CHAPTER 25: GRAPES 2

Together, they made their way downstairs, and as they entered the dining room, the rich aroma of home-cooked food enveloped them like a warm embrace. The scents of simmering spices and freshly baked bread filled the air, making Aria’s stomach rumble in anticipation. True to her word, Aling Erlie had set a table brimming with an array of dishes that looked as comforting as they smelled, each one a testament to the love and care she poured into her cooking. Aria’s eyes sparkled as she took in the sight—golden-brown fried chicken, fragrant adobo simmering in its sauce, and a colorful medley of sautéed vegetables, all artfully arranged.

They shared a glance, a small, knowing smile blossoming between them, an unspoken acknowledgment of the warmth and comfort this moment brought. As they settled into their seats, Aria felt a wave of contentment wash over her. This simple moment, surrounded by the delicious food and the quiet intimacy of their shared space, felt precious—a fleeting glimpse o