After dinner, the atmosphere in Adrian’s house remained warm and relaxed. The scent of Alfredo still lingered in the air as Adrian stretched back in his chair, rubbing his stomach dramatically.
“Vanessa, you’ve outdone yourself,” he said, grinning. “I might have to beg you for cooking lessons after this.”
I laughed softly. “Let’s not get ahead of ourselves. I’m not planning to make this a regular thing.”
“Well, tonight’s an exception,” he replied with a playful wink. “Thank you.”
I started gathering plates, but Adrian stopped me by placing a hand lightly on my wrist. “No, no. You’ve done enough,” he insisted. “I’ll handle the cleanup.”
“You don’t have to—”
“I do,” he interrupted firmly. “It’s the least I can do.” He turned to Kelvin. “What do you say, buddy? Want to help your old man
