Natalie nodded. Even though the winter air was freezing, running into Nathan had seriously soured her mood.

She agreed, flashing Matthew a brilliant, captivating smile. “I’d love that, Matthew. But you’ll have to push me. I still can’t walk.”

She had to wait three more months before she could safely stand on her own. She needed to heal properly to avoid any lasting damage.

Matthew’s smile was infinitely tender. “It would be my pleasure.”

He walked over, helped adjust her comfortably in the wheelchair, and carefully tucked a blanket around her legs.

Then, he began pushing her down the street.

The streets were bustling with people, the neon signs of the towering buildings flashing brightly in the night. Looking up under the streetlights, her smile was radiant. “Let’s go to White City Square, Matthew. There’s a big commercial event happening tonight, so it should be really lively.”

Matthew looked at her beaming face, his eyes full of adoration. She looked stunning when she smiled. “Alright. White City Square it is.”

The capital was incredibly vibrant. The streets were an extravagant feast for the

senses.

The commercial district was packed with crowds and bubbling with energy. By the side of the road, a street vendor was selling hot crepes. A young couple walked away happily sharing one, looking like the picture of bliss.

Natalie loved sweet pastries. She glanced at the cart; a warm pastry in the dead of winter was the ultimate comfort food.

Catching her wistful gaze, Matthew pushed her toward the cart and asked, “Would you like a hot crepe, Natalie?”

She really did. It was a weakness of hers. Whenever she saw them, she always had to buy one.

Even though she was full, she still craved a bite.

“I’d love one, Matthew. I have a huge sweet tooth.”

Matthew smiled. He had seen couples sharing pastries before, breaking off pieces for each other. It looked so intimate. He turned to the vendor. “Two hot crepes, please.”

The vendor looked at the strikingly handsome Matthew, then down at the beautiful Natalie. Delighted by the gorgeous pair, she picked out the two best crepes for them.

Matthew handed her a twenty-dollar bill, told her to keep the change, and pushed Natalie away.

Natalie looked down at the hot crepe in her hands, inhaling the rich, sweet aroma. She took a bite. It was perfectly sweet.

Turning back to Matthew, her eyes curved into happy crescents. “This is so good, Matthew.”

Matthew agreed. He had a

weakness for sweets, especially

freshly baked treats. He knew how

to control himself and nevero overindulged, but he still loved them.

“It really is delicious, Natalie. Very sweet.”

Natalie was surprised. Most men she knew didn’t care for sweets. “You like sweet things too, Matthew?”

Laughter danced in Matthew’s eyes. Whenever he was in a bad mood, he would eat something sweet. He had read once that sugar could boost a person’s mood and perhaps that was when his love for desserts had started. “I love them. Especially artisan chocolate babka right out of the oven.”

Natalie was pleasantly surprised. “I love chocolate babka too!”

“Really? My personal baker makes an incredible one. I’ll have her bake a fresh

batch tomorrow, and I’ll drop some off at your place tomorrow evening.”

Because he loved baked goods so much, he had hired a private baker just to make them for him.

Sometimes, habits were just a form of emotional anchor.

When the craving hit, he wanted to be able to satisfy it immediately.

Growing up so profoundly alone, he had found comfort in food.

Since they were friends, Natalie didn’t refuse the offer.

“That sounds amazing! Thank you, Matthew. If you’re too busy, I can just have Luna

swing by and pick it up. I won’t stand on ceremony with you.”

Matthew pushed her along the

sidewalk, taking another bite of his crepe before answering, “I Have time I’ll bring it over personally tomorrow night.”