Semua Bab THE MAFIA CHEF: Bab 31 - Bab 33

When I walked into the house, the staff greeted me warmly, Gilmore, Luke, even Brenda. Their faces showed surprise, but there was happiness and a bit of relief in their eyes.“Welcome back, Miss Lily,” one of the maids said with a kind smile.Luke stepped forward and gave me a small nod. “It’s good to see you. Finally, we can all catch a break."I stopped in my tracks. “What do you mean?” I asked, feeling my stomach tighten.Luke rubbed the back of his neck like he was unsure how much to say. “After Gerrard came back alone from your trip, the casino ran into some trouble. Police trouble... Don't worry, it’s all been taken care of now. The boss has powerful connections, you know.”I just nodded. I already knew Gerrard wasn’t the type to fall apart, even with Bruno stirring things up. Still, I felt a strange unease settle in my chest.Luke continued, his voice a little softer now. “But Gerrard hasn’t been himself, he was so worried about you when he couldn’t reach you. He was a mess, Li

The next morning was quiet. Peaceful. Almost too peaceful. I woke up still wrapped in Gerrard’s arms, warm and safe, like the storm from last night had never happened. We were still tangled under the sheets, not ready to move. I didn’t want to leave his warmth. Not yet. Maybe not ever.But my stomach had other plans.It growled, loud and clear.Gerrard chuckled and ran his hand slowly down my arm. “Well, someone’s alive and kicking,” he said gently. “Come on, let’s get up and find something to eat.”I didn’t move. The moment felt too good to end, but deep inside, I felt heavy again. The thoughts came rushing back, my father, his sickness, the cage he was stuck in, also, the lies, the pretense, it all pressed hard on my chest, like a weight I couldn’t lift.“I’m not really hungry,” I said softly.Gerrard pulled back just a little so he could look at me. He brushed some hair away from my face. “You haven’t eaten much since you got back. You need to eat, Lily.”I didn’t answer.He gave m