive, actually."
Ethan's face turned ashen.
"Gah—" He flung the treat aside and bolted for the bathroom.
Sophia picked up the discarded biscuit and fed it to the sulking calico. She deliberately raised her voice. "For the record, humans can eat these too! The ingredients are perfectly safe!"
"Sophia!" came a growl from behind the bathroom door.
Her eyes crinkled with amusement as she scratched the cat's head. "Don't pout, sweetheart. Mama will buy you a fresh pack tomorrow."
To be fair, it wasn't entirely Ethan's fault. The calico had torn open the original packaging, so she'd transferred the treats to an empty jar. Who knew he'd mistake them for human snacks?
Thirty minutes later, savory aromas wafted from the kitchen.
Sophia emerged carrying tomato pasta and fish soup just as Ethan stepped out of the shower. His damp hair dripped onto his casual sweater, and the angry red mark on his forehead stood out.
"The doctor said your wound shouldn't get wet—" she blurted before catching herself.
"Shut it." His glare could frost glass.
Sophia mimed zipping her lips.
She set the table and gestured for him to join her.
Ethan scoffed. "Cat got your tongue?"
She shot him an indignant look.
He massaged his temples with a long exhale. "...Talk."