Lucy lingered a moment longer, watching Matthew's peaceful, sleeping face on the screen before ending the video call. The aroma wafting up from the kitchen reminded her that Cillian had dinner waiting downstairs.

She descended the stairs to the first-floor lobby, which had been transformed into a cozy dining area by the mother and daughter. It was a welcoming space for their guests to enjoy their meals.

As Lucy neared the table, her eyes widened at the sight of the spread before her. Cillian had downplayed his cooking plans, mentioning only ribs, potatoes, and soup. She did not expect that such simple home- cooked food would have its own flair when made by Cillian.

The ribs were juicy and glossy due to the sauce, looking like utter perfection. They had an enticing aroma.

There was also mashed potatoes on the table. Cillian had added some bacon to the potatoes, making the potatoes exceptionally flavorful.

The mushroom soup was a far cry from the watery rendition one might find in a college dining hall. It was rich with ingredients. It was clearly made with care and attention.

"Surprised?" Cillian's voice broke through her admiration as he wiped his hands and hung up his apron, a sign of a job well done.

on her lips. "I never

got to be my

he playfully ribbed

up to the dining table. She grabbed a rib and started biting into it. Her eyes sparkled with

this world. You could sell it at

of his head. "You're exaggerating. I was actually aiming to make pumpkin

bulging with food, gave him a quizzical

a napkin, saying fondly, "Take your

telling the story of the

earlier, only to find they were

around and found out tomatoes aren't grown here. They're all imported. And would you believe it? Everyone's crazy for them, so

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