Christmas morning

''...Thank you.'' Ayana's nerves melted at the warm praise. ''I'm glad you're enjoying the pasta.'' She returned the words with a smile of her own.

'He said the pasta is delicious.'

On the inside, Ayana was like a shy kid who got praised for doing a good job.

For some reason, she thought all the scars, burns, cuts and efforts that she had done just to learn cooking were certainly worth it in her past life if she could get praised from her fiancé.

Breakfast on a Christmas morning was light and comforting. They sat across from each other, engaging in soft conversations as they finished the pasta dish, and had some cinnamon rolls with the chrysanthemum tea.

''So, care to explain?'' Axel needed an explanation. He was more than sure that he had escorted Ayana outside. Yet she had somehow magically appeared in his kitchen, and he even indulged himself on breakfast with her.