Chapter 242

Isla and Elara walked into the spacious pantry together, their soft footsteps almost the same as Elara mimicking her mom’s movements..

The pantry shelves were fully stocked, every item neatly arranged with fresh vegetables, fruits, spices, and every other food and ingredient you could imagine. Two maids followed quietly behind them, pushing the cart behind them and giving enough space but staying close in case either Isla or Elara needed help.

“Ouch.” Isla hissed as she mistakenly bomped against something.

“Mummy, be careful with the baby,” Elara warned suddenly, her small voice filled with concern as Isla’s baby bump lightly brushed against the glass freezer table.

Isla chuckled softly and shook her head. She placed a gentle hand on her stomach before looking down at her daughter with fondness. “Thank you, my love. I will be more careful,” Isla replied warmly.

Lately, Isla had been receiving many remarks like this from Elara. Her daughter had become unusually attentive ever since the pregnancy became noticeable. Elara was clearly excited about having another sibling. From the moment she noticed that her mother’s stomach was slowly growing, her attitude had changed.

She stopped spending long hours playing video games with Sebastian and instead focused more on her mother’s wellbeing. She constantly checked on Isla―asking if she was tired, or if she had eaten, if she needed water. Elara was the first person in the family to notice the changes in Isla’s body, even before Isla herself fully accepted them.

Elara had always been observant.

Normally, she preferred staying close to her father more than her mother. She loved listening to Gabriel’s stories and sitting beside him quietly. But now, everything has shifted. If she wasn’t helping Isla in the kitchen, she was hovering nearby, watching her closely, making sure she was comfortable.

And Isla found herself enjoying this version of her daughter more than she expected.

“Mummy, I think I have packed all the vegetables we need for tonight,” Elara said proudly.

Her small hands rested on the cart as she checked the vegetables again, counting and rearranging them carefully. The maid pushing the cart smiled and nodded at Elara, silently approving her effort.

Isla turned and looked into the cart. Her face brightened immediately when she saw everything had been neatly arranged. There are lettuce, tomatoes, carrots, cucumbers, some herbs, and more. She reached out and gently smoothed Elara’s silky blonde hair.

“I am so proud of you, my love,” Isla said with a proud smile. “Now you know exactly which ingredients we need for salads and garnishing.”

Elara’s eyes lit up with pride. She smiled briefly, standing a little straighter. To her, making her mother proud is a big achievement.

***

Later in the kitchen, the soft sounds of cooking filled the air. Pots simmered gently on the stove, and the smell of butter and garlic blended beautifully. Isla and Elara both wore matching aprons, standing side by side like a perfect team.

The dinner rolls had already been baked and were resting neatly on the marble island, covered with a clean cloth.

The maids stood quietly by the sides of the kitchen, watching attentively.

“Elara, step aside,” Isla warned gently as her daughter kept stirring the soup on the stove. “You can’t handle that heat.”

But Elara was stubborn tonight. She wanted to impress her mother. To show her that she’s a big girl now. She had watched from a distance many times before, but now she wanted to be fully involved.

This wasn’t the first time Isla had cooked since she became pregnant. In fact, she had made it a routine. The chefs were only allowed to prepare breakfast and lunch. Dinner was always hers.

Elara had taken full advantage of that.

She had developed a new interest in cooking. She read cookery books online, watched cooking videos, and even owned a few printed cookbooks she kept neatly in her room. Cooking had become her new hobby.

Carefully, Isla turned off the stove, knowing the soup was ready.

“Gina, Tamara,” Isla called gently. “Please come and finish off. We’re going to take a shower. And let the boys know that dinner will be ready in ten minutes.”

“Yes, madam,” the maids replied respectfully.

Isla reached for Elara’s hand and gently pulled her along. “Come, it’s time to freshen up.”

“But mummy, we haven’t set the table yet. I want to,” Elara whined softly.

Isla smiled but didn’t stop walking. “You’ve done enough already, my little angel. The maids need to do their work too, okay?”

Elara forced out a small smile and nodded.

Together, they entered the elevator and rode up to the second floor, heading toward their rooms.

***

Later that evening, Isla and her family sat comfortably around the dining table. The atmosphere was warm and peaceful. From the way everyone ate, it was obvious they were enjoying the meal.

“Mummy,” Sebastian said with his mouth full, “you should cook more often. Your food is very good.”

Isla chuckled softly. “Thank you, my love. I will try. But for now, enjoy dinner cooked by me and Elara.”

Sebastian laughed loudly, food still in his mouth. That immediately irritated Aurelian. Without saying much, Aurelian lightly tapped the back of Sebastian’s head.

“Stop laughing with food in your mouth,” Aurelian said calmly. “You could choke.”

Sebastian frowned, but before he could react, Gabriel gently rubbed his back.

“Stop doing that to your brother, Aurelian,” Gabriel said firmly. “Don’t be mean.”

“He doesn’t respect table manners,” Aurelian replied quietly. “He needs to learn, Father.”

That was Aurelian’s way. He never raised his voice or forced things. He handled matters calmly and directly.

“Mom,” Aurelian said suddenly, still focused on his food, “did you go for your regular checkup today?”

“Yes, my love,” Isla replied gently. “I did. And everything was fine.”

Isla had grown used to Aurelian’s mannerisms. She now understood that each child was different. Aurelian was unique and intelligent, calm, and far more mature than his age.

That was simply who he was.

And now, everyone has accepted it. In fact, he had become his grandfather John’s closest companion.

Gabriel wiped his mouth and spoke up. “So, we’re having a full house tomorrow. We’ll be announcing the baby’s gender during the party.”

The children screamed with excitement.

Sebastian clapped loudly. Elara gasped happily. Even Aurelian smiled—a rare but meaningful expression of joy.

Gabriel and Isla exchanged a soft smile, their hearts filled with happiness. Their family was growing again.