[19]

“Good night, darling,” Victoria whispered softly as she kissed Abigail's forehead. The little girl was already asleep, her breathing was regular, and her face looked smiling even in sleep.

Abigail's peaceful face warmed Victoria's heart. It was as if all the fatigue and pain of her life disappeared just by seeing her daughter sleeping like this. When was the last time she felt this happy? Victoria never imagined something like this would happen to her poor life. She thought it wouldn't be easy to get out of that house because the only place I could go home to, was that house.

But the reality she was living in now, was completely unexpected.

“Never mind, why should I remember the past,” Victoria muttered, shaking her head lightly. She stroked Abigail's hair lovingly before closing the bedroom door slowly, making sure no noise would disturb her daughter's sleep.

As she stepped onto the stairs, Victoria's intention was simple: to enjoy a warm cup of tea in the evening air. But her steps halted when she heard Logan's voice in the living room. He was talking to Ben.

“Why are you doing all this?” Ben asked, handing her a red file.

Victoria frowned. Unconsciously, she stood behind the wall. She had decided to go to the kitchen and make a cup of lemon tea. Unfortunately, their conversation had already caught her ear.

“What's wrong?” Logan replied casually. "'She's my wife's child. As a responsible husband, isn't that the right thing to do?”

Victoria froze. Her breath caught. Logan was talking about Abigail. But why?

“You don't really like kids, but you get along well with Abigail,” Ben said, his tone sounding seductive.

Logan snorted in annoyance. “She's a cute kid. Why wouldn't I like her? Besides, what's your job, being a critic because I like kids?”

Ben chuckled. “No, I'm sorry. I'm just curious.”

“Never mind, get out of my way. I want to rest.”

Ben nodded respectfully. “Good evening, Mr. Logan.”

Victoria remained standing where she was, her mind whirling. What did Logan mean by “responsibility”? Abigail was not his responsibility, but why did he seem to care so much?

***

The next morning, Victoria woke up early. Thoughts of Logan's conversation last night still filled her head, but she tried to ignore them. She thought a cup of lemon tea would help her take her mind off the conversation she overheard. Unfortunately, it didn't work.

“Never mind, there's no point thinking about it,” Victoria muttered. Today had to go on like any other day. Upon entering the kitchen, the Head Chef, William, greeted her with a friendly smile. “Good morning, Mrs. Victoria. What would you like to prepare this morning?”

Victoria accepted the apron from William. “I wanted to prepare something special for Abigail. She has a sweet tooth, but I want to make sure she stays healthy.”

William nodded attentively. “Pancakes with fresh fruits and yogurt perhaps? We can add a little honey for natural sweetness.”

“That's a great idea,” Victoria replied. “Strawberries, blueberries and kiwi would be a perfect combination.”

“Very good. For Mr. Logan, what do you think?”

Victoria was silent for a moment, thinking about the man. “Maybe a vegetable omelette with spinach and mushrooms, toasted whole wheat bread, and freshly squeezed orange juice. Something healthy but still filling.”

William smiled slightly. “A wise choice. An omelette with some low-fat cheese would be delicious. Freshly squeezed orange juice will complete the breakfast.”

Victoria nodded slowly. “But not too much cheese. I'm not sure he'll like it.”

William chuckled, while taking deft notes. “Understood, ma'am. Would you like to add anything else?”

Victoria thought for a moment, then replied, “Perhaps some hot tea for Logan, without sugar. He seems like the type who prefers simple drinks.”

William smiled slightly. “Yes, ma'am. I'll have everything ready soon. Would you like to help in the kitchen?”

“I'll help,” Victoria said, putting on an apron. “I want to make sure everything is perfect. It's important for both of them.”

William began to work deftly, while Victoria cut fresh fruits for Abigail. The smell of freshly cooked pancakes began to fill the kitchen, mingling with the fragrance of eggs and spinach frying. Despite its simplicity, this activity brings a sense of calm to Victoria.

When everything was ready, she served it to the dining table. Abigail is ushered in by one of the waiters, still wearing her unicorn pajamas, with a face full of excitement. Logan was seated there first, busy reading something on his cell phone. Victoria placed the plates on the table without asking the waiter for help. For her, this was a form of gratitude to Logan.

Abigail immediately sat in her chair with enthusiasm. “Mommy, I love living here! My room is so big, I have a stuffed unicorn too!” she exclaimed, swinging her legs. Her eyes lit up when she saw the pancakes with fresh fruits in front of her. “Wow! What are these?”

“Fruit pancakes,” Victoria replied with a smile. “It's delicious, and you should eat it.”

Abigail gave two thumbs up. “Mommy's cooking is the most delicious in the world! Uncle Logan agrees with me, right?”

Logan only glanced briefly at Abigail, then nodded slowly.

“But why is your breakfast different from mine, Uncle Logan?” Abigail asked, staring curiously at the omelette on Logan's plate.

Logan lowered his cell phone. “Do you want to taste it?” he asked flatly.

Abigail shook her head quickly. “I think mine's better.”

“Then just finish it and don't talk too much,” Logan said, taking a sip of his hot tea.

Abigail nodded obediently, but her mouth wouldn't stop moving. “Uncle Logan, why is this house so big?” she asked curiously.

Logan looked at Abigail for a moment before answering. “Because I need space to work.”

“Oh,” Abigail murmured, looking thoughtful. ”So Uncle Logan works at home?”

“Sometimes,” Logan replied shortly.

Abigail tilted her head. “Does Uncle Logan have a stuffed unicorn too?” she asked innocently.

Victoria almost laughed at the question, but Logan remained calm, just shaking his head. “No.”

“Why, stuffed unicorns are cute,” Abigail said, eating a piece of blueberry. “Do I need to get one for you?”

Logan suppressed a small smile, though his tone remained even. “I don't need a doll.”

“But you should have one so you won't be lonely,” Abigail said seriously.

Victoria flinched, afraid Logan would take offense, but the man gave Abigail a gentle look. “I'm not lonely now that you're here. Let's just say you're a unicorn substitute. Okay?”