Just as she lit the stove to boil water, a sound came from the entryway.

Moments later, a deep, husky voice filled with displeasure followed. “You should’ve left this to me. Why bother doing it yourself?”

Aurora froze, staring at Lucas’ tall figure as he walked toward her step by step, caught off guard.

It wasn’t until he reached her side, his warm woody scent surrounding her, that she finally snapped back to her senses.

“Oh, I saw you weren’t home, so I thought I’d just cook something simple to fill my stomach.”

Aurora quickly averted her gaze from his.

His dark eyes were deep and consuming—if she wasn’t careful, she’d lose herself in them.

That was exactly why she didn’t dare meet his eyes directly.

She knew far too well the pull this man had.

Lucas found her dazed look irresistibly cute, like a startled little rabbit.

He reached out, ruffling her soft hair, and chuckled. “Alright, let me handle this. Do you want tomato beef pasta or tomato and egg pasta?”

Hearing his gentle voice, Aurora felt her cheeks heat with embarrassment.

Softly, she answered, “Tomato beef… I’ll have that.”

The moment the words left her lips, she felt even more self-conscious. Why couldn’t she resist when it came to food?

She hadn’t realized until now that she was such a foodie.

Lucas laughed lightly above her, as if he could see right through her awkwardness.

Leaning close to her ear, his lips curved into a smile. “Alright, honey, wait for me. It’ll be ready soon.”

Just those few words sent her cheeks flaming red.

She never would have imagined him speaking so openly—he had never been like this before!

Aurora didn’t dare stay in the kitchen any longer—she only wanted to escape Lucas’ gaze as quickly as possible.

If she lingered, she felt as if he would strip away every last layer of her defenses.

She returned to the dining table to wait, watching his tall figure moving about in the kitchen, and an overwhelming sense of security settled over her.

In that moment, Aurora knew exactly who it was that made her heart race.

Before, she had been able to keep her emotions under control, but now it seemed as though her entire heart was caught up in the man standing before her.

Why hadn’t she realized it earlier?

Now, Aurora found the thought almost frightening.

Should she try to rein in her feelings?

Before long, Lucas emerged carrying a steaming plate of tomato beef pasta.

His face softened with a gentle smile. “Go on, taste it. I simmered the beef extra long so it’d be nice and tender.”

“Alright.” Aurora picked up her chopsticks eagerly. “Then I’ll give it a proper critique.”

Lucas merely arched a brow, a look that said, “Go ahead, try me.”

At the sight of it, Aurora’s heart skipped a beat.

Why hadn’t she noticed before just how charming he really was?

It almost felt as if everything had been planned from the start.

Being watched so intently while she ate left Aurora a little flustered. “Aren’t you hungry? Why’d you only make one bowl?”

“I’m fine. I already ate at the office.”

Aurora didn’t press further, but hearing the word “office” stirred her curiosity. Why was it that whenever something came up, Lucas always seemed so capable, as if nothing was beyond his reach?