"Need a sous-chef?" Lila, not one to loiter, followed Chen Yu into the kitchen, itching to help.
Chen Yu, pulling ingredients from the fridge, grinned as he rinsed veggies. "No need. Your only job in my 'Atlantis' is to sip tea, feed the fish, and admire my culinary genius."
He shot her a playful wink.
Lila laughed, shaking her head, and leaned against the counter. She watched him chop with precision, wield the spatula like a pro—a far cry from the kid who'd once turned sweet potatoes into charcoal, landing her with a two-day stomachache. The "dark cuisine king" had morphed into a domestic god.
"Feeling cocky, huh? Think you can win my taste buds?" she teased.
Chen Yu, prepping chicken, smirked. "Wait till you try my secret weapon—'Nostalgic Bliss Chicken Soup.'"
He rinsed the meat, soaking it in cold water, then turned. "Soup or meat lover?"
Lila blinked, confused. He chuckled. "Cold water for tasty soup, hot for tender meat. Pick one."
"Soup," she said, nodding, mentally filing away the tip. Not bad, Chef.
The soup simmered on low, filling the air with savory warmth. Chen Yu tackled other dishes—red-braised ribs, steamed fish, yam stir-fry, a chilled salad, even a jam dessert, topped with fresh fruit.
"Dinner's served!" He presented a steaming pizza, ladling Lila a bowl of soup.
Lila sipped, her eyes lighting up. "Did I just taste heaven?" A bit dramatic, but her taste buds were dancing.
"Heaven doesn't cook," Chen Yu said, piling food on her plate. "You've got a god-tier boyfriend-level chef."
Lila rolled her eyes. "Nailed the cooking, but the ego's extra."
They bantered through the meal, the vibe easy and warm.
Mid-bite, Chen Yu asked, "Lu Zhe treating you okay?"
Lila's chopsticks paused, a sigh escaping. "He's… better. No more 'disgusting' jabs or ignoring me. Sometimes he's even sneaky-cute. Worlds better than when I was chasing him."
Chen Yu caught the tangle in her tone, his eyes darkening. "I just don't want him hurting you."
Lila stayed quiet, memories of Lu Zhe's old venom and that Vanessa-fueled slap flashing through. She didn't want Chen Yu knowing those scars.
"He's fine. His grandma loves me, so he behaves," she said, shifting gears. "Her birthday's soon. Any gift ideas? I'm stumped."
The Lu family lacked for nothing, and Lila's budget couldn't touch their luxury.
"Something unique, handmade," Chen Yu suggested. "Maybe a carved incense burner or sandalwood figurine."
"I'm thinking Ji Zi Lan," Lila said, recalling the rare century-blooming orchid she'd snagged from a failing flower shop. She'd thought it was just a plant until research revealed its "good fortune" lore. It was budding now—perfect timing.
"Ji Zi Lan?" Chen Yu's brows shot up. "That's super rare. Very mythical."
"Maybe it's why I got a second shot at life," Lila half-joked.
"Keep some for yourself," he said, serious. "That's your lucky star flower."
"I'll pair it with a sandalwood carving," she nodded. "Got any discount hookups?"
"On it. Tell me the size later," he said, patting his chest confidently.
It was nearing 11 p.m. Lila prepped to leave; Chen Yu insisted on driving her home. At her door, he hesitated. "Can I… get a hug?"
Lila nodded, and they embraced—a friendly goodbye for her, but for Chen Yu, a quiet fulfillment of years-long yearning. I'd hold you forever, spoil you always, he thought.
Unseen, her living room light glowed. Lu Zhe was home early.
He'd wrapped up work, returning after days away, only to find Lila gone. Waiting with files until 11, he'd nearly called her, even considered picking her up. Opening the door, he froze—Lila, laughing, hugging a stranger.
Her radiant smile, one he'd never drawn from her, twisted something in him. Jealousy? Rage? Hurt?
Lila stepped inside, jumping at the sight of Lu Zhe on the couch. "You're… back?"
"Where were you this late?" His voice was tight, brows knit.
"Dinner with a friend," she said, her smile forced. "What, now you're policing my social life, Mr. CEO?"
"Friend?" Lu Zhe's laugh was sharp. "What kind of 'friend' hugs and makes you grin like that? Got a boyfriend now?"
Lila's temper flared. "Lu Zhe, you unhinged?"
"I'm unhinged," he growled, stepping closer. "You're my fiancée. No getting cozy with other guys."
Before she could snap back, he pinned her to the couch, his body looming. His face inches away, he rasped, "I may not love you, but you're mine."
Lila's brain short-circuited. She opened her mouth to protest, but his lips crashed onto hers—a fierce, searing kiss, his breath hot. Her heart raced, caught off guard.
"Lu Zhe, you're insane! Get off!" She thrashed, yelling, but he held her tighter, nipping her lip before pulling back. He stormed to the guest room, a smug smirk flickering. Lila, flushed and furious, hurled a slipper at his retreating back, then stomped to her room, slamming the door.
What's wrong with him? On some power trip? Kissing me like that? She scrubbed her face, bewildered, her pulse still racing.
The next morning, Lila opened her door to a bizarre sight: Lu Zhe, crouched like a giant puppy, scrubbing her slipper with her face wash.
"What… are you doing?" she asked, baffled.
"Cleansing bad vibes," he said, deadpan, puppy eyes meeting hers. "I'll buy you new wash."
"Uh… okay." Lila sidestepped, weirded out.
At breakfast, she dished out porridge, serving him a bowl. He dumped his, staring at hers.
Lila's patience frayed. "What's your deal? Can't eat like a normal person?"
"I want yours. Feed me," he said, leaning in.
Lila nearly choked. "I've eaten from it. Still want it?"
He nodded. She sighed, humoring his oddity. "Open up."
She fed him a spoonful. He spat it out. "Too hot."
"Blow on it, genius!" she snapped, laughing despite herself.
"Won't," he said, nodding solemnly.
Lila inhaled deeply, vowing not to let him ruin her day. Happy vibes only.
As she grabbed her bag, Lu Zhe trailed her in his pajamas. "What now?" she groaned, locking eyes with him in a stare-off.
"Pick my outfit," he said, voice whiny but face commanding, like a spoiled prince.
Lila's head throbbed, eyeing his infuriatingly handsome face. "You going to the office?"
He nodded. Grinning mischievously, she grabbed a loud, teen-rebel outfit—baggy cargos, graphic tee. "This."
To her shock, he wore it. Lila blinked. Is he… craving attention?