While waiting for the pasta to cook, he skewered the plump red tomatoes and held them over the fire, letting the skins blister and char slightly. As the aroma deepened, he rotated the fish to cook evenly on the other side. Then, once the tomatoes were nicely roasted, he peeled off the skins and mashed them into a rich, fragrant paste.
Then he minced some garlic and reheated the same iron pan, adding a bit more oil before tossing in the garlic. As the aroma filled the air, he added the freshly mashed tomatoes, their rich, smooth red hue bubbling with promise.
He seasoned the sauce with a blend of spices, then grated some aged cheddar cheese into the mixture. Right on cue, the pasta reached perfect al dente, and Duke folded the meatballs into the sauce, followed by the pasta itself, stirring everything together as the pan stayed over the flame.
Once everything was thoroughly mixed and the flavors had melded, he plated the dish into two servings. He topped each with a final sprinkle of shredded cheese and a touch of garnish. Just as he finished, Kisha opened her eyes, the soft smile on her lips blooming like sunrise.
"Smells good," she said sweetly.
When Kisha slowly opened her eyes, Duke’s smile bloomed across his face, his eyes crinkling with warmth. "You look tired," he said gently. "I made you something to eat. Want to take a quick break and have a bite before you continue training?"
He lifted a plate slightly, showing her the steaming dish in his hands. The aroma of meatball spaghetti wafted through the air, and at the sight of it, Kisha gulped and nodded. She stood up, and Duke handed her the plate with a soft smile.
Then, turning back to the fire, he retrieved a fish he’d been roasting. With practiced ease, he pulled another plate from his space ring, removed the charred skin and scales, and began deboning it carefully. Once the tender meat was ready, he offered it to Kisha.
Kisha, who was already devouring the spaghetti with obvious delight, only now realized how truly famished she was. Maybe it was because Duke had cooked the food with such love and care, but it tasted so much better than anything from the cafeteria. She ate with gusto, her eyes bright and crinkled with joy as she looked at Duke and gratefully accepted the fish he offered her.
"Hubby, you should eat too..." Kisha said sweetly, her voice laced with playful affection. Every now and then, she couldn’t help but act a little coquettish—especially when Duke treated her so well. A bit of cuteness here and there wouldn’t hurt, especially when she truly felt this happy.
Hearing her soft, flirtatious tone, Duke’s grin widened, his heart fluttering as if a kitten were gently scratching at it—an oddly ticklish and delightful feeling. He reached for his own plate of meatball spaghetti, though his portion was noticeably smaller than Kisha’s.
He had given her the best of everything—seven perfectly round, golden-brown meatballs, while keeping only five for himself, some slightly overcooked or misshapen. Kisha’s plate also had more pasta, and it was generously topped with cheddar cheese, while his was more modest.
Noticing the quiet sacrifice, Kisha’s heart warmed. Without a word, she gently speared one of her best-looking meatballs and held it out to Duke with a soft smile, offering it to him as naturally as breathing.
"Hubby, you’re so good to me. Here, have more," Kisha said with a soft smile, offering him another meatball. "Your cooking is honestly the best I’ve ever had."
She wasn’t just flattering him—she meant every word. Even in their previous life, she had always loved Duke’s cooking. Every meal he prepared felt like a reward, a quiet gesture of love that never failed to make her heart full, although they weren’t really together in their previous life.
Duke, seeing his little wife willingly give him her biggest, most perfect meatball, felt a surge of joy. Her small act of affection made him feel even happier than she did. To him, her appreciation was the sweetest reward of all.
"Tsk! I came here to train, but it looks like if I stick around any longer, I’ll be fed dog food instead of meatball spaghetti..." Keith grumbled.
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