ng," I admitted with my head down, knowing I had to lie to avoid his anger about

x-year-old Adriana Monteverde, knowing nothing about it. Regret fills me for not paying attention to our hou

even cook these foods properly?" he asked harshly, frustrati

, preparing to accept what

cook, based on his earlier reaction. I couldn't suggest cooking something else; the re

en?" he asked

t," I r

e'll eat our dinner outside then. It wil

e. What if someone who knows me sees me? Worse, what if Papa's men are still

not hungry. You just

could see the veins in his arm and the unruly hair. His b

ght complexion, made me realize not all men like that are gay. Maybe he's just bless

Zion asked, pulling me out of my

nsincerely. "I'm

y here at home. I'm too tired to drive anywa

ped something. Furrowing his eyebrows, he looked a

way, fixing the plates with burnt food to avoid embarrassment. I felt ashamed of my fail

want to look at him, it feels awkward to make eye contact. I continue with my tasks, carrying plate

cook breakfast, determined not to burn it. I'll watch it carefully, like my favorite movie, hoping t

despite having finished washing the dishes earlier. I

o outside. The doorbell rings, startling me. I stand up, ready to open the doo

ront of me, brows furrowed in confusion. "Are you okay?" he asks. My mouth falls open.

paper bags from a well-kno

n. Just you," I stamme

l haven't eaten dinner. How did yo

b-because y

zel. Or... you want us to eat here

with me, and despite my recent failure, he seems in g

ps. He turns his back, carrying the paper bags

eing Zion all around his house shouldn't be abnormal, yet my heart races wheneve

m immediately stopped. Shall I open the door? Zion could be there. I close my

he see me like that? "It's fine!" I force a smil

paper bags from a well-kno

n. Just you," I stamme

l haven't eaten dinner. How did yo

b-because y

zel. Or... you want us to eat here

with me, and despite my recent failure, he seems in g

ps. He turns his back, carrying the paper bags

rong with me,

in the fabricated truths, and I promise myself to wake up early to cook breakfast, determined not to disappoint again. The next morning, as I manage to prepare a meal without b

heeks. "Not really. Your breakfast is ready. It's a bit messy, but I'll fix it right away. Sit there; I'l

." I nodded repeatedly. That's probably the only thing I can do. I used to make coffee fo

the table. He's already there, staring into the distance like he

atched as I placed the plates containing hotdogs, bacon, rice, and a cup of coffee on the table

singly, he wasn't angry this time. He even chuckled when he saw his less-tha

accepted that this will be my life for who knows how long. I have to temporarily leave the world where I tr

ere numerous missed calls and messages from my family – Ate Cheska, Mommy, Daddy, and even some from my office. I chose not to read them for fear of affecting my mood, especially mess

ingredients. There's a procedure, so I hope it won't be too difficult. I just have to start early. If I cook

f what I did was right. I sautéed the garlic and onions, which proved to be challenging. I literally cried because of those onions! The sting in my eyes was almost unbearable. It w

our household staff, and I can say that the taste of my own creation is far from what I reme

eciate having a decent meal tonight. It's my second night here, and I want to do something right to avoi

he be busy with work? What is his job? I didn't ask. I don't know if I have the right to ask as H

iving room and sat on one of the couches there. I let my back and neck rest. Str

xhausted. In just a few minutes, the weight on my eyelids

yes to the dim light from the ceiling. Besides that, I saw Zion's handsome face squatting in front

. Have you been here lo

up for a while now?

eping here?" he

for you to come. I didn't real

ntensifying. His jaw clenched as if I said something he didn't like. Is

on the table.

ere I was. I leaned back on the couch, blinked at him curiously.

eaten?"

ok my

u wait

ten yet. A small part of me hoped we would eat together again, so I

't say a word. I turned, unable to find the right words. I felt groggy, my mind not fully pre

took almost three hours," he explained

ot a problem for me. Come on!" I laughed

is chest rising and falling with a sigh. Seconds later,

ner on time. It's not good to skip meal