CHAPTER 130

As the sun's first light filtered through the curtains, I found myself wide awake, my mind already racing with plans. Today was the day I would cook dinner for Leon, and for reasons I couldn’t fully comprehend, I felt an overwhelming urge to make sure everything was perfect. It wasn’t just about gratitude; there was something more—a deeper need to show Leon that I could create something special for him, something that spoke beyond words.

I slipped out of bed and headed straight for the kitchen, my thoughts a whirlwind of recipes and ideas. The kitchen was still dark, the only light coming from the faint glow of the morning sky. I moved with purpose, gathering ingredients, mentally mapping out the courses I wanted to prepare.

Just as I was setting a pot of coffee to brew, Aunt Lou appeared at the doorway, still in her robe, her hair slightly tousled from sleep. She blinked at me, surprise evident in her eyes as she took in the scene before her.

"Margarette, you’re up early," she remar