Velia furrowed her brow as Lucas passed through the kitchen door. It was his neat appearance that caught her attention. The reason intrigued her enough to momentarily pause her activities.
There was a freshly baked whole wheat bread waiting for Velia’s touch. A sunny-side-up egg lingered in the air, seemingly reluctant to leave the skillet.
Lucas smiled faintly upon meeting Velia’s gaze. He walked past the table and kitchen island, approaching Velia in front of the stove.
Lucas’s embrace greeted Velia’s waist, accompanied by a fleeting kiss he planted happily on her forehead.
Velia blinked. Lucas stepped back to give Velia a chance to prepare breakfast.
“You look sharp,” Velia commented as she placed Lucas’s breakfast plate. “Do you have plans?”
Lucas picked up the plate with a tempting portion of filled bread. He nodded.
“On a Saturday morning?”
Lucas, who initially wanted to dive right into his breakfast, paused his movements. His hand lowered and landed on the table. A hint of amusement arose, causing Velia to furrow her brow even more.
“Why? Did I just ask something funny?”
Lucas shook his head. “Not funny at all. Quite the opposite. It’s normal. You’re exactly like a worried woman.”
There was a different emphasis in Lucas’s last sentence, implying a meaning that made Velia’s face stiffen.
“N-No, not at all,” Velia stammered. “I just thought maybe you should rest. Sometimes you work late.”
The red blush and annoyance on Velia’s cheeks made Lucas’s eyes gleam. There was a certain delight radiating from them.
Lucas nodded meaningfully. “So, the point is, you want to invite me to rest?”
Once again, there was a distinct emphasis in Lucas’s sentence, further implying a successful meaning that left Velia frozen.
“Ah, I-I mean-”
Velia’s words were interrupted by Lucas’s chuckle. He gave up on trying to defend himself.
“I have a brief appointment with an acquaintance,” Lucas said as he began to enjoy his breakfast. “I can assure you it’s a man.”
“I-I, well, that’s not my concern. You don’t need to explain, Luc.”
Two large bites of the bread disappeared into Lucas’s digestive system. For someone who enjoyed breakfast, he clearly displayed an attitude beyond the ordinary.
Lucas took another bite. He chewed in rhythm, and perhaps it wasn’t just the filled bread that tasted good. It was also the red blush on Velia’s face that meant everything to him.
“You won’t leave, right?”
Velia shook her head. “No, I’ll stay here. Besides, now you won’t ask me to go anywhere without you.”
The filled bread vanished without a trace. Lucas finished his breakfast with a glass of water.
“I’m just afraid that if you leave, you won’t come back.”
“Luc-”
“It seems I have to go now,” Lucas interrupted as he got up. “Contact Carter if you need anything, but that doesn’t include taking you out.”
Velia nodded. “Take care.”
“I’ll be home soon.”
Lucas planted a farewell kiss on Velia’s forehead. Afterward, he left, leaving Velia alone.
*
If it were not for the words “important” and “urgent,” Ricardo would not expect Boy to come that afternoon. The risk involved was significant. Who could guarantee it? The surveillance cameras could easily capture his face when meeting Boy.
That could be used as evidence. Regardless of Boy’s assurance that his work would always be clean-as it had always been-Ricardo did not want to take the risk.
Unfortunately, this time Ricardo had to give in. Boy’s determination made him agree to the offered meeting.
“So, what do you think…”
Apparently, Boy’s “important” and “urgent” were indeed accurate. It was related to a failed surveillance operation.
“… ss Velia really involved with a high-ranking official?”
Boy placed the coffee cup back on the coaster. His shoulders briefly tensed.
“It’s a tough one,” Boy nodded. “Yes. I’ll have more information by Monday, but if she’s indeed treated very specially, then I’m afraid it will be a bit challenging, sir.”
Ricardo skeptically grimaced. “Do you think the man who keeps Velia will report to the police if his mistress is kidnapped and eliminated?”
Boy fell silent. He had no idea.
“No need to think that far. Mistresses everywhere have low status. Besides, what’s in it for him to make a fuss about Velia’s disappearance? It could threaten his own life.”
As a man who often dabbled in the world of nightlife and sex workers, Ricardo could understand that line of thinking. He snorted dismissively.
“Dead? Just find another woman!”
“My job requires me to think ahead. Besides, wasn’t it you who wanted this job to be clean and tidy? If you allow it, I’d be happy to get my hands dirty, but of course, I don’t want to take disproportionate risks.”
Ricardo let out a rough scoff. No need for a detailed explanation, he understood what Boy meant.
A black wallet emerged from Ricardo’s pocket. He took out some money. Slamming half of it on the table, he handed the money to Boy.
A grin appeared on Boy’s face. He took the money and put it in the inner pocket of his jacket.
“I assure you that by the end of this month, I will have Velia’s address and sort everything out.”
Ricardo glanced at his watch. Checking the date, Boy still had about two more weeks.
“I want it as soon as possible.”
Boy finished his coffee with a sip. “As quickly as I can.”
Ricardo scowled but did not have a chance to say anything more. Boy quickly got up, adjusting his hat. Keeping his head low and hidden, he really did not want anyone to see his face. He walked away, leaving Ricardo cursing.
Damn it! Luckily, I still need you, Boy!
*
Of course, it was Velia whom Lucas intended to see when he arrived at the apartment. He entered and headed to the bedroom, but Velia was not there.
In the kitchen.
Lucas hurried to the kitchen and found a familiar aroma filling the air. Along with it, a faint hum escaped Velia’s lips.
The sight made Lucas pause in his tracks. Instead of approaching right away, he decided to savor the joy on Velia’s face. She looked genuinely happy.
Perhaps it had something to do with the brownies that Velia had just taken out of the oven. The glossy crust on top looked absolutely beautiful.
Velia carefully placed the cake on the kitchen island. She pulled out the parchment paper and removed it from the rectangular pan. It was at that moment her gaze collided with Lucas’.
“Luc!” Velia exclaimed. “Come here.”
Lucas approached. “What are you cooking? Brownies?”
Velia welcomed Lucas not only with a smile but also with a twinkle in her eyes.
“You know?” she asked.
“I remember the aroma,” Lucas answered, curious. “You used to bake them for me.”
Velia blinked. A fleeting memory crossed her mind.
“On your birthday.”
Velia’s voice sounded soft. Unwillingly, she could not prevent that memory from playing in her head. Involving the green grass in the garden, Velia’s surprise, and Lucas’ smile.
“That’s a birthday I’ll never forget.”
Warmth appeared and chased away the twinkle in Velia’s eyes. A hint of pain emerged. Her heart felt squeezed.
“Do you know?” Lucas asked, embracing Velia from behind. His face rested on her shoulder. “Since you left, brownies have been forbidden for me.”
The warmth disappeared. Replaced by a burning sensation.
Lucas chuckled faintly. “I sound so melancholic, don’t I?”
Not at all excessive. Lucas’ emotions were uncontrollable whenever he saw food that reminded him of Velia. It was ironic, but Velia’s loving smile always lingered in his mind whenever he saw those brownies.
His frustration was beyond words. Velia’s loving smile and affectionate gaze contrasted with her departure without a word. So, there was no way Lucas could be unaffected.
“F-forgive me, Luc.”
Velia’s voice sounded hoarse. She turned her body and hugged Lucas.
“I-I’m sorry.”
Lucas was taken aback. He could not breathe when there was an implied meaning in Velia’s embrace. He could feel it. It was just like before.
Unseen. Unheard. Yet, something jolted through every cell in Lucas’ body. Every nerve responded.
Lucas took a deep breath. He returned Velia’s embrace and smiled faintly. He caressed her tenderly, full of emotions.
“I think it’s time to end the cold war between me and brownies.”
Lucas released the embrace. He lifted Velia’s chin and raised her face. Gently, he kissed Velia’s misty eyes.
“When can I enjoy them? I can’t wait anymore.”
Velia took a deep breath, trying to control herself even though it was difficult. “In a moment. I’ll also prepare some tea for you.”
Lucas stepped back. He would wait calmly and patiently. If it involved Velia’s homemade snacks, his anticipation would undoubtedly be rewarded.
Brownies and tea were served. They looked tempting, not only offering deliciousness on the tongue. More than that, there was a familiar atmosphere that returned.
Lucas smiled. He looked at Velia and realized that the brief pause had neutralized his feelings.
“Come on! Give them a try.”
Not just a taste. Lucas began the evening conversation with a big bite. He chewed and enjoyed Velia’s tense expression.
“How is it?” Velia asked, curious. “Is it delicious?”
Nothing had changed. Exactly. Just like before. Not only the identical taste on the tongue but also the smile on Velia’s face.
Velia was taken aback. The way Lucas looked at her made her breathless.
“Luc.”
Lucas continued with the next piece. “Always delicious,” he replied, disregarding Velia’s changing expression. “I don’t know what dream I had last night to be able to enjoy your brownies today.”
“Well, I also don’t know what dream I had that led me to bake brownies,” Velia added, smiling. “After you left earlier, I was confused about what to do. So, I asked Carter to buy baking ingredients.”
Lucas coughed. He choked on the brownies and quickly drank some tea.
“Are you okay?”
Velia handed him a tissue. Lucas wiped the remaining liquid off his lips. The look in his eyes showed genuine surprise.
“Carter?” Lucas confirmed. “You asked him to buy baking ingredients?”
Velia nodded joyfully. “Yes, and it turns out he knows a thing or two about baking ingredients.”
Lucas was astonished.
“Oh, not only that. A few days ago, I also asked Carter to buy vegetables and other cooking ingredients. He’s quite good at choosing fresh fish.”
Now Lucas could not say anything while Velia just laughed.
“You were the one who told me to ask Carter for help if I needed anything.”
Indeed, but Lucas never thought it would involve baking ingredients and fresh fish. He was surprised to see Velia doing that. However, he was even more shocked by how well Carter did it.
“It seems Carter is truly a reliable driver.”
Velia’s laughter turned into a mischievous smile. “What about yourself? Did your meeting go well?”
“My meeting?”
It seemed the topic of Carter and shopping for groceries was a powerful distraction. At least Lucas needed two seconds to process the meeting Velia referred to.
“Thank goodness you reminded me,” Lucas said, reaching into his pocket and taking out his phone. “There’s something I want to show you.”
Lucas rose and moved closer to Velia. He embraced her while showing her a photo. It depicted a large house that appeared neglected, dampening its true beauty.
“Luc,” Velia whispered, uncertain. “What is this?”
Lucas gazed at Velia. “As you can see, it’s a photo of a house.”
An intuition emerged. Velia’s hair stood on end. Unwillingly, but suspicion quickly crept in.
“You’re right.”
As if he could guess Velia’s thoughts, Lucas nodded meaningfully. Then he showed her more photos, displaying different angles of the magnificent house.
“This is a house belonging to an acquaintance of mine. His business is struggling, and I’m interested. What do you think?”
The suspicion grew stronger. This time, Velia was left speechless.
“You would definitely like living here. The yard is spacious. You wouldn’t feel bored anymore. You could plant and tend to flowers like you used to. Ah!”
Something crossed Lucas’ mind. His forehead furrowed as he realized a possibility.
“Do you still enjoy planting and caring for flowers?”
Velia did not answer; instead, she expressed her objection. “You shouldn’t do this, Luc.”
There were several reasons Lucas could present as evidence that he should indeed do it. But Velia spoke again.
“You’ve already given me so much, Luc. I don’t think I need to explain all of that.”
Lucas shook his head, restraining a chuckle. “No. It’s not a good idea.”
“So-”
“It’s too late to refuse.”
Velia’s eyes widened. “Y-you?”
“I’m sure it won’t take long for Vlora to handle the transfer of the property’s ownership.”
Velia’s tongue was completely tied now. She could only gape as Lucas turned the tables. Lucas laughed happily, as if he had won an important match.
“So…”
Lucas’s voice was heard as his hand reached for Velia’s fingers. He held them and gently squeezed.
“… where do you want to live?”
Velia felt powerless. “I-I… I…”
Lucas’s hand rose. He caressed Velia’s cheek while smiling, relishing her stammering.
“I don’t think it matters where you want to live. What matters is who you want to live with.”
Lucas reached for the nape of Velia’s neck. In one gentle pull, he successfully silenced her lips with a tender kiss.
“Am I right?”
*