Chapter 145

The carnival pulsed with its characteristic lively disorder, colorful stall lights painting elongated silhouettes across the tranquil twilight. Though the weekday crowd was thinner than usual, an electric buzz still hummed through the crisp evening air.

Adrian had exchanged his robe for a tailored blazer that perfectly complemented Vivian's blouse. Their coordinated outfits appeared less like a planned ensemble and more like destiny's handiwork.

As he guided her through the bustling fairgrounds, Adrian stopped abruptly at a familiar barbecue stand they'd visited during their first trip to Emberglow County. A woman in her forties and a lanky teenager worked diligently near the entrance, arranging glistening meat skewers beneath swaying paper lanterns.

Adrian's keen eyes focused on a bubbling aquarium filled with darting silver fish. "One order of fish congee," he declared, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.

"Right away, sir," the boy responded, rolling up his sleeves with practiced ease before selecting and preparing a fish with surgical precision.

Vivian tilted her head curiously. "New management?" she inquired casually. "Last time we were here, an elderly gentleman ran this stall."

The woman paused her work, wiping flour-dusted hands on her checkered apron. "That would be my father," she explained warmly. "Doctor's orders - he's supposed to be resting. As for me..." She shrugged with a self-deprecating smile. "Corporate life didn't work out, so here I am keeping the family business alive."

Her gaze flickered between the elegant couple, and her expression softened. "You two must've visited years ago. Vacationing again? You make such a striking pair - revisiting old haunts like this. Truly a couple still deeply in love."

The words "striking pair" seemed to resonate with Adrian in an unexpected way. Without comment, he proceeded to order every premium item on the menu, an uncharacteristic lightness in his demeanor.

Vivian, oblivious to his subtle shift, merely chuckled at the woman's assumption, making no effort to correct her. She turned to locate seating, remembering Adrian's particular nature.

With meticulous care, she sanitized their table and chairs using antiseptic wipes from her purse, her movements precise and deliberate.

Adrian observed her quietly, mesmerized by the way her brow furrowed in concentration. His gaze traced the delicate curve of her cheekbones before joining her at the freshly cleaned table.

The congee arrived first - a masterpiece of creamy white porridge adorned with emerald scallions and sunset-orange carrot slivers. Vivian's stomach growled audibly. The first spoonful transported her; her eyelids fluttered shut as the velvety rice mingled with Sapphire Springs' sweet freshwater fish. Pure bliss radiated from her glowing complexion.

Adrian studied her reaction with quiet fascination. Despite gifting her with diamonds and designer wardrobes, nothing compared to the joy this humble dish evoked. A man who prided himself on reading people, Adrian had to admit his wife of two years remained his greatest enigma - a deceptively simple sonnet that revealed new depths with each reading.

The barbecue arrived in rustic bamboo trays, the air instantly perfumed with smoky chili and earthy cumin. The scene mirrored their first visit - an unexpected moment of unguarded intimacy. Nostalgia softened Vivian's features as she reached eagerly for a prawn skewer.

Adrian's hand intercepted hers mid-reach, claiming the skewer first. As Vivian opened her mouth to protest, his attention caught on her manicure - her usually understated nails now boasted intricate silver cat-eye designs, tiny rhinestone butterflies catching the lantern light like captured fireflies.