When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese and Zacharias) novel Chapter 655

"Thank you, Margot. You've worked hard. Get some rest. I'll do the cooking."

Margot shook her head. "It's just a few pies, ma'am. It's no trouble at all."

Seeing how close the two stood together, Margot knew better than to stay. She slipped off her apron and left the kitchen quietly.

Anneliese walked to the counter. "Do you like the spinach filling? How many can you eat?"

She reached for a pie to cook, but Jonathan's arm slid around her waist, pulling her back against him.

"You said you were too tired to move. You begged me to stop earlier. You little liar."

Anneliese pinched his side and shot him a glare. His energy was ridiculous.

She was younger and supposedly had more stamina, yet somehow he was the one still full of strength, while she felt like the one who hadn't slept at all.

Ever since the kidnapping, they had barely had a moment alone. First came her injuries, then Nishay's discovery.

For a man who'd finally gotten a taste of what he'd been denied, those weeks had been hell.

When he finally got his chance earlier, Jonathan hadn't wanted to stop. He'd had the drive of someone who could keep going until morning.

Anneliese's legs were still weak. Leaning against him, she gave him a small shove. "Bake the pies."

Jonathan obeyed happily. He bent down, kissed her cheek, and lifted her onto the counter. "Be a dear and give me some instructions."

He turned on the stove and poured in water while Anneliese sat nearby, swinging her legs and watching him.

The water began to bubble.

Steam rose and softened the sharp lines of his face as he stood there stirring the pot of pie filling with a spoon.

For a second, she saw another kitchen—Frederick at the stove, making pie for her and her mom.

Back then, her mom would pull her close, brush a hand through her hair, and smile as she said, "Anne, someday you'll meet a boy who'll make you pies and eat them with you, just like this."

Anneliese pressed her fingers against the corner of her eyes and thought, Dad, thank you for bringing him into my life.

..

At the hospital, Anneliese and Jonathan walked into Nishay's room.

Nishay looked better, her gaze lost on the view outside the window.

It had to be Jonathan.

She turned toward him. He looked just as startled, standing near the couch.

A man who could sign billion-dollar contracts without a flicker of hesitation and stay calm midair during any crisis now seemed uncertain. He replayed Nishay's words in his mind, questioning if he'd understood right.

Then, he met Anneliese's bright, hopeful eyes and knew. Nishay was showing him a sliver of kindness.

Jonathan stepped forward, took the container from Anneliese, and complimented, "It smells incredible. Thanks, Nishay."

Nishay gave him a short look.

Her face stayed composed, but her tone softened. She even gave a small nod.

That quiet approval was enough to leave Jonathan caught between surprise and gratitude.

…

The three of them ate in calm silence after that. Nishay didn't say much, but a gentle warmth lingered in the room.

After dinner, Anneliese started cleaning up and was about to wash the dishes when Jonathan walked over. He took everything from her hands.