CHAPTER 85: HILLA IS BAD AT COOKING

Hilla ran to the car and saw that it was unlocked, and the whole back seat was full of things.

There were daily necessities, snacks, and a large box of fireworks.

"Halle, you bought fireworks. Can we set them off tonight?"

Hilla ran excitedly to the kitchen with the food in her arms. Halle was cooking and Hilla wanted to put the food here. Bruce had also bought a lot of ready-made food.

Although Hilla wasn’t usually very greedy, she was really satisfied this day.

As she ran, colorful fireworks rose slowly to the sky. Soon, the dark sky was filled with gorgeous fireworks.

As the light shone on her, she was as beautiful as fireworks.

The villagers always set off fireworks at a specific time and the sky was filled with fireworks now.

Halle saw her running in the courtyard like a child and said, "Be careful, don’t drop the food in your arms."

Her voice was instantly drowned by the noise of the fireworks.

Hilla had already run to Bruce. She said excitedly, "Bruce, did you buy that box of fireworks? Can we set them off?"

Right now, she was wholeheartedly focused on those gorgeous fireworks in the sky. She suddenly saw that Bruce was holding her brush and paint plate in his hand, and the rabbit on the wall of her kennel had an extra red hat.

"Why did you draw a hat for it? It’s a rabbit, not a girl."

Hilla stared blankly at the wall of the kennel that was lit up by the fireworks in the sky. Her voice was mostly covered by the sounds of explosions.

Bruce looked at the painting in front of him with satisfaction. Although the kennel did not fall, he had added something to it. And this kennel was much more beautiful to him.

He didn’t expect that Roger was good at building the kennel. The kennel was quite solid. Since it couldn’t be destroyed, Bruce would rather paint it himself.

He nodded in satisfaction and put down the paint plate. He said in a low voice, "It is much better now!"

Then they heard sounds of explosions.

The villagers seemed to have discussed the time to set off fireworks. As someone took the lead in setting off fireworks, all the villagers seemed to set off their fireworks at the same time.

The sky was colorful because of those fireworks.

Hilla shrank her neck subconsciously, and then she was embraced by Bruce. She felt a broad and strong chest.

She smelled a familiar and strong male aura. Hilla was stunned. She felt Bruce covered her ears with his hands and heard his gentle voice. "Don’t be afraid."

Hilla shook her head hard. She was not afraid at all. With Bruce here, she would not be afraid. She liked the colorful fireworks in the sky and the festival atmosphere.

Bruce pulled her into the house. Through the wide window, she could still see the colorful fireworks in the sky, but the sounds of explosions were blocked a lot.

"Stay in the house. I’ll set off the fireworks."

"Do you know how to set them off? The fireworks are very dangerous."

Seeing that Bruce was about to set off the fireworks, Hilla was really nervous.

It was true that she liked fireworks, but when she was a child, her parents had told her that fireworks were very dangerous, and children were forbidden to touch them.

She was always good and listened to her parents. Although she liked fireworks, she was a little worried every time she saw fireworks.

Bruce chuckled when he saw her worried expression. "I didn’t know you would be afraid too."

He hadn’t seen Hilla being afraid of something. This was the first time that he knew she was afraid of fireworks, too.

"Actually, I am worried about you. What if you get hurt when setting off fireworks? It is very usual. Be careful."

What she said was reasonable. Bruce nodded, "Don’t worry. I’ll try to be safe."

What did he mean?

He must be safe!

Hilla was so angry about his words, but Bruce had already rushed to the courtyard. Under the moonlight, she could see him walking back and forth in the courtyard and putting the fireworks on a line.

When he took out the lighter, Hilla looked at the side of his face, which was illuminated by the light. He was still so handsome in the dark, even though the light was dim.

Her heart skipped a beat. When she saw him ignite the fuse, Hilla was so nervous.

Then they heard sounds of explosions.

The fireworks rose into the sky in turn. The dark sky was more colorful and more beautiful because of the fireworks.

The moment Bruce rushed into the room, Hilla hugged him and shouted excitedly, "Bruce, look at how pretty the fireworks are!"

Bruce looked at her excited expression and pursed his lips. He nodded and smiled gently. "Yes, they are very beautiful!"

"Bruce, look! Look at that! The one had special colors! And that one is so big! Look! All of them are beautiful."

"Yes, I saw."

Hilla was so excited that Bruce could not stand steadily with her shaking him, but he still smiled. "There is the most beautiful flower in front of me. Those fireworks are not as beautiful as her."

Bruce’s voice was low. If they were outside, Hilla would definitely not be able to hear it. However, they were in the room. Although she could hear the sounds of fireworks outside, she also heard Bruce’s words.

At first, she did not realize what he meant, but then she knew. She turned to look at Bruce and frowned. "Are you trying to compare me to fireworks?"

Bruce kissed her head and said, "It’s true. You are the most beautiful girl in the world."

"Bruce, don’t be like that."

Feeling his kiss on her forehead, Hilla blushed. Then she pouted and complained softly, "Did you learn this from Miss Marley and use it on me?"

Sometimes Hilla could be jealous and wouldn’t let it go.

She could remember everything that Bruce did, especially those bad things.

Bruce was stunned. He was trying to soften Hilla up, but she didn’t seem to be satisfied.

He didn’t know what to do. Why did Hilla mention another woman at such a romantic time?

And this question made him feel bad. He didn’t know how to answer it. Why would Hilla ask such a question? Bruce felt hard to answer her. "I’ve never said such words to her!"

Bruce said seriously. At a time like this, Bruce knew that he must clarify his relationship with his ex-girlfriend right now. Otherwise, Hilla would definitely be mad at him.

"Well, Miss Marley is such a dignified lady from an aristocratic family. She didn’t need those flattering words."

When Holla wanted to know more things about Bruce’s ex-girlfriend, she would praise her and try to induce him to say more.

If Bruce nodded and said that Riya was indeed good and dignified, Hilla would just be madder at him.

...

Bruce didn’t say anything after hearing Hilla’s words. He knew that even if he scolded Riya in front of Hilla, Hilla would still consider him as a jerk.

After all, all men had to face the question about ex-girlfriends.

"Aren’t you going to help your sister? She seems to be very busy."

There were no fireworks in the sky now, and Halle was still busy in the kitchen alone.

After Bruce reminded her, Hilla realized that her sister was pregnant. How could she let Halle cook for them alone?

"I need to go help my sister."

Bruce nodded, "Alright, I’ll clean up the courtyard."

The ashes of fireworks were still in the courtyard and indeed needed to be cleaned.

Hilla went to help Halle. Bruce looked at her back and heaved a heavy sigh of relief. It was a narrow escape for him. If he didn’t distract Hilla’s attention, she must still be asking him.

In the Anderson’s house.

On Christmas Eve, all the Andersons were sitting together with Tyree and waiting for dinner.

Orlenna came out of the kitchen and served the last dish. Lysa, who was sitting opposite her, smiled and said, "Orlenna, you really have a good temper. This is the first Christmas Eve after Bruce and Hilla got married. They should be at home with Dad to celebrate Christmas. But they actually went to the countryside together. Don’t tell me they didn’t want to see us and run away deliberately!"

Lucas poured a glass of wine for Tyree and smiled. "They are both youngsters. It’s normal that he doesn’t like to stay with us old people. Bruce has been very independent since he was a child, and we’ve already been used to it."

Orlenna looked at the couple in front of her and frowned. It was Christmas Eve, but she actually felt they were unfriendly at all.

Margaret ate the food in front of her and whispered, "You know you are annoying, but you still talk so much nonsense. What’s wrong with them for avoiding seeing you?"

Although her voice was not high, they could still hear her. Orlenna pushed Margaret angrily and said coldly, "Cut the crap."

"Orlenna, Margaret, what do you mean? Why did Bruce and his wife go to the countryside? It seems to be our fault. What is wrong with us?"

Lysa had been competing with Orlenna for the rest of her life. She would compare with Orlenna on everything from the clothes to the food. She even wouldn’t stand it if Orlenna had longer hair.

Tyree didn’t like Lysa and her husband. Her husband was an illegitimate child and she was not from a noble family. But Orlenna was in line with the standard of Tyree’s daughter-in-law.

She just couldn’t accept it. Orlenna’s husband had died and she was way better than her except for her family background.

But after so many years, Tyree still looked down on them.

Rudi also smiled sarcastically. "We are from the same family. Why do you think that your son is nobler than us? My father and I are the thorns in your eyes, right?"

Orlenna frowned. Although she was angry, she did not turn around and leave.

She took a deep breath and glanced at Tyree next to her who had a dark expression. She said softly, "Margaret doesn’t mean that. She’s young and sometimes doesn’t behave herself. Just let it go. Bruce and Hilla have their own ideas. Hilla’s sister is alone in the countryside, so it’s natural for Hilla to accompany her."

"Moreover, they are newlyweds, so Bruce just wants to be with Hilla." Orlenna said that calmly. She was explaining on behalf of Bruce.

It was the first year of their marriage. She knew that Tyree also wanted them to spend Christmas at home.

However, Bruce and Hilla almost got divorced. What could she do as the mother of Bruce? She could only listen to them.

"Didn’t Hilla let the elder sister of the Holt family come here? Why did she have to go back to the countryside during Christmas? The Holt family is not as rich and powerful as before. Why is she still so arrogant? I’m afraid that they may look down upon us!"

Lysa’s sharp voice was a bit harsh. Margaret was about to get angry but Orlenna pulled her back.

Then they all heard a loud sound, Tyree had already slapped the table with a dark expression.

"We’re family. Why do you have so many complaints? If you don’t want to be here, just get out of here."

As soon as Tyree said that, everyone immediately fell silent. After all, Tyree still had the shares of the Anderson Group, and Lucas was still afraid of him very much.

They had been arguing several minutes ago, but now, they were all quiet.

Margaret just ate the food in her bowl and pretended that the family opposite her didn’t exist.

Since she was young, she knew that her brother and they were sworn enemies. Bruce had the right to inherit all the wealth of the Andersons and these people had long since disliked Margaret, too.

When she was young, they didn’t show much of their dislike. When she grew up, their dislike was clearer.

"Dad, don’t be angry. We are all here to celebrate Christmas with you."

Lysa pretended to be calm as if nothing had happened. She had been so shameless for years. Orlenna and Margaret were also used to it.

Because it was still Christmas, Orlenna also said in a gentle voice, "Dad, it’s our fault. When Bruce and Hilla come back, I’ll ask them to come over to visit you."

Tyree waved his hand and said, "They are youngsters and have their own ideas. Just let it go! It doesn’t matter whether they came here. The most important thing for them is to have a child. Then I will be satisfied."

Orlenna was also anxious and wanted them to have children, but it was useless.

Orlenna pursed her lips and said, "Dad, don’t worry. I will urge them to have a child as quickly as possible."

They almost got divorced. How dare she urge them again?

The houses in the countryside were not gorgeous, but they were wide and comfortable. The villagers still liked to have meals right beside the fireplace, especially the elders.

Hilla and Bruce sat around the table and Halle brought the last dish. Hilla said excitedly, "It is the happiest thing in the world to eat roasted chicken in winter."

Halle sat down and placed the napkin on her legs. She smiled and said, "You are really easy to satisfy. You are so happy just with roasted chicken."

"Halle, I like everything you make. I like roasted chicken and apple pies."

Bruce frowned when hearing apple pies. He said in a low voice, "It tastes really good, but the apple pie is too ugly."

Halle seemed to have read Bruce’s mind. Seeing Bruce’s expression, she laughed and said, "I made the stuffing and I’m happy to know that you like the taste. Hilla finished the rest of the process. It’s true that it is not good-looking."

How could anybody tell that it was an apple pie? It was just a lump of unknown things. Bruce even closed his eyes on purpose when he was eating the apple pie.