Great lunch

The midday sun was streaming through the curtains when I opened my eyes, my body waking up naturally to the quiet hum of the villa.

I stretched lazily, the soft sheets tangled around me, and glanced at the clock on the nightstand. It was already past eleven, which meant I had successfully slept in longer than usual.

Turning my head, I saw Layla still curled up beside me, her face buried in the pillow and her hair a wild, beautiful mess.

A small smile tugged at my lips as I watched her for a moment, her even breaths filling the room with a serene calm. I could've stayed like that all day, but my stomach had other plans, grumbling loudly in protest.

Carefully, I slipped out of bed, tucking the blanket around Layla to make sure she stayed warm. She didn't stir, still deep in sleep, and I took that as my cue to head downstairs.

The kitchen greeted me like an old friend, clean and orderly, with every utensil and ingredient in its rightful place.