Chapter 119
Zabelle placed the final plate of food on the counter, her cheeks still faintly pink from the earlier interruption.
She couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss. “He didn’t regret it she said to herself multiple times
Antonin stood beside her, setting out the utensils with a casual case that seemed to contrast her nervous ene
Did the kiss not also affect him! Who was the kidding? Even if it did. Antonio wouldn’t let it show that was how he had managed to control his expressions.
“Smell good doesn’t ” Antonio asked when he was done.
“It does,” she admined, her lips curving into a small smile. “Though I still can’t believe how much of a mess I made earlier
He leaned clover, his voice dropping to a teasing whisper.
“Well, you redeemed yourself. And for the record, I liked seeing you try. It was nice. No one has ever done so for me.
Zabelle rolled her eyes, but her heart fluttered at his words, and she felt a sense of pride knowing that she was the first to ever do so for Antonio
Together, they carried the dishes to the dining room. Antonio stepped aside letting Zabelle walk
But the moment she arrived there, she froze.
Alejandro was already seated at the table, his legs crossed casually as he flipped through his phone.
At the sound of their footsteps, he glanced up, a sly grin spreading across his face.
look who finally decided to finish cooking” Alejandro remarked, setting his phone down. “I was starting to think you two were too busy
Zabelle’s face turned scarlet, the memory of earlier rushing back. She glanced at Antonio, who seemed completely unfazed by his brother’s words.
unfair She thought to herself.
at are you still doing here?” Antonio asked, his tone sharp but not entirely surprised as he had expected Alejandro to still be there Alejandro shrugged, gesturing at the table. “Breakfast, obviously.
Zabelle’s embarrassment deepened as she noticed Alejandro already had a plate of food in front of him.
that he caught them was embarrassing enough, sitting across him while they had breakfast would just further embarrass her. didn’t know you’d be eating with us,” she said, avoiding Alejandro’s amused gaze.
“Well now you know, come on, have a seat,” he gestured,
Antonis sighed, panchang the bridge of his nose. “Alejandro, do
you ever respecti
boundaries?”
“Rarely, Alejandro replied with a smirk.
Antonin guided Zabelle to her seat, his hand lightly resting on her lower back. “Ignore him,” he said softly, his Alejander but to bear. “He’s like a stray cat who just shows up when he wants something”
out a small laughi, the tension in her shoulders casing slightly
en, and Antonio took the seat beside her, casually serving her a portion of food.
soothing and low enough for
The breakfast proceeded with a mixture of light conversation and Alejandro’s occasional jabs, most of which were directed at Antonio. Zabelle remained quiet fe
for the most part, ber intial
ing but gradually fading as the food and Antonio’s reassuring presence
arrassment lingering
her with a gentle touch on her arm…
After they finished rating. Zabelle began gathering the dishes, but Antonio stopped he “The helper will take care of it be said firmly. “You’ve done enough for one morning”
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6:48 PM c
Chapter 119
Zabelle hesitated but eventually nodded, her lips curving into a small smile.
“Thank you for the breakfast,” Alejandro then said to her after which he turned to Antonio. “We need to talk. Let’s head to your study:”
Antonio’s expression shifted, his jaw tightening slightly. He nodded, then turned to Zabelle. “I’ll be back soon. You can relax in the living room or upstairs if you’d like.”
Zabelle nodded, watching as the two brothers left the dining room. Alejandro shot her one last mischievous grin before disappearing down the hallway.
Antonio closed the door to his study behind him, turning to face Alejandro.
“What’s so urgent?” he asked, crossing his arms.
Alejandro’s playful demeanor faded slightly as he leaned against the edge of Antonio’s desk.
“Let’s start with what happened to Vanessa.”
