Reborn Heiress: Taking Back What Is Rightfully Hers!
Chapter 143: Independence

Chapter 143: Independence

But a man’s heart, if it’s going to change, will change regardless of whether you’re a housewife or not.

After being reborn, Ella realized that no matter who you marry, a woman needs to have her own independence, especially financial independence!

Relying on a man can lead to a disastrous situation if he ever changes his mind.

It’s not that she didn’t trust men; it’s just that in this vast world, people are inherently selfish. Only when you reach the end will you truly know who will stay with you until the very last moment.

"Isn’t being a housewife great? After all, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach!" Eric teased as he slowly started the car.

"It doesn’t matter; if a man’s heart is going to stray, it will, even if you’re the best chef in the world!" Ella replied with a sarcastic smile.

Eric gave her a curious look. "What’s up with you today? You seem like you have no faith in me. I haven’t been around any strange women lately, and there haven’t been any rumors either!"

Ella paused, realizing she had come on too strong. She smiled and ruffled her hair. "No, it’s nothing. Just some thoughts after reading too many novels and watching too much TV."

"Hmph, those junky novels and TV shows. You should cut back on them!"

"Hey, are you planning to take away my only source of entertainment too?"

Ella was even more annoyed now. This man might seem charmingly roguish, but deep down, he was very much a traditionalist.

And of course, when it came to *that* kind of thing, he was even more wicked and domineering!

Ella couldn’t help but blush as her thoughts drifted ivn that direction.

Twenty minutes later, the car pulled up at the villa.

Eric carried the two heavy bags into the kitchen.

"Sweetheart, how about you cook tonight?"

Eric put the bags down and wrapped his arms around Ella’s waist from behind.

Ella frowned. "But... I’m really afraid that whatever I cook will taste awful and end up wasting the food!"

Eric playfully poked her forehead. "Alright, you win. I’ll cook tonight, but you have to help me wash the vegetables!"

Ella nodded obediently, secretly delighted.

A man willing to cook for you can’t be all that bad!

Watching him skillfully rinse the start cooking, Ella was so surprised she nearly dropped her jaw. She hadn’t expected him to be so proficient.

Not wanting to be outdone, Ella quickly pulled out some lettuce, though her clumsy hands made a mess of things. Inevitably, a piece of lettuce fell to the floor.

As she bent down to pick it up, Eric turned and caught sight of her, noticing the alluring curves of her body as she leaned over...

Eric felt a sudden surge of heat course through him, he walked over to Ella, wrapping his arms around her slim waist and brushing his lips against her earlobe.

Ella jumped, her whole body heating up. "Eric, what are you doing?"

"Making love!"

Ella froze, her face flushing pink. His playful and wicked tone made her think he might just be the most shameless man in the world...

Her face turned an even deeper shade of red as she quickly tried to remove his hands from her waist. "This is the kitchen!"

"Baby, have you forgotten last time? Maybe I should give you a refresher tonight," Eric chuckled softly, reminding her of that time in the kitchen when she had nervously glanced around, her eyes glowing with a seductive charm that had driven him to press her against the countertop and kiss her passionately.

Ella panted as Eric’s warm, damp kisses moved along her earlobe.

This man is so wicked...

And they were in the kitchen...

Eric’s breathing grew heavier, his hands expertly teasing her, causing Ella to let out a soft moan, her face flushed with an intoxicating shade of red.

Ella felt like she was completely at his mercy, doing whatever he wanted.

Suddenly, her stomach let out an embarrassing growl, making Eric’s kisses freeze in place.

"No more, I’m hungry!" Ella complained, her face scrunched in frustration. It was already past six, and he was still relentless.

That sound had probably ruined her image even further!

His wolfish kisses landed on her collarbone, which was still glowing with a beautiful pink hue from earlier.

Ella thought he might continue, but to her surprise, Eric lifted his head and sighed, giving her a gentle pat on the head. "Alright, go wash the vegetables. I’ll cut the meat. If we keep this up, you might actually faint."

Ella blushed, knowing that when she gets hungry, she’s prone to low blood sugar. But that wasn’t really her fault, right?

"Yes, sir! My dear husband!" Ella playfully stuck out her tongue, and Eric chuckled, planting a quick kiss on her cheek. "Good girl, my dear wife!"

The villa’s kitchen was soon filled with the sound of their cheerful laughter...

Meanwhile, Hannah was busy volunteering at an orphanage, teaching the children how to sing and dance. She was sweating profusely from the activity.

"Sister Hannah, can you teach me how to fold stars?"

"Sister Hannah, can you teach me how to swim?" After the dance session, Hannah sat down, and a few dirty-faced children gathered around her.

Hannah had woken up earlier to find Brianna absent from the house, so she quickly headed to the orphanage, thinking she could volunteer in the morning and rest in the afternoon.

But as the grimy children swarmed around her, she couldn’t help but feel a wave of disgust rising from within.

Despite this, she maintained a sweet smile. "Folding stars? I’m not very good at that! And there’s no swimming pool here, so I can’t teach you how to swim. But remember, don’t swim outside, okay? It’s very dangerous out there."

"Okay!" the children replied in unison.

The orphanage director, watching from nearby, seemed very pleased. After taking a phone call, the director said goodbye to Hannah and left.

With the director and the other volunteers gone, and the cooks busy with cleaning outside, Hannah’s expression cooled slightly.

One of the little girls reached out and tugged at her dress. "Sister, your dress is so pretty! Can I wear it?"

Hannah saw the dirty little handprint left on her pristine white lace dress and pulled the girl’s hand away with disgust.

Hannah forced a smile. "This dress is too long for you; it wouldn’t fit. But next time, I’ll bring you a dress of your own, okay?"

The little girl’s eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands excitedly. "Yay, thank you, Sister Hannah!"

"Hehe, little girl, Sister Hannah is being so kind to you. Give her a kiss to show your thanks!" a cold voice called out from the doorway, causing Hannah’s heart to sink. She turned to see a young woman dressed in blue sportswear walking in.

It was Lily!

Ever since Lily had been taken advantage of, and after Ella had warned her, she had been at odds with Hannah at every turn.

"Sister Lily, you’re here!" The little girl glanced at Hannah, and while Hannah was still in shock, the girl quickly ran up and planted a wet kiss on her cheek.

Hannah immediately felt something sticky on her face and realized with horror that it was the little girl’s snot. She almost gagged in disgust.