?Chapter 721:


    Steam curled up from the stovetop, carrying the warmth of milk and the rich aroma of frying oil into the air.


    Chris’ determined look found its way into her thoughtful eyes.


    Suddenly, the idea crossed her mind—maybe mornings like these could make life sweeter.


    Her daydream was cut short when Chris, in the middle of cooking, suddenly went still. A deep crease formed between his brows as he pressed a palm to his forehead.


    Concern shed in Maia’s eyes. She left her seat and hurried to his side, reaching out to steady him.


    “Is your headache back again?”


    Midway through her question, Chris suddenly turned and, with little warning, pressed a light kiss to her cheek.


    He shifted the mood with an easy tone.


    “Breakfast is done.”


    That unexpected gesture left Maia rooted to the spot. Chris didn’t wait for her to respond. Instead, he grabbed two tes and carried them to the table.


    For several seconds, Maia just stood there in disbelief. Finally, she lifted her hand to the ce he had kissed and asked,


    “Were you really not feeling well, or was that just an act?”


    “You can take a guess,” Chris replied, keeping his back to her and sounding far too pleased with himself.


    In truth, he only wanted to put her at ease.


    Narrowing her eyes, Maia frowned.


    “Guessing isn’t part of the n. You’re still following every step of my treatment.”


    ??oм


    Settling back into her chair, Maia reached for her ss and let the creamy milk linger on her tongue. The taste was full and mellow. With each bite of crisp bacon and golden eggs, breakfast felt like a treat fit for a special asion.


    Every time Chris cooked, he seemed to get better at it.


    Not a singlepliment left Maia’s lips. Instead, she kept her eyes on her te and focused on her meal.


    Still, she could not forget the earlier moment when Chris’ grip had tightened so much that his knuckles went pale.


    There was no mistaking it—Chris had truly been hurting, and whatever he felt was far from gentle.


    Quiet settled over the table as neither spoke a word, both drifting off into their own reflections.


    Out of nowhere, both nced up and locked eyes. At the very same moment, they both started to speak.


    “Chris…”


    “Maia…”


    A split second of surprise passed between them, then both started tough.


    A quietugh slipped from Maia as she blinked.


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