Eilika rubbed her eyes and yawned, noticing how dark the room had grown. Reaching for the bedside lamp, she switched it on and glanced at the clock; she had been asleep for nearly an hour.
After freshening up, she stepped out into the hallway, immediately met by the rich aroma of food wafting up from the lower floor. She hurried down the stairs, wondering if the kitchen staff had already begun preparing dinner.
At the bottom of the landing, her steps slowed. There in the kitchen stood Damian, rolled-up sleeves and all, working alongside the cook and house staff. Even Maurice was at his side, offering guidance as Damian moved between the counters.
A quiet smile touched her lips, her heart fluttering at the sight of his earnest effort. 'I had no idea he would start learning so soon.'
"Parsley leaves... Why must we add these?" Damian inquired, eyeing the chopped greenery on the counter.
