Chapter 11 11
|| Author POV ||
The soft aroma of spices floated through the Volcov mansion’s grand kitchen.
Morning sunlight streamed in through the tall windows, reflecting off the marble counters.
Alice stood by the stove. A light pink apron tied neatly around her waist. Her hair was loosely braided and a few strands falling around her face as she focused on the simmering soup.
Even though the Volcov family had plenty of professional cooks, Alice insisted on preparing breakfast herself. It had become her way of finding peace—something to keep her hands and mind busy when her heart felt heavy.
Martha leaned against the counter, watching the young woman with soft eyes.
“You know, dear, the staff can handle this.” she said kindly. “You don’t need to wear yourself out every morning.”
Alice smiled gently, shaking her head. “I like cooking, Mom. It..calms me.”
Martha sighed but smiled in return. “You’re too sweet for your own good, Alice. No wonder I adore you.” Alice smiled politely, masking her sadness. “It’s okay, Mother. Please go and rest a bit. I’ll handle the rest.”
Martha sighed, reluctant to leave but knowing how persistent Alice could be. “Fine, fine.” she said with a playful smile. “But don’t overwork yourself, sweetheart.”
She patted Alice’s back before finally giving up. “And promise me you’ll rest after breakfast.”
“I will.” Alice replied with a tiny nod, her eyes still on the pot.
After her mother-in-law left, the kitchen fell quiet again. She was alone, almost until–
A low throat clearing startled her.
Her body froze. Slowly, she turned around.
Tristian was leaning casually against the kitchen counter, dressed in a black t-shirt with the sleeves rolled up, exposing his forearms. His arms were crossed over his chest while his eyes followed her every move with an unreadable calm.
“Morning.” his voice was deep and calm.
Alice’s heart skipped. The air around her felt heavy all of a sudden. “Morning.” She quickly looked down, pretending to focus on the pan in front of her.
Tristian didn't move at first, just watched. Alice could feel his gaze brushing over her steadily, like he was studying every flick of her hand, every breath she took.
“I thought we had chefs for this.” Tristian finally said in a low voice.
Alice blinked without meeting his eyes. “I... I like cooking myself.” she murmured softly.
“I can see that.” he said. The corner of his mouth lifted. “You seem...peaceful when you cook.”
Tristian tilted his head slightly, watching her from the side as she continued to stir. “You always wake up this early?”
“Yes.” Alice said quietly, not turning around.
He hummed “You really do act like a perfect wife.” he muttered under his breath.
Alice didn’t reply, just kept stirring. Her pulse drummed fast. Last night’s memory flickered across her mind, the way she’d broken down before him and the way his words had lingered in her ears.
His offer.
She felt her cheeks warm instantly and bit her lip to steady herself. It was natural. Tristian tilted his head slightly. “Nick didn’t come back last night?”
Her hand paused for a second. “N-no.” she whispered.
Tristian’s jaw ticked, his fingers drumming once against the counter. “Of course he didn’t.” He said quietly, pushing off the counter and walking a little closer toward her. Alice stiffened. She felt heavy goosebumps when he stood behind her leaned against her ear.
“And… did you think about my offer?”
Alice’s breath hitched. She turned around, holding the spoon tightly between her fingers. “I… I don’t want to talk about that.”
Tristian straightened his posture. A faint smile tugged at his lips. “Take your time.” he said simply, his tone calm and collected. “I’ll wait.”
Alice stiffened again.
“You don’t have to be scared of me, Alice.” he said softly, almost teasing.
“I’m… I’m not scared.” she lied in a shaky breath.
A faint smirk appeared on his lips. “You’re a bad liar.”
Alice’s eyes widened slightly and she instantly turned back to the stove, pretending she didn’t hear. She stirred faster. Her blush deepened under the weight of his intense gaze.
A few minutes later, breakfast was ready. The large dining room was filled with the aroma of freshly cooked food. Tristian sat at the head of the table, leaning back in his chair while Alice entered, carefully carrying a tray.
She placed a plate before him, keeping her eyes down. Her hands were delicate, slightly shaky. Tristian watched her every movement.
Alice hesitated before stepping closer. “Um… breakfast is ready.” she uttered in a small voice.
Tristian looked up. “Good.” he replied, then gestured toward the seat beside him. “Sit.”
Alice blinked, confused. “I-I’ll eat later…”
Tristian’s hand shot up to her arm and pulled her closer to his face. “Did I sound like I was asking?” His brow lifted slightly.
Alice could feel her heartbeat into her stomach. It was beating so fast at the closeness. Their faces were inches apart. She has never been this close with anyone else in her life.
Alice’s lips parted but she didn’t argue. She released her hand from his grasp. Tristian let her go. Quietly, Alice sat across him, her fingers nervously fidgeting in her lap.
Tristian smirked faintly, cutting into his food. “You know, for someone so quiet, you cause quite a stir around here.”
She looked up at him, puzzled. “What do you mean?”
He shrugged lightly. “My mother talks about you all the time. Even the maids gossip about how perfect you are.”
Her cheeks turned pink. “T-that’s not true…”
“Oh, it is.” Tristian said. His eyes gleamed with amusement. “You’re too good for this place, Alice.”
She blinked at him, unsure how to respond. Something about his tone made her heart race. There was no mockery, only something deep, steady and far too intense for her to handle.
Tristian leaned back while fixating his gaze at his sister-in-law “Eat.” he said quietly. “You’ve been cooking since dawn.”
Alice looked down shyly, picking at her food. “You don’t need to wait for me.”
“Maybe I want to.”
Her head snapped up with wide eyes and for a brief moment their gazes locked. Time seemed to slow. The tension between them felt strange—warm, yet dangerous.
Tristian smirked again, taking a slow sip of his coffee. “Relax, Alice. I’m just teasing.”
Her heart fluttered, though she tried not to show it. She looked down again in embarrassment. Her soft voice came out. “You shouldn’t tease people like that.”
“Only the ones who blush that easily.” Tristian chuckled smoothly, setting his cup down.
Alice gasped quietly, hiding her face behind her hair. Tristian huffed under his breath and continued eating, pretending not to notice the red tint on her cheeks.
The breakfast passed in soft silence, only the sound of cutlery between them.
But when Alice finally stood up to clear the table, Tristian’s low voice stopped her.
“Alice–” he uttered her name in a heavy tone, “don’t let people make you feel small for being kind.”
Alice froze, looking back at him.
Tristian met her gaze, cold eyes but his words carried a strange warmth. “Kindness isn’t weakness. Remember that.”
Alice’s lips parted slightly. Her eyes softened. She nodded faintly. “Okay.”
Tristian looked away with a small smirk. “Good girl.”