Sidney glanced down at Maria in his arms.Her eyes were closed, and a soft blush still colored her cheeks, her expression one of complete satisfaction.The hint of seduction lingered in the curve of her lips, which were now swollen from their earlier kiss.His breath deepened as he recalled what had just happened in the car. Tightening his hold on her, he strode purposefully toward the apartment building. Maria remained still, enjoying the warmth of his embrace.The corners of her lips tugged upward in a subtle smile.When they reached her door, Sidney said, “Unlock the door.” sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ FɪndNøvel.nᴇt website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.Maria, half-asleep, lazily lifted her hand from under the jacket and pressed her fingerprint to the lock.The door clicked open.Sidney shook his head with a trace of amusement. “Still too weak to do anything?”Maria nestled closer into his chest, murmuring, “Mmhmm.””Not even enough strength to open the door?” Sidney asked, his tone teasing.She chuckled softly. “Maybe just enough for that.”She reached out and pushed the door open, and Sidney carried her inside.He set her down gently on the bed and turned to leave.But Maria quickly hooked her arms around his neck, pulling him back, and even leaned in to press a soft kiss to the corner of his lips.”I’ll think about your offer,” she whispered, her voice playful yet serious.Sidney stared at her for a long moment before finally asking, “Can I go now?”Maria gazed into his eyes, studying him, before reluctantly releasing her hold. “I’m hungry.”Sidney didn’t respond, simply walking out of the bedroom and closing the door behind him.Maria closed her eyes again. He probably didn’t have the patience for her anymore. He’d likely left by now.Such a cold, heartless man.Just as she was drifting off, the door creaked open again. Sidney stood in the doorway, his voice calm. “Get up. Dinner’s ready.””Huh?” Maria blinked, sitting up and staring at him in surprise. “You didn’t leave?”Sidney’s smooth voice replied, “Weren’t you hungry?”Maria laughed brightly at his reaction and stood up. “I need to take a shower first. Want to join me?”Sidney’s only response was to quietly close the door behind him, ignoring her playful offer.Her mood lifted as she headed for the bathroom.When Maria emerged, feeling refreshed, she was surprised to see Sidney still there, sitting on the couch, scrolling through his phone. Without looking up, he said, “I sent you the detailed business plan. Check your email when you get the chance.””Alright,” Maria agreed easily.She took a seat at the dining table,her eyes widening as she saw the meal laid out in front of her-three dishes and a soup, all perfectly.plated. One meat dish and the netvegetable dishes, and everything looked delicious. She glanced up at Sidney, who was walking over, and asked, “Did you make all of this?” “Yeah,” Sidney replied simply, taking his seat and beginning to eat.It struck her he had waited for her to finish her shower so they could eat together. That small realization stirred something unfamiliar and bittersweet in her chest, atationshe couldn’t quite place but foundherself liking. “I didn’t know you could cook,” Maria remarked, picking up her utensils and tasting the food. Her eyes widened further in surprise at how good it was. This man really was a hidden gem.Sidney, his voice calm as always, said, “I grew up in an ordinary family. I learned to cook when I was a teenager.”With his mother frequently ill, he had taken on the household responsibilities early on. Cooking had been one of the most basic things he had to master. Maria looked at him with a touch of admiration. “Not bad.”Sidney showed no reaction, continuing to eat in his usual composed manner, his eyes never meeting hers.Maria didn’t mind his aloofness. She was enjoying the moment too much. The meal was good, and the quiet simplicity of it all felt strangely comforting. Suddenly, she had the urge to capture it.Pulling out her phone, she held it up and said, “Sidney, look at me.”Without thinking, Sidney glanced up, and Maria quickly snapped the picture, capturing the moment in a single frame.
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