Chapter 314: Letting Go

Sierra had wanted to say it was nothing, but when she looked into Johnathan’s wise eyes—and remembered what she herself had said—she finally spoke up.

“I just feel like I’m not much help to you.”

She didn’t have the courage to admit that she’d been a little jealous just now. Seeing Quinn make lunch for Johnathan, chatting with him about work… She couldn’t do any of that. She didn’t even know how busy he had been lately—because he still came home on time every night.

“That’s it?” Johnathan raised an eyebrow, amusement flickering in his gaze. “Just being by my side is already the best help you could give me.”

If it weren’t for Sierra, there were a lot of things he wouldn’t have held back on. He might’ve turned into someone even he wouldn’t recognize. Because of her, his sense of boundaries still sat within the realm of ordinary people.

“Have you been really busy lately?”

Sierra wrapped her arms around his, her voice soft. “You didn’t say anything.”

“A bit busier than before, but nothing I can’t handle.”

To Johnathan, it wasn’t a big deal. It just took more time than usual. He didn’t see it as difficult and didn’t think it was worth mentioning.

“If you’re that busy, you don’t need to make me breakfast every morning.”

Sometimes, Johnathan even made dinner—especially on the days she got so absorbed in her reading that she lost track of time.

“I want to.”

Johnathan raised a brow. His favorite part of the day was feeding Sierra. He always thought she was too thin. After everything she’d been through, with her weak digestion on top of it, he always tried to make her meals as nutritious as possible. And over the past month or so, she’d gained a couple of pounds—barely two or three—but it made him happier than landing a major deal.

Hearing that, the last trace of discomfort in Sierra’s heart vanished. She realized she’d been too petty. Quinn wasn’t really Johnathan’s sister by blood, but they’d known each other for so long—if something was going to happen, it would’ve happened already. Besides, Quinn was kind to her—warm, even. It felt like she truly saw Sierra as family. And here Sierra had been, feeling jealous over nothing.

That just made her feel even worse.

“Quinn’s busy with work every day. What about Dora?” Sierra couldn’t help but ask.

“That’s good.”

Sierra felt a newfound admiration for Quinn. Working full-time, raising a three-year-old on her own—and still full of energy. Thinking about the food Quinn had made, Sierra added, “She’s a really good cook.”

Even though she hadn’t had much appetite earlier, she did eat a bit. She had to admit—Quinn’s cooking really was excellent. Sierra cooked too, but hers was more home-style stuff. Compared to Quinn, it just didn’t measure up.

“She’s always loved playing around in the kitchen,” Johnathan replied. “I remember she was just a kid when she started baking pastries on her own.”

There was something else he didn’t say. Quinn’s pastries tasted just like his mother’s. After his mother passed, his emotions had spiraled. His grandfather brought Quinn to stay with him, and every now and then she’d make him something sweet. That’s what slowly helped calm him down. That’s why—even after his mother’s death—he’d always treated Quinn like a real sister. During one of the darkest periods of his life, she was the one who stood by him.

But Johnathan wasn’t one to dwell on the past or share old wounds. What was done was done. No use bringing it up again and again. That didn’t mean the hatred in his heart had faded with time. Not even a little.

Sierra didn’t overthink it. Just hearing Quinn had started baking as a little girl made her feel a quiet kind of empathy. Kids from poor backgrounds grew up fast. Her own childhood had been rough, but at least she’d had her grandma looking out for her. Quinn had grown up in an orphanage—life couldn’t have been easy.

And with that thought, Sierra finally let go of all the jealousy in her heart. Seeing that Johnathan was busy, she didn’t want to get in the way. After saying a few words to him, she got ready to head out and meet Autumn. They’d made plans to go shopping for a gift for Professor Martin.

Johnathan clearly couldn’t get away, and sighed helplessly. “I’ll come pick you up after work.”

“It’s okay. If you’re too busy, I can head home myself.”