One Hundred and Thirty Eight

CHAPTER 138

Alicia woke up after a few hours of sleeping on the sofa. She blinked lightly, before realizing that part of her body was already covered by the warm blanket. She looked ahead. The windows outside were already dewy with snow, but the sky was beginning to clear. Morning had come, leaving behind a night of memories. Alicia moved her gaze around, she was not alone in the living room. Nicholas was there, asleep on another sofa with another blanket covering his entire body. From his curled up gesture, Alicia could immediately tell that Nicholas had been enduring the cold since the beginning. Alicia smiled a little at the man's behavior.

Normally Nicholas would wake up first, waking Alicia up with the scent of vanilla and kneaded flour, but that day Nicholas didn't wake up. He must have been as tired as Alicia. The series of crimes had yet to be solved. The case of Alicia's parents' death, finding the location of Ace and Amanda, and other crimes that a police chief like Nicholas had to solve. Alicia suddenly became concerned. She sympathizes with Nicholas' tough job.

Nicholas's gunshot wound had just healed, but the man was already struggling with real fights. Alicia looked at Nicholas' sleeping face, wasn't it a testament to Nicholas' love for her that he wouldn't stop challenging danger like this?

"I can't be like this, I have to do something for Nicholas. He has sacrificed so much for me, for this relationship."

Alicia then got up from the sofa, she folded her thick blanket neatly, storing it in the bedroom and then went back to check on Nicholas. He was still fast asleep. And Alicia had the idea to make them both a delicious breakfast.

Unfortunately, cooking was not Alicia's forte. So, the girl took her cell phone and started checking some channels that showed how to make delicious dishes and chose one of the quickest and easiest ones.

"I'll make some soup, I think it'll be warming. Well, let's first check the contents of my fridge today..."

Alicia quietly tiptoed into the kitchen, her steps barely making a sound on the wooden floor. She rummaged through the fridge, finding all sorts of ingredients, even if they didn't match the recipe she had in mind. Undaunted, she decided to improvise.

With a determined look on her face, Alicia began chopping vegetables, occasionally glancing at her phone for guidance. She awkwardly maneuvered through the cooking process, spilling a little broth here, dropping a pinch of spice there. Despite the initial chaos, the aroma of the soup began to fill the room, a blend of flavors that intertwined in a way that surprised Alicia.

Nicholas stirred on the sofa, his eyes clouding over as the aroma of simmering soup reached him. He blinked, a little confused at first. He scanned the surroundings and looked anxiously for his girlfriend, "Alicia?"

 And he realized that Alicia was there, a voice coming from the direction of the kitchen. Nicholas then noticed Alicia in the kitchen, fully engrossed in her culinary experiments. A small smile curved his lips as he watched her, appreciating her efforts.

Alicia glanced over her shoulder, catching Nicholas' gaze. "Good morning," she said quietly, a hint of nervousness in her voice.

Nicholas sat up slowly, rubbing his eyes before giving her a warm smile. "Morning. What's cooking?"

"Something to warm us up," she replied, there was a hint of hesitation in her tone.Nicholas chuckled, walking towards the kitchen. "Need some help?"

Alicia hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Maybe a little taste test?"

Together, they adjusted the flavors, laughing as they navigated the kitchen together. The soup began to take shape, a blend of Alicia's efforts and Nicholas' guidance. As they shared this moment, the weight of their challenge felt lighter for a moment.

Finally, the soup was ready. Alicia poured it into two bowls, garnishing them with a sprinkling of spices she found in the kitchen. They sat at the dining table, enjoying the warmth of the soup and the comfort of each other's company.

"This is very good," Nicholas said, with a twinkle of pride in his eyes. "Um, it really has a strong flavor. Impressive."

Alicia was beaming, a sense of satisfaction coming over her. "I'm glad you think so. I wanted to do something for you." Nicholas was visibly moved by Alicia's wish. "Consider that this soup is for thanks, hm?"

"You always are, and this... is more than enough for me," Nicholas said softly, reaching across the table to take her hand.

On that simple morning, amidst the aroma of soup and quiet companionship, they found a moment of comfort reminder that their love and support for each other could weather any storm that came their way.

Nicholas squinted, pretending to tease to observe Alicia's expression. And Alicia asked just to be sure, "What's wrong? Did my food give you a stomachache?"

Nicholas laughed softly, shaking his head. "No, not at all. It's just... you."

"Me? What have I done?" Alicia feigned innocence, but a playful glint danced in her eyes.

Without warning, Nicholas pulled Alicia close, his hand gently guiding her. Their gazes locked, a silent conversation taking place between them. And in an instant, he leaned in and touched his lips to Alicia's sudden and sweet surprise.

Alicia blinked, momentarily surprised, before finally melting into the unexpected softness of the kiss. It was a moment suspended in time, a blend of warmth and tenderness that left them both breathless.

Pulling away, Nicholas grinned, a little sheepishly. "I just had to do that. Couldn't help myself."

Alicia's cheeks flushed with surprise and pleasure. "You're full of surprises today."

"Always keeps you on your toes," she teased, her gaze never leaving Alicia's face.

Their laughter filled the air, mingling with the aroma of soup and the shared warmth of the moment. It was an unspoken agreement between them, a silent promise that their love was not only in words but also in unexpected and cherished gestures. As they continued eating, a comfortable silence was created between them, punctuated only by shy glances and smiles-a silent echo of the unspoken words of love that enveloped them like a familiar and comforting embrace.