-[] As they moved deeper into the mansion, Mia couldn't shake the feeling of unease that settled in her stomach. Just then, a loud growl erupted from her belly, startling her. Mia's cheeks flushed with embarrassment as she realized how hungry she truly was. She had been so caught up in the whirlwind of emotions and events that she hadn't even considered eating.
Ethan turned slightly, a knowing smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Sounds like someone is hungry," he quipped. "I'll prepare something for you."
Mia's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh no, really, you don't have to do that," she insisted, instinctively crossing her arms. "I'm not hungry, I promise."
Ethan's expression relaxed, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes as he continued to walk ahead. "I'll take care of it, don't worry," he replied, brushing off her refusal as if it were inconsequential.
"Mia," he called back to her as he stepped into a spacious kitchen, adorned with gleaming appliances and elegant marble countertops. "Just relax. It'll take a moment."
Mia hesitated at the entrance of the kitchen, the scent of freshly cooked food wafting through the air, igniting her cravings even more. But stubbornness took hold. "I really don't need to eat," she insisted once again, trying to sound firm.
Ethan, however, didn't seem bothered by her objections. He pulled out various ingredients, placing them on the counter with an efficiency that surprised her. "You need to keep your strength up," he said matter-of-factly, as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
With a heavy sigh, Mia crossed her arms tighter, feeling conflicted. On one hand, the warmth of the kitchen and the promise of food were oddly comforting, but on the other, she didn't want to accept anything from him. "I can't just let you cook for me," she argued, though the enticing aroma was making it increasingly difficult to maintain her stance.
Ethan merely shrugged, focused on his task. "I enjoy cooking. Besides, I'd rather do this myself than call for the staff." He glanced up at her, a teasing glint in his eyes. "Trust me; I'm far better at it than any maid."
Mia stifled a laugh, the tension between them momentarily dissipating. But she still felt an overwhelming desire to reject his offer. "Really, Ethan, it's fine. I can wait until later," she insisted, trying to keep her tone serious.
With a casual flick of his wrist, Ethan continued slicing vegetables, unfazed by her words. "Too bad. You're getting something, whether you like it or not," he stated confidently.
Mia surrendered with a reluctant smile as her stomach gurgled in response, betraying her resolve. It seemed she had lost this round, but there was a strange sense of comfort in his determination. As Ethan continued to chop and stir, she found herself relaxing, the stresses of the day momentarily pushed to the side.
"Okay," she finally conceded, "but only because I can't focus on anything else right now."
Ethan glanced over his shoulder, satisfied. "I thought you'd come around."
And as the warmth of the kitchen enveloped her, Mia couldn't help but feel that perhaps this unexpected moment could lead to something more than just a meal—instead, a shared experience that might bridge the gap between their complicated lives.
- [ ]
Ethan continued moving around the kitchen with an easy confidence, as if the space were his second home. Mia leaned against the counter, watching as he effortlessly chopped vegetables and stirred a delicate sauce simmering on the stove. The warmth of the kitchen wrapped around her like a comforting embrace, and the inviting aromas made her realize just how hungry she truly was.
"So, what are you making?" Mia asked, trying to sound casual, though her curiosity was piqued by the way Ethan handled the ingredients with such care.
"A simple pasta dish," he replied with a focused expression, as he sprinkled a mix of herbs into the sauce. "It's one of my favorites. Easy to make, and it's a crowd pleaser." He paused, glancing at her with a raised eyebrow. "Though I guess today, it's just for you."
Mia felt a flutter of warmth in her chest at the thought, despite her earlier resistance. "I didn't know you could cook," she admitted, watching as he tossed the vegetables into the bubbling sauce.
Ethan chuckled softly. "There's a lot you don't know about me, Mia. What can I say? I'm full of surprises." He shot her a playful grin, and for the first time, his demeanor felt less like that of a powerful figure and more like a person who simply enjoyed creating something meaningful, even if it was just a meal.
As he worked, Mia's stomach growled again, louder this time, and she couldn't help but laugh. "Okay, okay—I get it! I'm really hungry," she admitted, feeling a bit sheepish.
"Exactly," Ethan replied, smiling as he plated the pasta. "No one can resist the call of a good meal." He turned to face her, holding up the steaming plate like a trophy. "Ta-da! Your lunch is served."
Mia's eyes widened in genuine delight at the sight before her. The pasta looked perfectly cooked, coated in a rich, aromatic sauce and topped with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. A side salad completed the meal, vibrant greens peeking out from the edges of the plate.
"Wow, this looks amazing!" she exclaimed, her earlier hesitation melting away. "You really outdid yourself."
Ethan shrugged modestly but couldn't hide the hint of pride in his smile. "I like to think I have my moments. Now sit and enjoy!"
Mia took a seat at the kitchen island, and Ethan joined her, placing the plate in front of her with an air of satisfaction. As she took her first bite, the flavors danced on her palate, and she couldn't help but let out a satisfied sigh. "This is incredible! You really know your way around a kitchen."
"Glad you like it," he replied, taking a bite of his own food. They fell into a comfortable rhythm, sharing more about their lives and experiences as they ate.
"So, what's it like living in a house like this?" Mia asked, looking around the stunning kitchen and recalling the grandeur of the mansion.
"It's complicated," Ethan responded, a more serious tone creeping into his voice. "People see the wealth and think it's all glamorous, but there are a lot of expectations that come with it. Loneliness is often part of the deal."
Mia nodded, sensing the weight of his words. "I get that. It must be tough sometimes."
Ethan met her gaze, his blue eyes reflecting a mixture of vulnerability and resolve. "It can be. But moments like this," he gestured between them, "make it worthwhile."
There was a brief pause as they exchanged smiles, the tension that had once filled the air beginning to dissipate. For the first time in a while, Mia felt a genuine connection forming—a bridge spanning the divide between their worlds.
"Thank you for this," she finally said, gesturing to the empty plate. "For the food, yes, but also for this moment."
Ethan's smile softened. "Anytime. You deserve a break from everything.