Hitched & Hitched Again: A Comedy of Marital Mayhem novel Chapter 1565

Keaton said, "Life needs its little rituals, Winona!"

"...Putting fifteen dollars' worth of mini-sliders on plates that probably cost five hundred dollars each. Yeah, that's some ceremony."

As a celebrity, Winona was no stranger to luxury brands. The set of plates in Keaton's home was from an Italian artisan workshop, where a single side plate cost well into the hundreds. It was niche, understated luxury, popular among young people with good taste.

Keaton arranged the mini-sliders neatly. "If you like something, fifteen-dollar sliders can go on five-hundred-dollar plates, or even better ones. After all, what you like is priceless. The things we love are the most valuable."

Winona didn't respond. That philosophy certainly matched his criteria for dating.

He never cared about a girlfriend's net worth, only that she was clean, healthy, and that he liked her. He'd date a princess or a Cinderella. In his eyes, a princess and Cinderella were the same; no matter their background, if he liked them, they were good enough.

Keaton was an expert at reading women. Noticing she had seemed down ever since she arrived, he added, "This place has magic. It can heal the heart. If you're ever in a bad mood, come stay the night. I guarantee you'll feel better the next day."

It was nonsense, but for some reason, Winona believed him.

"Is it because of the lighthouse?"

"Yeah. It's very healing."

With a silent understanding, they both turned to look at the lighthouse.

A single point of light on the dark surface of the sea was like a sudden glimpse of hope in a desperate situation. It truly was healing.

But as Winona looked, she felt an inexplicable sadness.

From the moment she had stepped into this house, memories of her time with Zane started flashing through her mind.

When she had wanted to buy this house, they were still deeply in love. Or more accurately, she was deeply in love with him, and he was putting on a very convincing act.

How should she put it? Zane was a true scumbag, but back then, she had truly loved him.

"You said we wouldn't go home until we were drunk! And besides, I'm safe here with you."

Keaton could tell her thoughts were miles away, but he chose not to shatter her silence just yet. "You're definitely safe here. I'll risk my life for my venerated ancestor and get drunk with you! But street food goes with beer, so let's start with a few of those."

Keaton turned to get some beer.

The original plan was for her to keep him company while he drank, but now it felt like he was the one keeping her company.

Winona didn't correct him. She sat quietly by the window, gazing at the distant lighthouse. She hadn't even started drinking, but her eyes were already getting hazy.

For some reason, at that moment, the sorrow she kept buried deep in her heart, the pain she normally refused to touch, suddenly broke free and rushed to the surface.

She felt a heavy sense of oppression and her spirits sank. She was sad, and she felt like crying.

Keaton came back with the beer and saw her state. His eyes narrowed...