Chapter 242: Yuck! Coffee is bitter!
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"Brother, would you like some coffee?" Ellie softly offered with a tone that carried an undercurrent of tender affection for her sibling.
Her porcelain hands delicately cradled the warm ceramic mug, small wisps of steam curling gently upwards as the soothing brew played art to the dance of heat against the cool room. She extended the mug towards her brother with a quiet, angelic-like simplicity that tugged at the corners of his heart.
His youthful eyes lifted from the tethered binding of his worn yet cherished book to take in the visage of his sister. Her attire, flowing and ethereal, bespoke of a certain allure that was quite unexpected. A nonchalant yet mischievous smile began to play upon his lips, a glint of playful banter shining in his eyes as he sized up Ellie\'s unanticipated but flattering dress.
"Quite the provocative attire you\'re donning there, Ellie," he mulled, amused humor tinting his voice. He teased, "Have you intentionally chosen such an ensemble to engage my attention?"
His playful ribbing sent an unexpected heat cascading to Ellie\'s cheeks, her fair complexion turning a delightful shade of rose.
Making her way towards the large, invitingly plush sofa, she did her best to retain a sense of grace. She eased herself down gently, her lithe form finding comfort beneath her brother\'s relaxedly outstretched feet, her posture suggested a desire to breach the ocean of physical space that was between them. The subtle intimacy of the entire scene hinted at a yearning for a deeper connection between the siblings.
"You\'re the very architect of this attire, beloved brother. Remember?" Ellie managed to reply without missing a beat, her soft voice lightly tinged with a note of feigned displeasure.
Her cherubic eyes, wide and innocent, dared to meet his gaze albeit shyly, showcasing a swift peek into her inner world filled with untold stories and the shared affection of a hear-warming sibling bond.
At her suggestive display of intimacy, her brother\'s eyes warmed considerably. His gaze, profound and thoughtful, contemplated Ellie\'s expression and the mischief that twinkled within her eyes. It was a blend of affection and gentle amusement that reflected so naturally in his own features, mirroring his beloved sibling\'s silent sentiments.
"So, you\'re not partaking in this delightful coffee, Ellie?" He playfully questioned, his voice cascading lightly around her with the cadence of a loving reproof. In response to her comforting posture, he subtly adjusted the position of his slightly reclined feet, ensuring her utmost comfort.
In reply, a soft nod was all Ellie chose to be her confirmation. Her eyes, blazing embers of familial affection that seemed brighter by the moment, twinkled incandescent in the room\'s tranquil ambiance. "Yes, I\'ll drink it later. I just wanted to see my older brother enjoy my coffee. That makes me happy," she shyly admitted, her voice barely louder than the quiet hum of their homely domain.
His lips curled up ever so slightly into a small, affectionate smile at her tender declaration. In an unconscious act of affection, he reached out, his hand gently moved a wisp of errant hair from her rosy cheeks, tucking it carefully behind her delicate ear. "Is that so?" he mused softly, his deep voice running like a whispering mountain stream. "On that note, I must insist, even if the coffee is bitter on the side of bitterness, the coffee is prepared with an abundance of love. I request you to take just one warming sip, merely for my satisfaction."
"Alright, just one sip, then," Ellie agreed cheerfully, her eyes alight with anticipation as she brought her lips to the mug her brother had so attentively offered.
A radiant smile bloomed on her face, her heart brimming with delight at the prospect of sharing this small, intimate moment with him.
Privately, her inner thoughts whispered in joyous revelation, "It doesn\'t matter what he puts in that mug. What matters is that we get to share this experience together."
As the liquid touched her lips, however, Ellie couldn\'t mask the slight grimace that crossed her face. The taste of bitterness and sourness invaded her mouth, causing her to recoil ever so slightly. "Ugh, brother," she playfully exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
He chuckled, his amusement mirrored in the gentle brush of his thumb against her flushed cheek. "A refined lady should know how to appreciate even the bitterness," he replied, a mischievous glimmer lighting up his eyes.
Ellie pouted her lips in a playful manner, her eyes still gleaming with playful defiance. "But, brother, black coffee without sugar or milk doesn\'t quite suit my taste buds," she teased, a hint of a challenge lacing her words.
"Hahaha. Ellie, you\'re still a child," her brother teasingly remarked, pouring the remaining coffee from the mug into his own mouth, savoring the last drops.
Although Ellie\'s initial reaction hinted at a playful pout, her smile quickly returned to grace her lips. The familiar banter between the siblings brought a cozy warmth to their interaction, a bond that had grown and solidified over the years. In these lighthearted moments, Ellie found solace and a refuge from the world, knowing that her brother was always there to bring a spark of joy to her life.
However, as the mirthful atmosphere shifted, her brother\'s voice softened, the teasing tone replaced with a tender concern. "Ellie, was it very difficult for you during our mother\'s funeral?" he asked, his words carrying a weight that demanded attention.
A somber undertone washed over Ellie\'s features, her smile fading as she contemplated the painful memories that lay beneath the surface. The question pierced through the veil of lightheartedness, reaching depths of emotion that often remained unspoken.
"Yes," she replied, her voice carrying a mixture of sadness and reflection. "Even now, when I think of our mother, the grief lingers, a ache that resurfaces from time to time. It was an incredibly challenging period for us both."
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(A/N: Hello guys done reading. If yes, send a power stone, 1 power stone is also enough we just have to increase fan value, so 1 power stone is enough, but if you like the novel I won\'t mind if you send more stones, and plz don\'t forget the gifts.)
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