The air was silent in the kitchen as neither Morwenna nor Stuart wanted to talk. They were playing a part, after all.
Stuart leaned against the doorway, observing Morwenna as she cooked.
Morwenna was making some classic, home-style dishes.
She kicked things off by scrubbing the beef clean, getting it ready for a hearty beef stew. After that, she swiftly diced up some onions.
With precise skill, she then seasoned the fish nicely, gave it a solid ten-minute marinate before frying it.
Her thoroughness was evident in how she washed the vegetables three times over.
Her chopping was quick and precise. She cooked with a seriousness born from past hardships, a profound respect for food that made her momentarily forget about the man watching her from the doorway. Watching her busy form, Stuart felt an absurd pang of guilt for his past behavior.
Was this girl really that good at pretending?
When Morwenna finished cooking and was about to serve the dishes, she nearly bumped into Stuart.
It struck her funny that Stuart took his role so seriously, standing there watching her cook for over an hour.
Morwenna nodded at Stuart as she proceeded to bring the dishes out.
She made a beef stew, fried fish, green beans, and roasted potatoes, all simple, comforting home-cooked meals.
Slightly coquettish, Morwenna said softly, "Norbert, I've made some simple dishes. Please, have a taste and see if you like them."
Norbert took a bite and nodded in satisfaction, "Wow, impressive, far surpasses anything my home chef ever whipped up! Stuart, you're lucky to have her," he commented.
The pleasant atmosphere at the dining table stiffened slightly at the mention of his name.
Morwenna tensed up, fearing Stuart might slip up.
For a moment, the air around the dining table seemed to freeze.
Stuart looked at Morwenna, his gaze deep, and agreed, "Yeah, of course."
Relieved by Stuart's cooperation, Morwenna breathed a sigh of relief.
Norbert smiled contentedly, satisfied with the response.
Stuart seemed eager to end their arrangement just days ago, yet he was playing along.
Whether it was for his grandfather's sake or their relationship was improving, it was a good sign.
After dinner, Norbert mentioned he wanted to watch TV.
Morwenna readily agreed to join him.
She initially intended to sit with Norbert but noticed his glances toward Stuart and quickly realized what Norbert truly wished for. He wanted her and Stuart to get along.
She walked to Stuart, mustered her courage, and took his hand, sitting beside him before telling Norbert, "Norbert, let's watch the TV show together."
Sure enough, Norbert's smile broadened.
Holding Stuart's hand, Morwenna couldn't help but feel nervous, worried he might reject her touch or refuse to play along.
Fortunately, Stuart cooperated, not pulling away.
Morwenna found herself sandwiched between Stuart and Norbert.
Thinking about her impending departure and how disappointed Norbert would be if he found out later, she said, "Norbert, if I mess up some time later, please don't get mad. I love and respect you the most." After hearing those words, Stuart paused for a moment.
In high society, where a mere gesture could earn flattery from countless people, it was rare and somewhat amusing for someone to express such fondness openly.
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