Hearing those words, Ashley shuddered again. The blush that had just faded surged back, heating her face. How have I never noticed before? Arthur is such a shameless flirt! How does he always manage to tease me until I completely lose control? Her face burned as she stammered, "No, I wasn't..." Watching her flustered reaction, Arthur couldn't help but marvel. Soft, delicate girls were just too much fun. And once they let their guard down, that would be even better. He took her small hand in his, leaning in to whisper by her ear, "Alright, I'll stop teasing. Let's go home." Ashley kept her head down the entire walk back, her cheeks still flushed as Arthur led her home. The moment the door shut behind them, Arthur couldn't resist pulling her into his arms. Ashley quickly raised a hand to stop him. "Wait!" "What's wrong?" he asked absentmindedly. "I... I made dinner for you. Let's eat first!" Afraid he might refuse, Ashley bolted toward the kitchen before he could say another word. But when she glanced back, she saw the way Arthur was looking at her like a predator eyeing its prey. A shiver ran down her spine. Still, Arthur didn't press the issue. Instead, he dutifully went to wash his hands, preparing for the meal. After all, sustenance fueled everything that came next. Before long, Ashley brought out a steaming hot meal, carefully setting the table. She had made everything before picking him up, keeping it warm just in case he came home late. Arthur looked at the spread before him, a deep warmth blooming in his chest. Back at the time when he was living with the Gray family, meals had been grand, but none of those dishes had ever been prepared for him. He had barely dared to take food, afraid of upsetting Zac and earning a scolding for choosing the wrong dish. He had lived there, grown up there, but it had never been home. It had never felt like home. But now, sitting before a table full of his favorite dishes, all made just for him, Arthur finally understood what home should be. He took a seat beside Ashley, and she naturally picked up some food with her chopsticks, placing it in his bowl.Arthur looked at her seriously. "Ashley, thank you." She blinked in surprise. "For what?" A gentle smile played on his lips. "For giving me a home." Ashley's face flushed, but when she thought about Arthur's childhood in the Gray family, her heart clenched for him. She picked up another piece of food for him, her voice soft. "From now on, I'll cook for you every day. I'll make sure you always feel at home." What she truly wanted to say was that she wanted to build a home with him, and to be his family. But she wasn't sure how he felt, and she didn't want to pressure him. Arthur's eyes lit up. Without hesitation, he said, "You said it, so you can't take it back!" He took her hand in his, gazing into her eyes, his voice deep and serious. "Ashley, let's get married after we graduate. Will you marry me?" Ashley's head snapped up, her eyes widening in disbelief. Pure joy sparkled in her gaze. Without hesitation, she nodded. "Yes! I will!" She had always been straightforward, never one to hesitate. She was just shy when it came to romance and intimacy, especially since she had never experienced love before. Hearing her firm answer, Arthur's heart swelled with happiness. He couldn't help but lift her into his arms, spinning her around. "This is amazing! I can't believe it!" He never expected her to agree so quickly. Now, he finally had a home of his own. Having grown up in a cold and loveless family, the fact that someone wanted to give him a home meant everything to him. He cherished Ashley deeply. Ever since he had moved into this house, she had always been there, cooking with him, reading together, chatting about everything and nothing. They had already been living like a little family. Holding her close, Arthur felt content. Ashley nestled into his embrace, feeling an overwhelming sweetness in her heart. After dinner, Ashley went to shower while Arthur tidied up the table. He didn't mind doing housework, because what mattered was who he was doing it with. This was their home, and cleaning up felt like taking care of their little world together.Before long, the bathroom door creaked open. Ashley stepped out, wrapped in a loose, oversized bath towel, her delicate curves barely hidden beneath the soft fabric. Fresh from the shower, her skin had a soft pink glow, mist from the bathroom still clinging to her. Her long chestnut curls were damp, cascading over her shoulders in loose waves. Arthur looked up, and his breath hitched.