Dear Sweetheart novel

Chapter 344 Are You Not Tired Of It
“My roommate.”
Kristie stared at him incredulously. When she saw that his gaze was clear and he appeared to be telling the truth, she pouted. “If I ever discover you having a relationship with someone else, you’re dead!”
“Don’t be silly.” Patting her head, James tried to change the subject. “You should eat more. When I carried you yesterday, you felt lighter than before.”
In James’ opinion, women should not be overly thin, or they would suffer from the effects of anemia and whatnot. A well-developed, healthy body was certainly better.
“No! I can’t be on camera if I put on weight.” Kristie pouted, shaking a slender finger at him. “Men say that it’s not good to be too skinny, but when we put on weight, they will feel disgusted.”
“No, I won’t.”
“Hmph!” Kristie snorted. “You may not mind, but I do. I’m afraid that you’ll grow tired of me if I become fat and pursue other girls instead. At the end of the day, I’m also relying on my looks to make a living from my fans.”
James was at a loss for words.
“I think you should eat more,” Kristie murmured as she rubbed his chest. “You’re the one who needs the strength, not me.”
Instantly, he understood her double entendre. Arching an eyebrow, he lowered his head and stared at the impish grin on her face. “Such enthusiasm. Don’t you get tired of it?”
Kristie threatened, “The day I am no longer enthusiastic is the day I’m seeing someone else.”
James was rendered speechless.
What a titillating display.

The Christmas Eve dinner prepared was extremely lavish. Each and every dish Linda made was tailored to James’ taste.
The atmosphere was merry as everyone sat down to eat.
Linda glanced at James and Cillian, her children’s respective partners, with a content expression. She sighed wistfully. “I wonder how Rayna is doing overseas. That girl won’t even come home for Christmas.”
Since he was her potential son-in-law, Linda had wanted to invite Curtis over. However, after considering the fact that Curtis and Rayna were only dating and had not progressed so far, she dispelled the notion. Curtis would also have his own family gathering to attend, thus, she felt bad about inviting him over.
Serving Linda a plate, Roxanne said, “Mom, you worry too much. I’m sure Rayna can take good care of herself over there. Anyway, James and I both brought our partners home tonight!”
“She’s been gone for more than a month now, but she never calls.” Apart from the very first phone call, Rayna had not called home, causing Linda to worry about her.
A woman traveling overseas for work all by herself… Huh, Rayna is a kind girl. What if she’s being bullied over there?
Linda peered at Roxanne, a hint of dissatisfaction coloring her tone as she said, “Among you three siblings, Rayna is the most dependable, while James is the most obedient. You’re the most spoiled, always making your sister worry about you.”
“Mom, I’m not spoiled!” Roxanne complained. Kristie is even more spoiled than I am! However, Roxanne chose to keep silent because of Kristie’s background. As she could not afford to incur their wrath, she could only bear her mother’s criticism silently.
“How are you not spoiled? Rayna offered to let you study abroad, but you refused her offer and chose to pursue a career in acting, wasting a lot of her money in the process. It’s a good thing she has a knack for business.”
Linda truly felt bad about it. She was a divorcee trying to take care of her three children, but the family’s financial burden had fallen on her oldest daughter’s shoulders instead. Rayna is such an outstanding daughter.
Tears began to roll down her face at the thought. Linda sobbed, “You should cherish your sister more. If it wasn’t for her support, you won’t be able to pursue your dreams. I have nothing and can do nothing for you all.”
“There, there. Why are you crying, Mom?” Roxanne hurried over to comfort her mother. “We know that our current lifestyle is all Rayna’s efforts. We will make sure to treat her well.”
James added, “Mom, you know me. I’ll always support Rayna in her endeavors. I’m incredibly grateful to you and Rayna.”
“It’s not good to cry on Christmas Eve,” Kristie chimed in. “Come, let’s toast to Rayna who isn’t here today.”
Linda wiped her tears. “What a shameful display. You’re right, I shouldn’t cry on such a joyous day.”
Everyone picked up their glasses and toasted.
Cillian poured a glass of wine and offered it to Linda.
Scratching his head, he said awkwardly, “Ms. Linda, I am but an uncultured man who can’t quite measure up to those handsome men who are good at earning money. However, I’m truly grateful that a pretty woman like Roxanne is willing to stay with me.”
Linda laughed in response. “Just because a man is handsome and good at earning money doesn’t mean he will cherish his partner. I’m quite pleased with you. Out of my three children, Roxanne is the fussiest. Please continue to take care of her.”
Cillian hurriedly said, “Oh no, she’s not fussy at all. I’d be happy as long as she’s satisfied with me.”
Halfway through the meal, Linda excused herself to go to her room.
She grabbed the gifts she had prepared in advance and presented them to Kristie and Cillian. “It’s just a trifle. I hope you’ll accept it and I wish you all a happy year ahead.”
Kristie promptly accepted the proffered gift. “Thank you, Mom!”
Unused to such customs, Cillian hesitated for a long moment before finally responding when Roxanne elbowed him. “Thank you, Ms. Linda. I wish you a Merry Christmas too.”