When their eyes met, Gwenda saw the sly gleam in his eyes, making her cheeks flush even redder.

"Are you still going to say you're not blushing?" he asked, a faint smile playing on his lips.

"You" Gwenda began, furious.

"Hmm?" Olivier murmured, his voice low.

"Stop it. Let's cook," she snapped.

Unable to retort, Gwenda swatted his hand away and turned to the refrigerator for ingredients. Olivier chuckled, leaning down to whisper in her ear, "You look rather cute when you blush."

His warm breath on her ear froze Gwenda in place, embarrassment burning through her. Covering her ear, she glared at him furiously. "Are you going to cook or not?"

Olivier knew further teasing would provoke an explosion. Straightening up, he smiled. "Let's begin." He turned to the ingredients. He seemed to have forgotten his teasing entirely.

Gwenda gritted her teeth, gazing at his silhouette. That despicable ahole

Having witnessed everything, Wendy slipped back to the garden and reported to Melanie.

"Grandmama, they're flirting in the kitchen."

"You did a good job!" Melanie laughed, giving her a thumbs-up.

"Of course! I didn't read all those novels for nothing," Wendy replied, falling into a thoughtful pose. "I wonder if the upstairs bedroom can be locked If so, we could lock them in there. They could have some alone time. A guy and a girl alone hehehe"

Melanie frowned. "What kind of nonsense novels are you reading? A guy and a girl alone? What on earth are you hinting at? Are you allowed to read such things?"

Wendy forced a laugh. "Grandmama, today's novels are pretty clean. No nonsense plots."

"Really? Then how do you know so much?" Melanie eyed her sharply.

Wendy rubbed her nose. "I'm just kidding. It's nonsense."

"You'd better be. If I find out you're involved with someone at your age, I'll tell your father, and he'll teach you a lesson!" Melanie said firmly.

Wendy nodded repeatedly. "Don't worry, Grandmama. I won't"

Meanwhile, back in the kitchen, Olivier placed the fish in the pan to fry. Gwenda, with nothing to do, watched.

A little later, his phone rang. Glancing at the fish, he said, "Keep an eye on the stove. I'll take this call."

"Okay," Gwenda nodded.

Olivier answered the phone and left the kitchen. A few minutes later, the fish needed attention, but he was still on the phone. Gwenda grabbed the spatula and finished cooking the fish herself.

Ten minutes later, Olivier returned to find Gwenda expertly frying the fish. He raised an eyebrow. "You know how to cook?"

Gwenda started, nearly dropping the spatula. Fortunately, Olivier caught it. He looked at her. "So, at your apartment, you lied when you said you couldn't cook?"

Gwenda felt guilty, unable to meet his gaze. Olivier moved closer. "Did you lie because you didn't want me to stay long?"

"No I" Gwenda stammered, retreating.

Olivier pressed his advantage, cornering her. His tall frame blocked the light, casting a shadow over her. Nervous, Gwenda glanced at the fish. "Erm the fish is going to burn."

Olivier turned off the stove. "Go on."

"Wh-what do you want me to say?" Gwenda's face flushed, her chest heaving.

Olivier swallowed. "Why did you lie to me?"