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.This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    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 weing 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 downyed his cooking ns, mentioning only ribs, potatoes, and soup. She did not expect that such simple home-cooked food would have its own ir 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 vorful.


    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.


    Lucy nodded, a smile ying on her lips. "I never knew you were such a culinary wizard."


    Cillian let out augh. "Living solo means I''ve got to be my own chef. Otherwise, who would whip up my meals?"


    Grinning, he yfully ribbed Lucy.


    By then, Lucy had cozied up to the dining table. She grabbed a rib and started biting into it. Her eyes sparkled with delight as she turned to Cillian. "This is out of this world. You could sell it at premium prices!"


    Cillian gave a wry shake of his head. "You''re exaggerating. I was actually aiming to make pumpkin soup at first."


    He settled into his chair at the table. Lucy, her cheeks bulging with food, gave him a quizzical look. Her gaze asked the question her full mouth could not.


    Cillian dabbed at Lucy''s greasy lips with a napkin, saying fondly, "Take your time. There''s no rush."


    He paused before telling the story of the missing pumpkin soup.


    "I went to the supermarket earlier, only to find they were fresh out of tomatoes.


    "I asked around and found out


    tomatoes aren''t grown here. They''re all imported. And would you believe it? Everyone''s crazy for them, so they''re snapped up first thing in the morning. If you want any, you''ve got to be there before sunrise.


    Cillian vented, "What''s the deal with that? Why am I, a college kid, duking it out with the early bird grannies for produce?"


    Lucy could not help butugh at his rant, but her mirth was short-lived as something unfortunate happened.


    Choking on a mouthful of mashed potatoes, Lucy could not stop coughing.


    Cillian looked at her, a mix of concern and amusement on his face. He gently patted her back


    "Take it easy," he advised a


    handing her a ss of water.