Chapter 850

Chapter 850:

There was no doubt Aidan was invested in the academy’s success.

“Our academy is still new, so the leadership wants to build a strong reputation by excelling in all areas,” Fernanda continued. “Winning major competitions helps with publicity. A lot of people are counting on this, and honestly, I really want to do my best.”

Her student days were short—just two years of formal campus life. She wanted to leave something behind, something worth remembering in the years to come.

“Your director sounds dedicated,” Cristian remarked. “I remember how hard he campaigned for you during that beauty pageant.”

“Yeah, he is great.” Fernanda laughed. “He’s really a lovable guy.”

As they talked, dinner time approached.

Fernanda unpacked the groceries and started preparing dinner.

“I have a habit when I cook—I always make things really soft,” she said. “Especially seafood paella. I tend to add too much water, and the rice turns out extra tender.”

It was a habit from living with Hiram. He was old, with only a few teeth left, and couldn’t eat anything too hard, so she had always cooked everything until it was soft.

“That’s fine. I’ll eat whatever you make,” Cristian said with a smile.

He watched as Fernanda washed the veggies, put on an apron, and used the elastic band around her wrist to pull her long hair back into a low ponytail.

Water droplets on the soft green leaves glistened as she gently cleaned the vegetables, giving them a fresh, welcoming appearance.

Her movements were smooth and practiced. It was clear she had done this many times before.

Cristian offered to help, but Fernanda waved him off with a smile. “Just sit back and wait to eat. I don’t need your help.”

He pulled up a chair near the doorway, watching her work.

Ⓜore c𝐡apters @ gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀⩸𝖼𝗈𝗺

The golden embrace of the setting sun spilled onto the balcony, draping the room in a warm and harmonious glow.

Against the soft hues of twilight, her tall and slender silhouette moved with quiet grace as she cooked, weaving an atmosphere of serene contentment. Cristian felt something stir deep within him—a rare and unfamiliar tranquility that settled into his bones.

In that fleeting moment, he understood—this simple peace was worth more than all the wealth and power in the world.

If only every day could unfold like this.

For the first time in a long while, the future felt like something to anticipate, not just endure.

Fernanda had prepared four dishes and a soup, an impeccable balance of meat and vegetables. Each plate was a feast for both the eyes and the appetite. She carefully plated two servings of seafood paella, finishing them with a delicate sprinkle of chopped celery—a final flourish of color and aroma. She had followed the chef’s instructions to the letter, ensuring the paella was flawless in every regard.

Beside the food sat a glass of fresh fruit juice, a thin layer of foam dissipating lazily on the surface, making it appear all the more refreshing.

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