?Chapter 933:


    Alden gasped, clutching his hips in exaggerated offense. “You’re underestimating me! Tonight, I’ll prove you wrong. Prepare to be amazed.”


    His childish indignation was too much—I doubled over withughter, nodding between breaths. “Alright, alright. I’ll wait and see how you n to impress me.”


    His expression softened, and suddenly, a hint of shyness crept into his features. His cheeks warmed with a delicate blush as he murmured, “Ailyn, since I’m cooking for you… how about a kiss as payment?”


    I blinked, caughtpletely off guard. Then, rolling my eyes, I scoffed. “Humph. Then I won’t eat.”


    He pouted, dramatically wounded. “Ailyn, you really don’t know how to take a joke!”


    Before I could fire back, he suddenly grabbed my hand, his eyes dancing with excitement. “Come on. I want to show you something.” I let him lead me, curious where he was taking me this time.


    Soon, we arrived at a garden—vibrant with colorful blooms and the crisp scent of fresh grass. The air carried a soft floral fragrance, making the entire ce feel almost dreamlike.


    I frowned, puzzled. “This is… nice. But how exactly are you going to cook here?”


    Alden shot me a sly wink. “Patience, Ailyn. Just sit tight.”


    Still skeptical, I let him guide me to a grassy patch. He gestured for me to sit. “Here. I’ll be right back,” he said.


    I watched as he hurried off, wondering what he was up to.


    Minutester, he returned, arms full—one holding a bundle of firewood, the other bncing a te stacked with fresh steak.


    He lifted the te with a flourish. “Ailyn, listen up! My roasted steak is legendary,” he boasted. “Once you taste it, you’ll never doubt my cooking skills again.”


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    He crouched down with a confident grin and started stacking the firewood. I wanted to help, but as soon as I reached out, he gently nudged my hands away.


    “Nope. Just sit there and look pretty,” he said with a smirk. “I got this.”


    Since he insisted, I leaned back, watching the flickering mes while chatting with him.


    Every so often, his gaze flicked up to meet mine, filled with warmth and yful energy. His lighthearted mood was infectious, and soon, I found myself fully at ease.


    As the steak sizzled over the fire, golden juices dripped onto the wood, creating small bursts of sparks.


    The rich, mouthwatering aroma filled the air, making my stomach rumble yet again.


    Alden caught the sound, and his smirk turned downright smug. Carefully, he removed the roasted steak from the fire, slicing a piece before holding it out to me.


    “Ailyn, take a bite and prepare to have your mind blown.” His eyes searched mine, waiting, eager for my reaction.


    Makenna’s POV:


    Alden’s culinary prowess was indeed as remarkable as he boasted. The sizzling steak wafted an irresistible aroma through the air, making my mouth water.


    Unable to hold back any longer, I eagerly took a bite.


    In an instant, the scorching heat of the meat struck me like a lightning bolt, causing me to gasp and wrinkle my brow, grimacing as I exhaled sharply.


    Seeing my predicament, Alden was momentarily taken aback before bursting into heartyughter.


    “Hahaha…” He chuckled, waving his hand, his eyes crinkling with delight. “Ailyn, there’s plenty more where that came from. No need to dive in headfirst.”


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