Chapter 7 Edmond Is Someone He Cares About the Most

“I’m going to cook the perogies, Grandpa. You two talk,” Celeste said and headed into the kitchen with the tray of perogies on the table. She felt super awkward when Edmond criticized Julian in front of her. Edmond, on the other hand, glanced at his grandson and reproachfully reminded him, “What are you standing there for? Go and help!” I swear this boy is hopeless! Julian, not wanting to upset his grandfather, went into the kitchen reluctantly. “Um… Do you need any help?” he asked awkwardly. “No, it’s fine. It’s just perogies. They’ll be ready very soon,” said Celeste as she boiled the water. “You go ahead and entertain Grandpa.” Julian was caught in a dilemma, feeling like he was being passed around. In the end, he went out, and when Edmond saw him, he explained, “She said she doesn’t need help.” Edmond didn’t reproach him, only saying, ” She can refuse your assistance, but you have to take the initiative to help. Understand? This is how husband and wife should get along.” Edmond’s last few words irritated Julian, but the latter could only nod and agree with his grandfather. “Yes, you’re right, Grandpa.” “Celeste was wrapping perogies when I came over. I bet she has been working away all afternoon. She also said the perogies in the freezer are for when you want supper. She worries you overwork yourself,” said Edmond as he sat upright on the couch, propping his hands against his cane. “It’s hard to replace a good wife like Celeste. Treasure her!” Julian was taken aback for a moment. He turned around and opened the fridge, seeing not only neatly packed perogies but also a variety of ingredients that were also neatly organized: mushroom, tomato, corn, chicken, fish… He had to be honest that his icy heart cracked a hairline fracture, for it had been ages since he last felt the warmth of a family, and he had always longed for this kind of domestic bliss. “Dinner’s ready!” Very quickly, Celeste came out with a plate of perogies, and Julian shut the fridge door at once. “What are you standing there for, Julian?! Help her serve the food!” Edmond ordered again. Honestly, when will this rascal finally learn?! With that, Julian went into the kitchen and came out with two plates of perogies in no time. Meanwhile, Celeste came out with everyone’s cutleries. “Come and taste my cooking, guys!” She bet this night was the very first time this kitchen had ever seen some practical action. The perogies smelled amazing and cooked to perfection, each one floating cleanly in the meat broth. They looked delicious. Plus, Celeste made the whole thing from scratch, so Edmond couldn’t stop praising her. “These perogies are amazing. But you two have just registered your marriage today. Julian, you have to take Celeste out for a fancy dinner when you have the time, you hear me?” “Yes, Grandpa,” Julian obliged, sitting next to his grandfather. The perogies did taste amazing, but he was surging with mixed feelings, for they reminded him of an experience 18 years ago when he was five. A pain that was vaguely connected to the dumplings, tugging at his heart. Never once in the last 18 years since that incident had he eaten perogies. “I didn’t know which filling you liked, so I made four different ones, but Grandpa said you have no dietary restrictions, so I cooked the mushroom ones today,” Celeste said politely to him. He saved her and her mother, after all, so she was grateful to him. “Yeah.” Julian had wanted to brush her off, but at the thought that Edmond was still present, he quickly added, “They’re pretty good. I like it.” Overjoyed by his words, Edmond reminded him, “Ask your wife to make more if you like them! Treat her well, and she’ll also be happy to make them for you!” Honestly, Grandpa… Sigh… I should keep my mouth shut next time. After dinner, Edmond gazed at Julian, who was getting up. “Julian, wash the dishes! Celeste already made you dinner. To live a happily married life, house chores should be shared evenly between husband and wife!” Julian froze for a moment and began clearing the table. “Okay.” “Grandpa…” “Shh, Celeste. Not a word. Have him wash the dishes!” Either way, Julian would never go against his grandfather, for the elder was someone he cared the most about. Celeste, on the other hand, only looked at the handsome and perfect man. He stood tall and picked up the plates with his slender fingers, turning into the kitchen. She couldn’t help feeling that he didn’t quite fit into this domestic scene. “Celeste, come and sit with me. Let’s chat.” Edmond hurriedly dragged the young woman, who couldn’t resist wanting to help Julian, to the couch and whispered to her, “You better not feel bad for him. You should train a man to start doing house chores from the first day of marriage, or he’ll think it’s only natural that you should serve him!”