Chapter 16
Daven settled into the chair beside the kitchen, the warm scent of melting cheese gradually enveloping the room. His gaze remained fixed on Althea, unwavering. He observed her as she moved gracefully around the kitchen, every step deliberate and assured, as if the space belonged to her alone. There was a fluidity to her movements, a natural ease that suggested she felt truly at home here.
Breaking the quiet, Daven remarked, “You’re quite talented.”
Althea glanced back over her shoulder, blinking in mild surprise. “Talented?”
“In the kitchen,” he clarified.
A soft chuckle escaped her lips, tinged with amusement. “I’ve had my fair share of practice,” she said, turning back toward the stove. Her voice softened. “Cooking is something I enjoy. There’s a certain joy in transforming simple ingredients into a meal that someone else appreciates.”
She caught herself, remembering how Daven disliked when she rambled. “Sorry, Daven,” she murmured quickly, cutting off her own words.
He smiled, a teasing glint in his eyes. “Why apologize? Keep talking if you want to.”
Althea hesitated for a moment before changing the subject. “So, what happened with the merger talks with that Asian company yesterday? Did they come to a decision?”
Daven raised a subtle eyebrow. “You’ve been keeping up with the news, haven’t you?”
She shrugged casually, then set a plate before him. “Here. Enjoy.”
Daven sliced into the omelet, the aroma already whetting his appetite. “The problem isn’t the merger proposal itself,” he explained between bites. “It’s the board—they’re too conservative.” He took a slow, deliberate mouthful, savoring the flavors. “This is really good, Althea. You definitely know your way around the kitchen.”
Her face brightened with a genuine smile. “Thanks for the compliment.” She poured a glass of water and placed it beside his plate. “I’m sure you’ll find a way to convince them.”
He nodded thoughtfully, taking another bite. “Maybe.”
After a few more mouthfuls, Daven leaned back, closing his eyes briefly as he savored the meal. “Better than I expected.”
“The omelet?” she asked, a small smile playing on her lips.


VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABEL
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back)