Chapter 16 : Hidden Feelings and Gentle Surprises - 2 " Sleep early . Good night . " Without waiting for my reply , he turned and ascended the stairs in haste . I didn't notice his subtle turmoil . I lowered my head , sipping the tea slowly , my heart oddly warm and tranquil . The next morning , before the alarm clock chimed , Connor appeared , knocking gently on my door . " Livvy , time to get up , " his deep voice called from the other side . I woke , fished my phone from under the pillow , and glanced at the screen : 9:59 sharp . Such precise timing . After finishing my morning routine , I emerged to a breakfast laid out on the table : a humble bowl of venison stew . The rich aroma filled the air , making my stomach growl appreciatively . Curious , I took a spoonful of broth . My eyes brightened instantly as the familiar flavor hit my tongue . " How come it tastes exactly like that restaurant near my law firm ? " I asked , unable to hide my surprise . Across the table , Connor merely murmured a neutral " Mm . " I was puzzled . What did that mean ? I sampled another bite - yes , it was unmistakably the same taste . The unique blend of herbs , the perfect tenderness of the meat - this wasn't just similar , it was identical . I glanced suspiciously at him . " Did you buy this from that tiny restaurant behind my firm ? " A pause , then Connor admitted plainly , " Yes . " " But … how do you know that shop ? " It was more than ten kilometers from this hotel . Why would he go so far for venison stew ? Seeing no point in hiding , Connor confessed quietly , " I … came to Harbor City to see you before . " I froze , shocked , my amber eyes widening . " C - came to Harbor City ? When ? " " In your first year here , the second year , and this year . I visited every year . " His voice was calm and matter - of - fact . < Chapter 16 Hidden Feelings … +25 Puntos My mind went blank as if blood had stopped flowing . Connor had come secretly , year after year , just to see me ? No wonder the suite bore traces of frequent occupation - he'd visited often . My heart thudded wildly with a realization I wasn't ready to face . Had he been watching over me all this time ? While I thought I was alone in Harbor City , had he been silently keeping tabs on me ? Flustered , I hurriedly changed topic . " Thank you for the stew , Con . It's really delicious . " He noticed my flushed ears , red as if bleeding , and a faint smile played at his lips , but he didn't expose my shyness . Instead , he changed the subject gently . " By the way , I know a skilled artifact restorer - Eliza Montgomery . She was once invited by the National Heritage Museum to repair ancient relics . Maybe she can fix your ceramic figurine . " " Really ? " My head snapped up , eyes sparkling with hope . Connor nodded calmly . " When we return to Riverdale , I'll take you to see her . " " Alright . " His words soothed my battered heart like a healing balm . Somehow , I simply trusted him - if he said the expert was capable , then my precious light blue ceramic figurine , shattered together with memories of my mother Sarah , just might be saved . I couldn't quite explain why , but Connor's gentle surprises had given me too many shocks in one morning . Suddenly , I wondered - what else did he hide from me ? 2