Chapter 273: Adrian Sprinted Forward in Three Quick Strides

Adrian sprinted forward in three quick strides, taking the heavy bundle from Elena's hands with a tender smile. "Elena, Daniel, you're finally here!" He had known from Elena that her sister's family was coming to the city. Truth be told, he and Elena's sister were old acquaintances—he had helped her through her divorce back in the day.

Elena's sister watched as her brother-in-law doted on Elena, her heart swelling with joy. Not only was Adrian handsome, but he also treated Elena with such care. Her sister was truly blessed.

"Adrian, I'm sorry to trouble you during the holidays," Elena's sister said politely, speaking as the eldest sibling on behalf of the family.

Adrian effortlessly took the bag from her back. "Don't be so formal. We're family. You're Elena's sister, which makes you my sister too. If you keep being so polite, you'll hurt my feelings."

"Exactly! No need for formalities between family!" Elena's sister beamed. "We’ll be imposing on you during our stay in the city."

Adrian chuckled warmly. "The truck's waiting outside. Elena told me about your situation. You’ll stay at her dorm for now, but I’ve already asked a friend to help find a place. We should have news soon."

Elena's sister glanced at Elena worriedly. "I just don’t want to disrupt her work. The city isn’t like the countryside—you can’t just have relatives staying over whenever." Though Elena insisted it was fine, she still felt uneasy.

Elena opened the truck door. Adrian had borrowed a pickup especially for their arrival. They piled in, with Elena, her sister, and Samuel squeezing into the front seat. Elena sat close to Adrian, their legs nearly touching in the cramped cabin. If not for the gearshift between them, they might have been pressed even closer.

The masculine scent of him enveloped her. He wore dark green military trousers that accentuated his long, sturdy legs. His strong hands gripped the wheel firmly, his shirt buttoned neatly to the top, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly as he spoke. The setting sun cast dappled light through the window, tracing the sharp angles of his profile.

Suddenly, Adrian turned his head, his deep gaze locking onto Elena’s. Her pulse stuttered, remembering his whispered "I missed you" over the phone. Heat rushed to her cheeks, and she quickly looked away, pretending to focus on the road ahead—but her heart refused to calm.

As the truck started, Adrian’s hand occasionally brushed against her leg when shifting gears. Even when she scooted closer to her sister, the fleeting contact sent warmth flooding through her.

"Adrian drives so smoothly," Elena's sister remarked admiringly. Though she knew nothing about driving, his effortless control spoke of experience.

"Keep praising me like that, and I’ll blush," Adrian replied with a grin.

Samuel suddenly piped up, "Uncle Adrian, remember me? I’m the youngest!"

"Of course I remember," Adrian glanced at him in the rearview mirror. "I carried you back to Pinehaven Village. You’ve grown so much. How’s school?"

"My teacher says I can get into college if I work harder!" Samuel answered excitedly. His usually stern uncle being so friendly made him feel special.

"Study hard, and I’ll cover your tuition," Adrian said, glancing at Elena. "So your mom won’t have to worry."

"No need!" Elena's sister cut in firmly. "I’ll take care of my own children. I won’t let them grow dependent."

Adrian simply smiled.

Then Samuel blurted out, "Uncle Adrian, when are you marrying Aunt Elena?"

Elena froze.

"Samuel! Have you finished your winter break homework?" She quickly changed the subject, her face burning.

Elena's sister pinched her son’s arm sharply. "What nonsense are you spouting?"

"Mom! That hurts!" Samuel rubbed his arm, bewildered.

"Finish your homework tonight!" Elena ordered sternly.

"Why, Aunt Elena?" The boy looked utterly confused.

"No reason!" Elena narrowed her eyes. Why were kids so difficult these days?

"Oh..." Samuel slumped, then suddenly perked up again. "Uncle Adrian, you still haven’t answered me!"

Elena nearly choked on her own breath.

"When your aunt turns twenty," Adrian replied, his lips curving as he watched Elena’s flushed face. "I’d marry her tomorrow if the law allowed."

"That’s a relief," Samuel said sagely. "Otherwise, who’d take care of Aunt Elena?"

Elena couldn’t help but laugh. "Isn’t that your job?"

"I have school!" Samuel counted on his fingers. "I already take care of Mom. If I had to look after you too, I’d be too busy. Once Uncle Adrian marries you, he can take care of you every day!"

Elena's sister hugged her son. "Silly boy, but you’re not wrong."

Elena’s heart warmed. "Thank you for worrying about me, Samuel. I’ll marry soon so you don’t have to."

Her words sent a thrill through Adrian, as if he’d downed two bottles of fine wine. She wanted to marry him! The realization made him lightheaded, his grip on the wheel nearly slipping.