The Soft-Hearted Wife of Mr. Big Shot-Chapter 226: Candlelight Dinner

Leo Grant returned home from work to find the living room dark and silent, with no sound from the TV. His hand paused as he opened the door, puzzled.

Was Holly asleep or not home?

Holly had said she’d wait for him to come home and go out to dinner together. She had called him half an hour ago, asking about his return time. There’s no reason for her not to be home.

The heating was still on inside, as Holly always kept it running whether she was home or not.

Holly was afraid of the cold, so the house was always warm and cozy.

In winter, darkness falls earlier. It was just past six, and the sky was already completely dark.

Leo reached to turn on the light, but just as his hand touched the switch and before he could press it, the living room suddenly lit up.

Warm yellow light, not particularly bright, but exceptionally cozy. Leo’s hand froze, staring incredulously at the scene.

Holly stood not far from him, holding a cake and wearing a playful smile.

"Happy six-month anniversary, big brother," she said.

Holly walked over with the small cake, her smile cheeky.

The cake was small, meant for two, with cute cartoon depictions of both of them on it.

Full of ceremony.

Leo’s lips moved, momentarily speechless. He looked at Holly, stunned and surprised.

So, Holly had prepared a surprise for him?

The plan to dine out wasn’t really about dining out?

Holly had planned all along to coax him home and give him a surprise?

"Why, are you not happy?" Holly teased, walking toward Leo slowly with the cake, her smile radiant yet gentle.

Leo probably hadn’t expected this kind of surprise.

"Happy," Leo beamed, unable to hide his smile.

How could he not be happy? He was so happy he was disoriented.

A dining table was set up in the living room, draped with a pink checkered cloth, laid out with red wine, tall glasses, and loaded with dishes.

A bouquet of roses added decoration, the warm yellow light creating a perfect atmosphere.

Full of ceremony.

"Did you like it? Were you surprised?" Holly grinned sweetly at Leo as he approached the table.

Life needs ceremony, she had prepared this all afternoon with great care.

She always felt candlelight dinners were romantic; now she wanted to fully experience it.

Pan-seared steak, tomato meat sauce pasta, garlic butter shrimp, grilled chicken wings, shrimp with scrambled egg, Russian borscht, fruit platter, cheese-baked corn...

The spread was abundantly rich, a full table making one’s mouth water, complemented by Holly’s meticulous presentation.

"Like it."

"Surprise."

"Very unexpected."

Leo felt as if he were floating in a bubble of happiness, almost feeling elated.

Very much liked.

Very surprising.

Very unexpected.

"Take a seat, big brother," Holly pulled a chair for Leo to sit.

It was usually Leo pulling the chair for her; today she let him experience her pulling the chair for him.

Leo sat down, his smile unwavering.

"Big brother, it’s our first candlelight dinner. It may not be perfectly prepared, but I’ve poured my heart into it," Holly said, pouring wine for Leo, her smile exuding tenderness.

She had painstakingly prepared all afternoon, doing everything personally since it was a dinner for two.

"It’s already wonderful."

"Thank you, Holly, for the effort."

"I’m truly very, very happy."

Looking at everything, Leo felt genuinely full of happiness. Meeting Holly made him extremely happy. Holly’s attentive preparation was something he loved.

He wanted to say Holly needn’t enter the kitchen, but in this atmosphere, he couldn’t bear to break the mood.

Together they enjoyed the candlelight dinner, chatted happily, flirting close to crossing boundaries, but Leo reined himself in.

"It’s not time yet," he whispered, kissing Holly’s lips with indulgent gentleness.

His voice was slightly hoarse.

Almost exceeded boundaries, but his innocent girl was not ready yet.

"Actually, it’s not impossible," Holly blushed, the warm orange light making it hard to see clearly.

Having chosen Leo, it was bound to happen sooner or later. Despite her inner fear and nervousness, she felt she could overcome it.

"Silly girl, the most beautiful things should be saved for the most beautiful times," Leo kissed Holly’s forehead and brow, speaking softly, eyes intense.

He wanted it too.

He wanted to devour this little rabbit whole.

But he couldn’t let impulsive emotions drown him into a rash decision; he wanted to save the moment for when it was perfect.

"It’s already quite beautiful now, candlelight dinner," Holly blinked, looking at Leo seriously.

She couldn’t fathom what Leo was thinking.

"Silly girl," Leo gently tousled Holly’s hair, his voice joyful.

"It’s getting late, time to wash up and go to bed soon," he softly suggested.

It’s late, already nine; by the time they washed up, ten would be approaching fast.

In winter, Holly slept early, feeling sleepy around ten.

Holly nodded, "Okay."

Leo cleaned up the aftermath, feeling warm inside from Holly’s candlelight dinner preparation.

He loved the surprise and the ceremony it involved.

After his shower, Holly was already asleep; a warm orange nightlight bathed her face gently, remarkably soft.

Leo tread softly inside, covered her with the blanket, and softly walked out again.

Such a little lazy pig, falling asleep so early.

She must be tired from a busy afternoon.

A sudden strong thought came to Leo’s mind, he wanted to marry Holly, desperately wanted that.

He wanted Holly to wear the title of Mrs. Grant, not just Leo’s girlfriend.

There was a distinct difference between the two, and he preferred the former.

Returning to his room, Leo edited the photos taken tonight into a video and posted it on social media.

He learned to do photo editing and video editing.