Chapter 31

The scent of something warm and sweet pulled me from the depths of sleep. My body felt pleasantly relaxed, a reminder of last night, but my stomach had other ideas—it grumbled softly at the delicious aroma filling the air.

Blinking against the soft morning light, I reached out instinctively, only to find the space beside me empty. The sheets still held traces of warmth, but Dimitri was gone.

Curious, I stretched and sat up, letting out a soft sigh. The smell of coffee, bacon, and something buttery drifted through the air, making my stomach tighten with anticipation. I slipped out of bed, padding barefoot toward the source of the enticing aroma.

As I stepped into the kitchen, the sight before me made my heart melt.

Dimitri stood at the stove, his back to me, effortlessly flipping pancakes. He was shirtless, the muscles in his back flexing slightly as he moved, his dark hair slightly tousled, as if he'd been running his fingers through it while cooking. The soft glow of the morning light streamed in through the windows, making him look even more breathtaking.

My gaze flickered to the small table nearby, already set with plates, silverware, and a single white rose in a vase. It was simple, but thoughtful, and I couldn't help but smile.

Leaning against the doorway, I watched him in quiet admiration, warmth blooming in my chest.

"You're staring, darling," Dimitri said without turning around, amusement lacing his voice.

I huffed, stepping closer. "Can you blame me? It's not every day I wake up to the most powerful businessman in the city cooking me breakfast."

He chuckled, finally turning to face me. His eyes roamed over me, darkening slightly as he took in the sight of me wearing his shirt—one that barely covered my thighs.

"I should do this more often, then," he murmured, closing the distance between us. His hands found my hips, his touch warm and firm as he leaned in, pressing a lingering kiss to my forehead.

I melted into his embrace, my arms wrapping around his waist. "I wouldn't complain."

Dimitri hummed, his lips curving into a smirk. "Go sit. Breakfast is almost ready."

I pouted, reluctant to leave his warmth. "Can't I just stay here and admire the view?"

He chuckled, shaking his head before gently nudging me toward the table. "You need to eat, darling."

With a playful eye roll, I obeyed, settling into my seat. He finished plating everything with an effortless grace, and a moment later, he placed a plate in front of me—golden, fluffy pancakes drizzled with syrup, crispy bacon, and fresh fruit.

"This looks amazing," I said, glancing up at him.

Dimitri sat across from me, pouring us both coffee. "Only the best for you."

Warmth spread through me, and I reached for my fork, taking my first bite. A soft hum of delight escaped my lips.

"Dimitri," I said, meeting his gaze. "You're successful, powerful, and the most sought-after bachelor in the business world, but I think this is the most endearing thing you've ever done."

His smirk softened into something more genuine. "Then I'll have to keep surprising you, won't I?"

I smiled, my heart full.

Breakfast had never tasted so sweet like this.

I took another bite, savoring the warm, buttery pancakes before looking up at him with a teasing smile.

"You know, I already knew you could cook… but I'm still surprised."

Dimitri raised an eyebrow, sipping his coffee with an amused expression.

"Surprised? Why?"

I shrugged, cutting another piece of pancake.

"I guess I just can't picture the most powerful bachelor in the business world casually making breakfast like this. You're always so composed, so busy making million deals and attending exclusive events. And yet, here you are, flipping pancakes like a professional chef."

He chuckled, setting his mug down. "You make it sound like I can't do simple things."

"Oh, I know you can," I said, pointing my fork at him playfully. "But it's still… unexpected. In a good way."

Dimitri leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the table, his gaze locking onto mine with that intense, knowing look of his.

"Ophelia, I don't just want to be the man people see in boardrooms or in business headlines. With you, I get to be… this. Just a man making breakfast for the woman he loves."

My heart did a little flip at his words. I swallowed, feeling the warmth of his statement settle deep inside me.

I set my fork down, pushing my plate aside slightly so I could reach for his hand.

"Well," I said softly, squeezing his fingers. "I love this version of you. Just as much as I love the one who commands rooms and signs billion-dollar deals."

His lips curled into a small smile, and he lifted my hand to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to my knuckles.

"Good. Because with you, I can be both."

The way he said it—so certain, so full of quiet devotion—made my chest tighten with emotion.

I let out a soft chuckle, trying to lighten the moment before I got too overwhelmed.

"Though, I have to say… if you weren't already a billionaire, I'd tell you to open a restaurant."

Dimitri laughed, his deep voice filling the space between us.

"I think I'll stick to surprising you with breakfast for now."

I grinned. "I wouldn't mind that at all."

He gave my hand one last squeeze before letting go, reaching for his coffee again.

"So, what's the plan for today, darling?"

I took a sip of my own coffee, tilting my head in thought.

"Mmm… how about we do something different? Something fun. No business meetings, no formal events—just us."

His eyes glimmered with interest. "What do you have in mind?"

I leaned forward with a playful smirk.

"Wouldn't you like to know?"

Dimitri chuckled, shaking his head.

"Alright, surprise me then."

I smiled, already planning something special. If Dimitri could surprise me with breakfast, I'd make sure today was just as memorable for him.

Dimitri's eyes flickered with something softer as he studied me. His fingers drummed lightly against the table before he spoke.

"How's your body?" he suddenly asked, his voice low but full of concern.

I blinked at him before realizing what he meant. Heat rose to my cheeks as I shifted slightly in my chair, feeling the lingering ache from last night. It wasn't unpleasant—if anything, it was a reminder of just how much his lips, hands, and body worshipped me.

I cleared my throat, meeting his gaze with a small smirk.

"A little sore… but in the best way possible."

His lips curled into a knowing smirk, but the amusement in his eyes didn't completely mask the concern.

"I wasn't too rough, was I?"

I shook my head, reaching out to take his hand in mine.

"No, Dimitri. You were perfect and..." I paused for seconds, "I just need to get used to it." I added.

His thumb brushed over my knuckles, his touch warm and reassuring.

"Still, if you need to rest today, we can take it easy."

I arched an eyebrow.

"Dimitri, you just agreed to let me plan our day. Are you backing out already?"

He chuckled, shaking his head.

"I'd never back out on you, darling."

The way he said it—his voice thick with affection—made my heart flutter. I squeezed his hand before pulling away to finish my breakfast, but I could still feel his gaze on me, like he was memorizing every detail.

After a moment, he leaned back in his chair, arms crossed as he studied me.

"So, are you going to tell me what we're doing today, or do I have to wait until you drag me out the door?"

I laughed.

"No hints. Just be ready to leave in an hour."

His smirk widened.

"You do realize I don't like surprises, right?"

I tilted my head playfully.

"And yet, you love me and you always do surprises for me."

Dimitri let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head as he stood up and came around the table. He placed his hands on the chair's armrests, caging me in as he leaned down. His face was mere inches from mine, his voice dropping to a husky whisper.

"You're the only surprise I'll ever love."

My breath caught in my throat, my heart racing at his words. Before I could respond, he pressed a slow, lingering kiss to my lips, stealing whatever witty remark I had planned.

By the time he pulled away, I was completely lost in him.

"Fine," he murmured, brushing his nose against mine. "I'll let you surprise me today. But just remember… I'll get my turn soon."

A shiver ran down my spine at the promise in his voice.

I swallowed, regaining my composure, and grinned up at him.

"Looking forward to it."

He chuckled, pressing one last kiss to my forehead before stepping away.

"Alright, then. One hour."

As he disappeared into the bedroom, I couldn't help but smile to myself.

I hope today will be the begginning of the happiest day of our lives.