Nikolai’s POVThe afternoon sun streamed through the kitchen windows, casting a warm, golden glow over the marble counters. I had slipped out of bed quietly after Liora had fallen into a deep, peaceful afternoon nap, her body exhausted from the emotional days and the passionate night we’d shared. She needed the rest. I wanted to do something for her - something simple, something that showed her I was here, fully present, and committed to making up for the distance that had grown between us.I decided on lunch. Nothing too fancy, but made with care. I chopped fresh vegetables for a salad, seasoned chicken breasts with herbs and spices I knew she loved, and started the rice in the cooker. The kitchen filled with the comforting smells of garlic, lemon, and herbs. As I worked, my mind kept drifting back to her - the way she had looked at me when I returned, the tears of relief, the way she had clung to me like she never wanted to let go.I smiled to myself, flipping the chicken in the p
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