Twenty one

After getting ready, Lucien went downstairs to make breakfast.

The moment he stepped into the kitchen, the staff froze. He had never entered the kitchen before, not even to get a glass of water.

The chefs were already preparing Lyra’s breakfast. She had always lived in luxury, and her meals were handled by a top level chef because she was extremely particular about taste.

All eyes turned to Lucien.

“Master, do you need anything?” one of the kitchen staff asked politely. “Do you have any special requests for breakfast?”

Lucien shook his head. “No. I came to cook today. You can all take a break.”

The staff exchanged uneasy glances. The head chef stepped forward, doubt clear on his face.

“Master, it would be better if we prepare it. If something goes wrong, Mistress will hold us responsible.”

Lucien understood exactly what that meant. They did not trust him.

Even the butler and David stepped in.

“Master, please go and rest. Let them handle it.”

Lucien’s patience thinned.

“This is my house,” he said calmly, but firmly. “If anything goes wrong, I will take responsibility. Now please leave. I don’t like people around while I’m cooking.”

There was no room for argument in his tone.

Reluctantly, everyone left.

The butler sighed as he walked out. He had never seen Lucien enter the kitchen before, and now he suddenly wanted to cook. It felt like trouble waiting to happen.

Lucien ignored their doubts.

He tied an apron around his waist and began.

He placed a pan on the stove, cracked eggs into a bowl, whisked them smoothly, and added seasoning with practiced ease. Soon, the kitchen filled with the aroma of food as he moved from one dish to another without hesitation.

Egg rolls, noodles, stir fried vegetables, and a meat dish.

He worked calmly, handling multiple dishes at once.

Cooking had always been his escape.

In his past life, even as a king consort, he had often cooked. Not for pleasure, but to please his mother in law. She never liked him, yet she always ate the food he made.

He had once believed that if he tried hard enough, he might earn her approval.

He never did.

She treated him like a servant while favoring Syran, who never did anything for her.

Lucien pushed the memory aside and focused on the present.

When the food was ready, he carried the dishes to the dining table.

Just then, Lyra walked in.

She was dressed casually in a white shirt and a short skirt. Her long legs were on display, and she looked effortlessly attractive.

Lucien paused for a second, staring at her without realizing.

Lyra noticed immediately. A small, satisfied smile appeared on her lips.

She walked up to him, took the plate from his hands, and placed it on the table.

“Do you like it?” she asked.

Lucien blinked. “What?”

“My skirt,” she said, stepping closer.

He immediately looked away. “Stop talking nonsense. Sit down and eat.”

He pulled out a chair and sat down, clearly avoiding her gaze.

Lyra chuckled and sat beside him.

She looked at the table, surprised.

“You made all of this?”

The dishes were simple compared to her usual meals, but they looked clean and appetizing.

Even the butler and staff, standing at a distance, were shocked.

They had never expected this from him.

Lucien noticed her reaction and felt a quiet sense of satisfaction.

“Of course.”

There was a hint of confidence in his voice.

Lyra picked up her spoon and started with the egg rolls. Safe choice.

The texture was soft, perfectly cooked, and well seasoned.

She raised her brows slightly.

Then she moved on to the noodles and took a sip of the soup.

Her eyes widened.

“What is this?” she asked, looking at him in disbelief. “It’s so good. I’ve never tasted anything like this.”

Her reaction was genuine.

Lucien smiled faintly. “Chicken noodle soup.”

“I thought something light but nourishing would be better for breakfast,” he added. “You have a long day ahead.”

Lyra looked at him differently now.

She had never known he could cook like this.

If she had, she would not have needed all those chefs.

Breakfast continued quietly, but pleasantly.

For the first time, it felt normal.

After they were done, Lucien looked at the butler.

“There’s more food in the kitchen. You all can have it.”

The butler was taken aback.

“It’s alright, Master. We’re fine.”

He still wasn’t used to this version of Lucien.

Lyra wiped her lips with a napkin and waved her hand lightly. “Go ahead.”

The butler smiled politely and bowed before leaving with the others.

The atmosphere in the house had changed, even if no one said it out loud.