He Watched Me Shine Without Him novel Chapter 39

It was Meliora’s first time hearing Houston speak so sweetly—and it left her stunned.

Most guys sounded corny when they tried to be smooth.

But Houston? He made it sound so natural, like it came straight from the heart.

Meliora nudged Rose and whispered just loud enough for the two of them to hear. "Where on earth did you find this guy? Gorgeous, charming—and the way he talks could melt anyone. And have you noticed? Since the moment he walked in, he hasn’t stopped looking at you. It’s like you’re the only one in the room. You keep saying it was a quick wedding, but I’m not buying it."

Since her reputation was on the line, Rose quickly clarified. "I swear, it really was a quick wedding."

Seeing that Rose wasn’t budging, Meliora turned her attention to Owen. "Hey, when exactly did Houston and Rose meet?"

Owen glanced across the table at Houston, who clearly only had eyes for Rose. He sighed. "Houston says it was a quick wedding, but honestly? I don’t buy it either. He’s never had trouble attracting women. Why would he suddenly marry someone he barely knows? I’ve been racking my brain trying to figure it out."

Both stories matched, so Meliora had no choice but to believe them.

During dinner, Houston kept serving Rose food—going so far as to peel shrimp for her. Even Owen couldn’t help feeling a little jealous. "Houston, I want some shrimp too."

"You can peel it yourself," Houston said, giving him a look.

Owen pouted. "So does Rose. Doesn’t seem to stop you."

Houston gave Meliora a sly glance and said calmly, "If you want someone to peel shrimp for you, maybe try getting a girlfriend. Though I’m not sure who’d take on a freeloader like you."

Owen knew better than to argue—he always lost these battles. So he quickly changed tactics.

"Rose, say something! Look how mean he’s being."

Before Rose could reply, Houston popped a shrimp into her mouth. With her mouth full, she couldn’t exactly scold him.

Owen rolled his eyes. "Figures. Total shameless move."

Meliora boldly peeled a shrimp for Owen and handed it over. "If Houston won’t take care of you, I guess I’ll have to," she said, grinning.

Owen shot Houston a smug grin. "See? I’ve got someone taking care of me too. Bet your hands are tired from all that shrimp peeling."

Houston didn’t miss a beat. "Relying on a woman to take care of you? If Aunt Sophia heard that, she’d let you have it."

Just then, Rose ladled some soup into a bowl and slid it in front of Houston.