Chapter 1458

Ines politely declined, citing prior evening plans. Caleb did not push further, merely suggesting to reschedule when available. Ines set down her phone, latched her suitcase, and double-checked her belongings in the bedroom and bathroom to ensure everything was packed. After almost two years of residence, leaving felt oddly unfamiliar. She settled onto the couch, her expression tinged with melancholy. This apartment belonged to Solomon. Ines used to reside a bit farther from the TV station until Solomon insisted she move closer, allowing her an extra hour of sleep each morning. Solomon often visited when he was not busy, sometimes staying for days at a stretch, even nearly half a month at one time. This place held numerous memories, yet ultimately, some things did not belong to her. Ines took a deep breath and rallied herself in the kitchen. Tonight would mark her final meal here. She settled on making tomato beef stew, steamed fish, braised prawns, a salad, and perhaps a mushroom soup. As she prepared the ingredients, her phone rang. Ines knew who it was and answered, hearing Solomon's familiar voice, "Are you done? I'm outside your company." "I’ve finished up, and I'm back at the apartment. Come on over," Ines replied. After a pause, she added, "I'm cooking dinner tonight. Already amid preparations." Solomon chuckled on the other end. "Alright, I'll be right there." "Hmm." Ines hung up the phone, feeling unexplainable discomfort as she watched the bubbling water in the pot. The TV station was close to the apartment, and Solomon arrived within five minutes by car. Upon entering, he was greeted by the aroma of tomato beef stew. After changing his shoes, he went to the kitchen door and found Ines wearing an apron, stirring the pot. She was clad in a loose light blue sweater, her curly hair casually clipped behind her head, exposing a glimpse of her fair neck. The warm yellow light cast a halo around her, giving her a cozy aura. Solomon walked over and hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her head and gently rubbing it. Yes, indeed very cozy. Ines knew he had arrived; she had heard him open the door. Keeping her gaze lowered, she added salt to the pot. Solomon glanced at the ingredients beside her and raised an eyebrow. "Such a spread. Expecting someone else?" They were all dishes he liked. Ines was skilled in the kitchen and enjoyed cooking, but since it was usually just the two of them, she typically prepared only two or three dishes. "No one else. Just saw fresh ingredients at the supermarket today and couldn't resist buying them," Ines explained. She scooped up a spoonful of the tomato beef stew and turned to feed him. "Try this and see if it needs more salt." Solomon tasted it with the spoon, and the familiar flavor was unchanged and delicious. "Perfectly seasoned, very good." "That's good to hear." Ines turned off the heat and began to prepare the fish.