Novel & Cerita Arroz Ala Valenciana

The arroz con pollo was ready at exactly the moment it was supposed to be ready — not a minute earlier, not a minute later, the dish having taken the time it needed to take. They ate at the island, the two of them, the plates warm, the food hot, the conversation the specific conversation of a Sunday evening when there was nothing to do and nowhere to be. Reed received her allocation — small pieces of chicken, delivered to the edge of the island with the dignity the occasion required. The garden was dark through the window. The kitchen was warm. "This is good," Alexander said. "It's good," Elijah agreed. "The best batch yet?" Elijah considered the question. He tasted the rice. He tasted the c

strung across the living room like I'd just returned from war. On the table was a full Spanish spread: arroz con gandules, crispy pernil still glistening, sweet maduros, a pastelón I would've gladly killed for back in the hospital, fresh pan de agua, flan that looked jiggly and perfect. I could've cried if I hadn't been so hungry. Oh my god. I had been craving this stuff for days. "So you aren't really mad at me?" I turned to Victor, who now looked like the cat that swallowed the confetti cannon.

“Today it's about love, we are not at war anymore and that feels refreshing, don’t you ladies agree?. Are you ready to dance, Valentina?” I took a deep breath, the lake air mingling with the scent of roses and jasmine. “Yes since I did not want a wedding ceremony since we are already married this will be so nice. Come let’s eat. This is just to celebrate with our loved ones” It was an amazing starter stuffed vine leaves with saffron rice and herbs, a clear Middle Eastern influence, beautifully plated with lemon wedges. I hesitated at first, not knowing where to begin, but Raffaele smirked and shoved one toward my lips.

It was a popular spot for local residents and tourists alike. "You should also try paella, steamed rice with seafood broth, served with seafood inside. You won't regret tasting it. It's similar to fried rice but with a rich seafood flavor. There are various options, such as adding shrimp, vegetables, and clams. I highly recommend you try it, even if it's just once, as it's a traditional dish of Valencia," Keyara explained, her eyes sparkling. Grey nodded in agreement. Honestly, the sightseeing in Valencia was just an excuse; he simply wanted to meet Keyara again. Grey tried to reassure himself as his feelings continued to be strange after meeting Keyara.

*** Downstairs, the long dining table was already set for the crew. The cook had gone all out this morning: steaming plates of “paella Valenciana” loaded with saffron rice, tender chicken, rabbit, “and plump shrimp”; **tortilla Española** sliced into thick golden wedges; “patatas bravas” crispy and drizzled with spicy aioli; **jamón ibérico** thinly sliced and melting on the tongue; fresh pan con tomate rubbed with ripe tomatoes and olive oil; and a huge pitcher of **sangria** (non-alcoholic for Marisol). Vincenzo sat at the head of the table, scrolling through his phone with his usual cold expression.

“What did you get?” Franco grinned, pulling out various items from the bags. “Everything you asked for. Tomatoes, olive oil, rice, saffron, chorizo, seafood—everything we need for a proper meal. So, what should we start with? Which dish would you like to try first?” Lucia’s eyes gleamed as she considered it. “Hmm, how about paella?” Her voice softened at the mention of the beloved Spanish dish. “It’s perfect for sharing, and everyone loves it—young and old alike.”

Some of it looked familiar—fried eggs, fruit, avocado, and sausages. The rest wasn’t. There were crispy tortilla pieces covered in red sauce and sprinkled with white cheese, bowls of beans, and stacks of warm flatbread. Everything smelled amazing, even if I had no idea what half of it was. Valiente finally put down his tablet. He leaned forward, pushing his hair back that fell out of place. He looked at Marisela, then at me. "Let's eat." I reluctantly picked up the plate in front of me and began putting food into it. I didn't need to look up to know that Valiente's gaze was on me.

“These are dishes prepared to restore your strength, after the long journey. Please, allow me to introduce them.” How did she know that I needed them to be introduced? I nodded quietly. She gestured to the first dish placed closest to me. The only dish I was familiar with. “This is white jade rice, grown in the eastern valleys of Archeon. It is softer than common grains and easier on the stomach.” I followed her hand, my gaze settling on the steaming bowl. The grains were glossy, almost translucent, nothing like the coarse food I was used to. Before I could linger too long, she moved on.

She had also chosen William's favorite song to go with the album. William finally called when she was out and about for too long, "Honey, you're being a little bit unreasonable. How could you be away for a few good hours? Don't you miss your husband?" It was rare for William to be so clingy. Valeria replied in a good mood, "I'll be back soon and I'm starving to death. I would like to have mouth-watering dishes when I get back." "Don't worry, everything has been arranged accordingly." "I would want to have steamed meat with vermicelli noodles," Valeria reminded him.

With that thought, Elijah became a missile that suddenly plunged upward at high speed to find Alessia. ••• Alessia's POV I do not know where we are now. All I know is that Lolo and I are in Valeria. We were inside a large house in a secluded wooded area. "Grandpa, where are we?" I asked him. I am now sitting at the table and there is food prepared there. I don't know who cooked but grandpa said he had a roommate who lived here. Grandfather served the rice. Our dish was tinola made from sea shells. I have eaten like this before but it is too expensive in Manila so we don't often eat like this there.