Chapter 224
Zane calmly said, “You’re going to be tired from cooking later, so leave these tasks to me.” His tone was firm and left no room for refusal. Without arguing, I returned to the living room to catch up on some work.
After Zane finished in the kitchen, he called me over. Standing by the kitchen counter, I was surprised to see that he had already prepared all the necessary ingredients, like onions, celery, and garlic.
I looked at him in the living room, impressed. I hadn’t expected someone like Zane, so successful in his career, to be so attentive in housework.
Zane flashed me a smile.
It brightened my mood. I went ahead and placed the chicken into a pressure cooker with the onions, celery, and garlic to simmer.
Zane’s kitchen had three stoves. I used the second one to cook the roast beef and the third to prepare the potatoes.
By the time the mashed potatoes were ready, the chicken was nearly done. I carefully released the steam from the pressure cooker, added salt, and let it simmer some more. Then, I focused on reducing the sauce for the roast beef and plating it. Finally, I tossed the garden salad.
With the dishes all set on the table, I called out, “Willow, time for dinner!”
“Coming, Mommy!” Willow’s footsteps echoed as she rushed into the living room. She sat down at the dining table and asked in surprise, “Did you make all this, Mommy?” Zane handed her the cutlery. “Yes, she did.”
Willow eagerly took a bite of the roast beef, and her big eyes instantly widened in awe. She was surprised at how delicious it was.
She picked up another piece.
Then, as though remembering something, she added, “Daddy, Mommy, can you not talk to me right now? I want to finish eating first.”
Without waiting for a response, she dug right in.
…
Willow occasionally glanced up at Annalise while eating. She wondered if the latter was the legendary perfect woman. She was amazing at work, emotionally stable, and gentle. Most importantly, she could cook! Willow felt even more fond of her.
…
Willow had a bit too much roast beef and felt it was getting too rich, so she took a bite of the garden salad. The refreshing taste made her think she could eat a bit more.
Next, she tried a spoonful of mashed potatoes. She squinted in delight. “Mommy, I want to be your child forever.”
I smiled warmly at her. “No problem.”
Willow slowed down as she ate. “Mommy, could you cook for me again when you’re free?”
I was happy that she liked my cooking. “Of course!”
Zane sat quietly beside us, enjoying his meal without saying a word. He loved this atmosphere.
The family was gathered around the table, with their daughter joyfully sharing her feelings while his wife responded with warmth.
Zane thought that the only regret he had at the moment was that Annalise still wasn’t willing to become his wife.
…
Meanwhile, Zachary, looking dashing in his outfit, sat in his car and stared at the villa from a distance.
He wondered what Annalise was doing. Was she playing with Willow? Or watching TV with her?
Zachary couldn’t figure it out. All he knew was that he felt miserable.
Harry was afraid Zachary might feel hungry, so he asked, “What do you want to eat? Should we order some food?”
“Order some oatmeal,” Zachary replied slowly. “I’m still a kid. I need something light and easy to digest.”
Back when Annalise was still at home, she used to remind him every day that his health wasn’t great, so he shouldn’t eat anything too heavy or unhealthy.