Chapter 154 Parsley
Maybe it was because she had finally let go of the grudge she had carried for years, but the heavy weight on Camila’s heart had lifted, allowing her to sleep soundly through the night without even a single dream to disturb her.
It was the most peaceful and restful sleep she had experienced in the past eight years.
As the first light of dawn crept in, Camila slowly woke up. After a quick wash, she headed downstairs, her steps light and cheerful.
The moment she entered the kitchen, she saw Hazel, apron tied around her waist, busy at work.
Hazel turned at the sound of footsteps and, upon seeing Camila, a flicker of surprise crossed her face. “Ms. Jackson, why are you up so early today? Are you hungry? I’ll make you some breakfast right away.”
Camila shook her head. “I’m not hungry. I just wanted to make breakfast for Mr. Campbell and Lindsey myself. I’ve been living here, and this is the least I can do to show my thanks.”
Hazel chuckled and waved her hand dismissively. “There’s no need for you to cook. I’ll have it ready in no time. You should leave; the kitchen is full of smoke and grease.”
As she spoke, Hazel tried to usher Camila out of the kitchen.
But Camila clung to Hazel’s arm, swaying it playfully as she pleaded, “Hazel, Mr. Campbell and Lindsey have been so good to me. This is the only way I can show my gratitude.”
“Hazel, can you teach me how to make meatball soup? Yours is the best–it’s so simple yet so comforting.” As she spoke, she leaned her head against Hazel’s shoulder with a playful smile..
Hazel’s heart melted at her gesture. “Alright, I’ll teach you. I’m sure Mr. Campbell will feel warmth in his heart after tasting the breakfast you made with your own hands.”
Camila’s cheeks flushed. “I knew you were the best to me.”
Camila’s sweet words filled Hazel with joy, her smile so wide it revealed her teeth. She couldn’t be happier.
And so, the two of them busied themselves in the kitchen. After about half an hour, five bowls of piping hot, fragrant meatball soup were ready to serve.
The meatball soup, brimming with tender beef meatballs, vibrant vegetables, and tiny pasta, floated in a rich, savory broth. Each spoonful promised warmth, comfort, and a burst of delicious flavor that felt like a hug in a bowl.
Just then, Giovani, Lindsey, and Keira entered the dining room one after another.
Hazel beamed and said, “Mr. Campbell, Mrs. Campbell, you have to try this! Ms. Jackson made this meatball soup herself just for you.”
Lindsey and Keira exchanged warm, affectionate glances with Camila.
“Oh, Camila, you’re such a considerate girl! I love meatball soup, and just from the way it looks and smells, I can already tell it’s going to be amazing,” Lindsey said, her smile stretching from ear to ear.
Keira chimed in, “Exactly! It smells incredible, and I bet it tastes even better. Camila, with skills like this, you could open your own restaurant and be a hit!”
Hazel, clearly proud, added, “Right? I think so too. This is Ms. Jackson’s first time making meatball soup, and it’s already better than what I’ve been making for decades. What can I say? She is just so talented–she’s good at everything she tries.”
“Of course! Why else would I have chosen Camila as my granddaughter–in–law the moment I met her?” Lindsey said with a laugh.
The three older women took turns praising Camila, their words practically lifting her to the heavens. Camila’s cheeks flushed red from all the compliments, feeling they were being far too generous.
“Lindsey, Keira, please try the soup I made. If you like it, I’ll make it for you more often,” Camila said, urging them to dig in. Then, turning to Giovani with a look full of anticipation, she added softly, “Mr. Campbell, have some soup.”
Giovani’s gaze landed on the small handful of chopped parsley in the bowl, and his brow furrowed ever so slightly. However, he said nothing, quietly taking a seat and starting to eat.
Camila’s heart raced as she watched him take his first bite, her eyes brimming with both hope and nervousness.
The sharp, unmistakable taste of parsley hit Giovants tonos like a wave making his usually calm expression falter for a moment. But he swallowed it without a word, 10 Successfully unlocked! great.”
“Really?” Camila’s eyes lit up with excitement.
“Yes, really,” Giovani replied with a faint smile.
“I’m so glad you liked it, Mr. Campbell,” said Camila.
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Chapter 154 Parsley
Camila never expected her first attempt at making meatball soup to receive such high praise. Maybe she had a hidden talent for cooking after all.
Feeling overjoyed, she picked up her fork and started to eat. The rich aroma of the meatball, combined with the fresh parsley, made her close her eyes in pure bliss. No matter how many times she had it, meatball soup always remained her favorite.
Perhaps it was because, during the coldest and most helpless winter of her life, Hazel had made this very dish for her, filling her days with warmth. Every time the weather turned chilly, she found herself longing for that comforting taste.
Camila was so immersed in enjoying her meal that she didn’t notice Lindsey and Keira’s wide–eyed stares as they watched Giovani eat. It was as if they had just witnessed something utterly unbelievable.
The two women exchanged glances, as though they wanted to say something. But seeing the joy on Camila’s face, they decided to keep their thoughts to themselves.
Camila’s health had always been delicate, and her stomach had suffered during her time with the Jackson family. As a result, she ate slowly and carefully. By the time she finished chewing a single bite, she looked up to find Giovani’s bowl completely empty.
Her eyes widened in surprise, but her heart swelled with happiness. “Mr. Campbell, would you like another bowl? I can make more for you.”
Giovani quickly shook his head. “No, thank you. I’ve got work to do today. Take your time and enjoy your meal.”
With that, he stood up and turned to leave.
“Mr. Campbell, take Sean with you,” Camila called out hurriedly. “I’m staying in today, and I’ll feel better knowing he’s with you.”
“Alright,” Giovani replied with a nod, striding out the door with his long legs.
In the car, Giovani leaned back against the seat, his expression showing a hint of fatigue. He reached up to loosen his tie, revealing patches of red rashes spreading across his neck and chest.
Sean glanced at him through the rearview mirror, his eyes widening. “Mr. Campbell, did you eat parsley?” *
Sean knew all too well that Giovani was allergic to parsley. Even a small amount would cause his skin to break out in a rash.
Giovani exhaled sharply, his chest rising and falling as he tried to suppress the itch spreading across his skin. “Find a pharmacy.”
*****
After breakfast at the Campbell residence, Camila turned to Lindsey and said, “Lindsey, Hazel and I are heading out for a bit.”
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