Erick's gaze drifted back to Thea.
There was a softness in his eyes now—something warm, almost reverent—as he looked over the spread of dishes laid carefully across the table. Every plate held food he loved. Not one. Not two.
All of them.
Thea noticed.
Of course she did.
She smiled to herself, pride blooming quietly in her chest. This was the first time she had ever cooked for him. In her previous life, she had never once stepped into the kitchen for her husband. Meals had simply appeared. Servants handled it. She never asked what he liked. Never cared enough to find out.
But now—
Erick, there will be more. I promise.
Grandfather Thomas chuckled, clearly pleased."Looks like the three of us are having a feast tonight."
He glanced teasingly at Thea."Anne told me you cooked. Which dish is yours? Are you sure it's edible, hm?"
"Grandpa!" Thea protested lightly, turning to look at Anne near the doorway."Anne tasted everything and approved, didn't you?"
Anne nodded quickly, smiling.
Thea straightened proudly and announced, eyes flicking toward Erick,"I made the stir-fried beef with broccoli."
The moment the words left her lips, Erick froze.
His chopsticks paused mid-air.
Only then did he realise—he had already eaten half the plate.
Heat rushed to his ears as the memory of last night surfaced: the grocery store, the last pack of beef, her calm smile, the way she said she would cook it for someone special.
Idiot, he scolded himself internally. You already ate it.
He lowered his chopsticks slowly and looked at her.
"You said… you'd cook it for your special visitor," he blurted out before he could stop himself.
Thea blinked.
Then she laughed—soft, contained, clearly enjoying his reaction. She took a small sip of water, pretending to think.
"Oh?" she asked innocently. "Did I say who that person was?"
Her eyes sparkled.
"Well?" she tilted her head. "Do you like it, Erick?"
He nodded without hesitation.
"Yes," he said honestly. "It's excellent. Really delicious. You cook very well."
Her smile widened instantly—bright, unguarded.
"Then that answers your question."
Erick laughed quietly, charmed despite himself.
But the warmth faded just as quickly.
His thoughts drifted back to the study. To his conversation with Grandfather Thomas. To the words exchanged behind closed doors before he ever met her.
Guilt crept in.
Lowering his gaze, he spoke more softly."Thank you… for all of this, Thea. The food. The hospitality." He hesitated. "I don't think I deserve it."
Thea misunderstood him immediately.
She smiled gently and shook her head."Don't say that. You're my fiancé. Of course you're welcome here."
She turned to her grandfather instinctively, seeking affirmation."Right, Grandpa?"
Grandfather Thomas felt his chest tighten.
He knew exactly why Erick felt undeserving.
And he hated himself for staying silent.
I'm sorry, sweetheart, he thought. I'll tell you when the time is right.
He reached out and squeezed Thea's hand gently before looking at Erick.
"You are family now," he said calmly. "Make yourself at home."
Erick nodded, accepting the words—but avoiding Thea's gaze.
She smiled, unaware of the storm quietly forming between the two men.
"See?" she said cheerfully. "You're welcome here, Erick."
He returned her smile—smaller, conflicted.
Inside, his thoughts churned.
She's nothing like the rumours.She's kind. Thoughtful. Warm.And I'm standing here with doubts I didn't have before.
Every time he looked at her, his chest tightened strangely. His heartbeat felt uneven. This wasn't the polite indifference he expected. This was attraction—undeniable and unsettling.
He had come prepared to follow instructions. To treat this as a responsibility.
But now—
At the very least… I should give this a chance.
His fingers curled slightly against the table.
"I should think more carefully," he thought. "About the engagement. About her."
His gaze lifted slowly to Thea.
"I'm sorry," he said quietly.
She looked at him, surprised—but smiling.
Unaware that those words weren't about the meal.
They were about everything that hadn't been said yet.