Imprisoned While Pregnant, She's Back for Payback novel Chapter 502

Chapter 502 The Apron Incident

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Tess slowly lifted her head, her movements a little stiff, and found herself staring right into Abel’s sharp gaze.

Their eyes met midair, and Abel quickly noticed the phone in her hand.

“What’s going on? Are they calling you?” he asked easily, without a hint of awkwardness.

Even though Lyra and Raven couldn’t see him, both froze, not sure what to say or do.

Cooking? Abel?

They both twitched their lips at the same time, struggling to picture that cocky, laid–back guy standing in front of a stove.

Tess cleared her throat and broke the silence. “I’ll be there in a minute.”

“What?” Abel didn’t catch it and stepped forward, still holding the spatula.

“I said, go on. I’ll come eat soon.”

Tess rubbed her forehead helplessly and repeated herself.

Lyra’s teasing voice came through the phone, with a barely hidden laugh. “We’ll head back, Tess. Since Mr. Shaw himself is cooking, you’d better hurry.”

Abel looked satisfied and gave Tess a firm nod.

“Alright,” she said softly, her lips curving just a little.

When the call ended, Abel pouted. “Come on. I cooked with my own hands. You should be running over here already.”

Tess couldn’t help but laugh at his childish tone, the awkwardness fading away. “Fine, I’ll help you.”

She followed him into the kitchen, ready to help set the table, but froze when she saw the dining table already lined with dishes–everything neatly plated and steaming hot.

Abel set down the spatula, untied his apron with one hand, and raised an eyebrow at her. “Why would I need your help? All you have to do is sit down and eat.”

Tess blinked in surprise, glancing at the impressive spread before her.

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20:07 Thu, Nov 20

Chapter 502 The Apron Incident

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Her eyes traveled up and down Abel for a second.

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She still didn’t know his true background, but since people from the Larsons were following him around, and he was Finn’s nephew, there was no doubt he came from money. How could someone like that know how to cook?

Just as she was lost in thought, Abel leaned in a little, lowering his voice as he tugged on the knot behind his back.

“Uh, I tied it a bit too tightly earlier. It’s kind of stuck,” he muttered, stealing glances at her from the corner of his eye. “Think someone could give me a hand?”

His tone went up playfully at the end, teasing on purpose.

Tess narrowed her eyes.

Where did he pick up this act? He’s … actually a little flirty.

Her expression softened, and she sighed. “Fine, I’ll help.”

Abel’s lips curved into a grin. His usually cool, serious eyes lit up with a spark of amusement. “Thanks.”

The word came out light and lazy, almost ticklish.

Tess could tell what he was thinking, but she didn’t stop her hands from working at the knot. Still, she gave him a sharp look every time he tried to sneak a glance over his shoulder.

She pulled a little harder than necessary, and Abel’s face twisted as the apron tightened around his waist.

Even though she could tell he was uncomfortable, Tess pretended not to notice. Her eyes glimmered with amusement, but her face stayed perfectly innocent. “Oh, no, it’s really tight. Guess I’ll have to pull a little harder.”

“It’s … fine… “Abel’s voice came out strained, his eyes rolling slightly as he forced a smile. “You can … uh keep going, Tess. You’re not too–ah–rough.”

Before he could finish, Tess gave another strong tug. Abel flinched, his breath catching in his

throat.

“Just hang on a second,” Tess said, barely hiding her laugh as her hands moved behind his back. Abel clenched his jaw tightly, refusing to let any sound escape.

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Chapter 502 The Apron Incident

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“What’s wrong? Are you uncomfortable?” Tess asked sweetly, tilting her head to watch him. Her tone dripped with fake concern.

Abel only had to turn slightly to see her bright, mischievous eyes. She looked like a little fox, sharp and playful.

He forced a grin, his face a little strained. “Uncomfortable? Not at all. Feels great.”

His teasing tone made her pulse skip, and for a moment, she forgot to pull. Her grip loosened without her realizing it.

“Tess, that’s too gentle. Doesn’t feel right,” Abel said, grinning wider, his voice thick with mischief.

Snapping out of it, Tess realized she’d fallen into his little game again. She glared at him, then yanked the knot with more force.

Abel’s face twisted as he tried to keep smiling. “Yeah, that’s it … Perfect,” he managed between breaths.

“Uh… Tess? You two…

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Bessie had just walked into the kitchen–and froze on the spot.

She gasped, quickly turning away and covering her face with both hands.

“I didn’t see anything, I didn’t see anything,” she muttered under her breath while backing toward the door.

Right before disappearing around the corner, she called out, “Tess, I know you young folks have energy, but if you don’t come eat soon, dinner’s gonna get cold.”