When Her "Death" Couldn't Break Him

Chapter 1771 Barbecue Meal

Zachary was momentarily taken aback.

Back at Sinclair Manor, Vivian always ordered the chef to cook simple and mild dishes-never anything remotely this spicy.

As she grilled the beef, she said casually, "You might not know this about me, but whether I'm feeling down or in a great mood, I enjoy eating something spicy."

Zachary frowned slightly. "Does it actually help?"

"Of course. I think spicy food helps me relax. If you don't believe me, try it for yourself."

Without waiting for his response, Vivian grilled a piece of meat and placed it on his plate.

Zachary hesitated but didn't want to reject her kindness. He took a bite. The heat exploded on his tongue-numbing, fiery, and intense. His eyes widened as he immediately reached for his water.

"It's too spicy. You should eat less of this; it's not good for your health," Zachary warned.

Vivian gave a small smile, understanding his concern. "I know. I only have it occasionally."

She was pregnant, and most home-cooked meals didn't sit well with her. But this barbecue meal was different-it was irresistibly appetizing.

"Here, have a bit more. You'll get used to it," Vivian encouraged.

Zachary nodded and started eating.

She was right. At first, the spice overwhelmed him, but the more he ate, the more tolerable it became. Before long, both of them were sweating, gulping down water to cool the heat.

After a hearty meal, Vivian leaned back, patting her stomach with satisfaction.

Zachary felt much better-relaxed, even. His mood had noticeably lifted. "Your method really works."

"Of course! I always do this," Vivian replied with a beaming smile.

Zachary found himself staring at her, momentarily lost in thought.

Noticing his gaze, Vivian shifted uncomfortably. "Why are you looking at me like that?" she asked.

Zachary quickly looked away, clearing his throat. "I guess I ate too much and spaced out for a moment. I didn't mean to stare."

"Oh, okay." Vivian didn't dwell on it.

She took another sip of milk to soothe the lingering heat. Given her condition, it would have been wiser to cut back on spicy food. However, her doctor had reassured her that, in the early stages, she should eat whatever she could manage without being too restrictive.

After the meal, Vivian and Zachary walked back together.

The sky had deepened into dusk, with stars sprinkled across the night. Beneath their quiet glow, the two of them made their way home.

The house was unusually silent.

Both Vivian and Zachary's rooms were deserted.noveldrama

Vivian frowned. "Where is everyone? Where have all the housekeepers gone?"

"Maybe Grandpa called them away," Zachary replied casually as he moved to fetch a quilt.

Although they had already consummated their marriage, they still slept separately.

After a refreshing bath, Vivian lay down on the bed. Her hand

instinctively rested on her lower abdomen as her gaze drifted toward Zachary, who wasn't too far away.

"Zachary, do you like children?"

Zachary froze, caught off guard by the sudden question. Without much thought, he replied, "Not really

prefer not having kids-especially if they end up being as mischievous as Jon."

Jonathan had given him a hard time before, but that wasn't the whole truth of how he felt.

Sometimes, when he saw Nathaniel's four sons or Darren's daughter, a quiet sense of envy crept into his heart.

Especially Darren's daughter, Amelia-she was simply too adorable.

Now that she could talk, she would always call his name whenever they met. It was impossible not to be charmed by her.

A flood of thoughts surged through his mind. By the time he snapped back to reality, he realized Vivian had already turned away, no longer looking at him.