He thought about these simple, homey meals, then about Sebastian’s cooking. Something about it all felt instinctively meaningful.

After dinner, Warren went to check out Sebastian’s newly arranged study, while Abigail and James cleared the table together.

“Abby, do you ever feel out of place living with Seb?” James asked quietly as he stacked the plates.

Abigail chuckled, “Who wouldn’t get used to a life of luxury?”

James glanced at her, noticing the way her eyes dropped. “Then why move here?”

Abigail paused for a moment before answering. “This place is like me, simple and full of inconveniences, maybe even a few odd habits. I want to see if he can adjust to all of it.”

She wasn’t just forcing herself to endure. This was her reality.

The food she cooked was ordinary, her knowledge of dishes was limited, and she wasn’t accustomed to finer details, like wiping her hands after handling fish.

Sebastian didn’t mind yet, but she wasn’t sure whether he would always be so easygoing.

James nodded thoughtfully. “Living together before marriage is smart. Better to find out now if you don’t click than deal with surprises later. It saves a lot of trouble.”

“Marriage is about adjusting to each other’s habits, about patience and compromises,” Abigail said as she carried a plate toward the kitchen. “At first, when you’re new in love, you pretend everything’s perfect. But after a year or two, reality hits.”

James nodded in agreement, following her into the kitchen.

For Sebastian, this was a real test.

“Will you tell him?” Abigail asked, opening the dishwasher.

“Telling him what? I’m just trying to understand. This is your thing. It has to evolve naturally for the best,” James said, tossing silverware into the dishwasher.

“Hey! They go here!” Abigail corrected, lightly tapping his hand.

James froze for a moment, then laughed. “You really do treat us like close friends.”

Abigail was used to playfully hitting Sebastian. She blushed a bit. “Seb’s been a handful all day. I’m used to it. Does it hurt?”

“I’m a guy. Can handle a little tap! If I couldn’t, that’d be pathetic,” James grinned. “Now, show me where the knives and forks go.”

Abigail picked up the utensils and placed them neatly in the compartment. “See? Fits just right.”

James crossed his arms. “Looks like Seb’s got his chores lined up. He’s going to have to help you out.”

“He knows what he’s doing,” Abigail said confidently.

While the dishwasher ran, James helped Abigail take out the trash.

Soon, Sebastian returned and gently ushered James out.

“I got this. You go relax,” Sebastian said. Even though they’d cooked together tonight, most of the dishes were Abigail’s.

“When the dishwasher’s done, put the dishes away and wipe the counters,” Abigail instructed before heading out.

She was tired and just wanted to sit down.

Sebastian stayed busy in the kitchen for quite a while before finally emerging.

Full and content, James and Warren were ready to leave.

“Take the trash downstairs for us,” Sebastian said, handing a bag of kitchen scraps to James near the door.

James made a small noise of surprise but took the bag without question.

After all, rich kids like him probably never had to deal with trash before.

Warren said, “From now on, it’s just you two. You’ll have to handle everything yourselves. Good luck.”

He patted Sebastian on the shoulder.

“I will. You guys drive safe,” Sebastian said, watching them put on their shoes.

Once they left, he closed the door behind them.

Abigail wrapped her arms around Sebastian’s waist from behind, resting her head on his back. “Long day? The food wasn’t that great, huh?”

“Home cooking’s simple but satisfying. I liked it. No complaints,” Sebastian said honestly.

He really did think Abigail was a great cook.

“I was worried you wouldn’t enjoy it,” she admitted softly.

Sebastian smiled. “Look, there’s barely anything left on the plates. If it was bad, we’d have leftovers.”

Abigail glanced at the empty plates and let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding.