126

126
Chapter 126
This Tastes Good!

Nikolas smirked faintly. "She’s not just a woman. She’s my wife. My Cassandra. And she’s carrying my child. No one touches her, no one threatens her, and no one takes her from me.”

His words came out firm like an oath, and both Dre and Simeon exchanged glances quietly.

Simeon quickly went on and opened the car door while Nikolas stepped out carefully, holding the food flask and a tray.

Dre followed behind, keeping a straight face even though he couldn’t hide the tiny smile tugging his lips. 

The drive back to the hospital had been quiet, just the soft hum of the engine and Nikolas staring out through the window like he was already imagining Cassandra’s reaction.

As they got to the hospital, the nurses at the entrance straightened up immediately. 

Heads bowed, greetings echoed in whispers. 

No one dared to look him in the eye. 

Everyone already knew, Nikolas DeSanto was not just a name, he was a presence.

“Welcome back, sir,” one nurse stammered.

Nikolas didn’t respond. He just kept walking, the tray balanced perfectly in his hand, his face calm but focused. Simeon walked beside him while Dre followed from behind. 

The moment they entered Cassandra’s ward, he smiled softly.

“There…” he said quietly, walking closer. Cassandra was sitting up on her bed, her hair falling softly over her shoulder, looking tired but beautiful.

“Here…” Nikolas said, placing the tray on the side table.

I looked at him with a soft smile. “That’s so thoughtful of you…” I said, stretching my hand to take it from him.

But he moved it slightly away and shook his head. “No way… I’m feeding you myself,” he said firmly.

I blinked, surprised. “Nikolas, you don’t have to. I can eat on my own…” I tried to object, my voice low but he was already pulling the chair closer.

He sat right beside me, lifting the spoon like it was a weapon he was ready to use. “Cassy… don’t start an argument. I said I’ll feed you.”

I sighed, folding my arms slightly. “Nikolas…”

He turned his head slowly, his grey eyes staring into mine. “Do you want me to get angry?”

I froze and blinked, shaking my head immediately. “No…”

“Then open your mouth,” he said again, his voice calm but firm.

Mar chuckled from the corner, shaking her head. “Cassy, he’s your husband. Let him feed you. He should. Don’t argue with him.”

I turned to her helplessly. “Grandma…”

Mar lifted her brows playfully. “Don’t ‘Grandma’ me. Let your husband feed you, that’s how love works.”

Katy stood beside her, trying to hide her giggles, but I caught her immediately. “Katy! Why are you laughing?!”

She covered her mouth, laughing harder. “Nothing, I just… it’s cute, Cassy.”

“Cute??!” I frowned.

Nikolas ignored everyone, scooped another spoonful, and raised it. “Come on.”

I sighed again, then opened my mouth reluctantly. The moment the food touched my tongue, my eyes widened.

“Wait!” I said suddenly.

Nikolas froze, his brow lifting. “What?”

I looked down at the tray, shocked. “Who made this?!”

Dre, who had been standing quietly by the door, smiled a little. “Boss made it himself!”

My eyes widened as I turned sharply toward Nikolas. “You… really can cook??!”

Nikolas simply nodded, the corner of his lips lifting faintly. “I told you I could handle it.”

Mar’s laughter filled the room. “My grandson is really a gentleman…”

Nikolas looked at her and smiled. “You taught me well, Grandma.”

Mar placed a hand over her chest proudly. “Ahh, that’s right. I did. But I never imagined my lessons would lead to this day.”

Katy laughed, shaking her head. “I can’t believe it. Nikolas DeSanto cooked? With his own hands?”

Dre nodded, smirking. “He even chased the maids out of the kitchen. It was serious business.”

I gasped lightly, covering my mouth. “No way! You really did that?”

Nikolas shrugged like it was nothing. “They were too noisy. I didn’t want distractions.”

I giggled softly. “You sound like a chef already.”

He leaned closer, whispering near my ear. “Only for you.”

I froze a little, my face heating up instantly. “Nikolas…” I said softly.

He smirked faintly, clearly enjoying how embarrassed I looked.

Mar noticed and giggled again. “You two should calm down. You’re making me miss your late grandpa. He used to do this too…”

I turned to her curiously. “He used to cook for you too?”

Mar nodded, smiling with nostalgia. “Yes. Whenever I got sick, he’d sneak into the kitchen, chase everyone away, and make something himself. He said the food tasted better when made with love. And I believed him.”

Nikolas looked at her quietly, then smiled a little. “He was a wise man.”

“He was,” Mar said softly.

The room fell silent for a moment. Then I turned to Nikolas again. “You really didn’t have to do this though. You must’ve been tired…”

Nikolas shook his head. “No. Seeing you awake is enough rest for me.”

My chest warmed at his words. “Nikolas…”

He smiled faintly and scooped another spoonful, raising it toward me again. “Open up, Cassy.”

I smiled back and obeyed. He fed me slowly, each bite gentle, his eyes never leaving mine.

“Is it good?” he asked.

“It’s perfect,” I said softly.

Mar sighed happily. “Ah, my heart is full. This is what peace looks like. My family together.”

Katy grinned. “I should go call the others. They won’t believe it till they see it.”

Nikolas shot her a sharp look. “You do, and I’ll make sure your salary disappears.”

Katy froze, her smile dropping instantly. “I… I was joking!”

Mar laughed so hard that she had to wipe her eyes. “Oh, Nikolas! Don’t scare the poor girl!”

Nikolas only smirked. “She’s always too talkative.”

“I’m not!” Katy argued, crossing her arms.

“Then stop talking,” Nikolas said simply.

Katy went silent instantly.

I couldn’t help but laugh. “You’re impossible sometimes.”

Nikolas shrugged. “But you love me that way.”

I smiled softly, whispering, “Yes, I do.”

He looked at me for a long time before saying quietly, “Then don’t ever scare me again like that.”

The air in the room changed instantly. I could feel the pain in his voice.

“I’m sorry…” I said softly.

Nikolas looked down. “You don’t know what it felt like, Cassy. Watching you like that… not knowing if you’d wake up. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think.”

I reached out and held his hand gently. “I’m here now. I’m fine.”

He squeezed my hand, his voice low. “You and the baby are everything to me. I won’t let anything happen again.”

Mar looked at both of us, tears filling her eyes. “Love like this is rare. You both better hold on tight.”

I smiled at her. “We will, Grandma.”

Nikolas looked at her too. “Thank you… for always standing by Cassy. I owe you.”

Mar shook her head. “No, you don’t owe me anything. Just love her right. That’s all I ever want.”

“I will,” Nikolas said simply.

Dre cleared his throat awkwardly. “Boss, should I wait outside?”

Nikolas turned to him with a small glare. “You’re still here?”

Dre raised both hands quickly. “Leaving now!” he said and disappeared through the door.

Katy chuckled. “He ran faster than a bullet.”

Nikolas shook his head slightly, but even he smiled faintly.

I looked down at the tray and food flask again. “You didn’t even tell me what it’s called.”

Nikolas smiled. “It’s a secret recipe. My mother used to make it for me when I was a kid.”

Mar nodded. “Ah yes, she did. And now you made it for your wife. See how life goes in circles.”

I smiled warmly. “Then I’m honored. It’s delicious.”

Nikolas leaned closer again. “I’m glad you like it.”

He fed me a few more bites before I finally raised my hand. “No more, please. I’m full.”

He frowned. “Eat more.”

I shook my head, laughing softly. “Nikolas, I said I’m full.”

He sighed but gave up. “Fine. But you’ll finish it later.”

I smiled. “Okay, I promise.”

He placed the tray aside, still watching me. “Do you need anything else?”

I shook my head. “No. Just you here.”

Mar smiled quietly and looked away, pretending not to hear that part.

Nikolas nodded. “Then I’m not going anywhere.”

He took my hand again, gently rubbing his thumb over my skin. “Rest, Cassy. You need strength.”

I nodded slowly, lying back. My eyes met his one last time before they fluttered closed. “Don’t leave me,” I whispered.

He leaned closer, his breath brushing against my ear. “I won't...”

Mar smiled silently from her chair, watching them. 

Suddenly, Nikolas phone rang.

“Sorry, let me take this..” Nikolas said and excused himself.

I nodded as he stepped out and I turned to Katy.

“Katy… did you get me the fruits?!” I asked as I looked up from my bed. 

“Oh dear… yes, I brought a few,” Katy said quickly, showing me a small paper bag filled with bright apples, oranges, and a few bananas.