Chapter 10 - Pancakes in the Morning
A year later, the morning sun poured through the massive windows of the estate's newly renovated kitchen. The room was filled with the warm, sweet aroma of sizzling batter and fresh coffee.
Dileia stood by the stove, wearing one of Killian’s oversized flannel shirts over her pajamas, a spatula in her hand. She was humming softly to herself as she flipped a perfect, golden pancake onto a plate.
A pair of strong, heavy arms wrapped around her waist from behind, and a warm mouth pressed a kiss against the side of her neck. Killian held her close, his chin resting on her shoulder as he watched her work. He looked relaxed, the dangerous edge of his past completely integrated into the peace of his new life as a legitimate businessman and philanthropist.
"Smells good, Mrs. Vance," he murmured, his voice still thick with sleep.
"Only the best for my favorite patients," she teased, turning in his arms to give him a quick, sweet kiss.
From the hallway, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed, and nine-year-old Maya burst into the kitchen, carrying a backpack and a stack of schoolbooks. "Is it pancake day? Tell me it's pancake day!"
"It's definitely pancake day, sweetie," Dileia smiled, gesturing to the table where a fresh bottle of real maple syrup was waiting.
May you like
Killian walked over, pouring a glass of orange juice for Maya and pulling out her chair. He looked at his niece, then back at his beautiful wife standing by the sunlit stove, her eyes bright with a profound, unshakeable happiness.
The gutter, the rain, and the man who had tried to ruin her life were nothing but distant shadows now. In their place stood a family, a kingdom built on truth, and the beautiful, simple promise of pancakes in the morning.
