Dinner and Chocolate Cake
After my father sat down, we all followed suit. My stepmother shot daggers at me from across the table. She probably hated the fact that I was seated opposite her, right beside the Duke. According to her, only she was worthy of sitting next to him. That's why Isla—the old Isla—always sat far away, like an outsider at her own father's table.
But I wasn't the old Isla anymore.
I ignored her sour expression and turned my attention to the food being served. The dishes were excellent, and I was more than happy to focus on my plate rather than the frosty air thickening in the room.
Father ate in silence, his gaze fixed solely on his food. My stepmother, Amelia, ate too—poised, elegant, every movement calculated like a fashion model in an etiquette commercial. Honestly, if she wasn't such a pain, I might've admired her.
The room was beginning to feel suffocating, and I just wanted to finish eating and escape. But then—salvation arrived.
Dessert.
My eyes lit up when I saw it: cake. My one true love.
I watched as the trays were passed around… and my gaze fixed on the chocolate slice, the glorious, moist-looking piece of heaven. But just as fate would have it, that blessed chocolate slice was placed in front of my father, while I was served a strawberry one.
Now, don't get me wrong—I like strawberry. But chocolate?
Chocolate is sacred.
I stared longingly at the cake like a tragic heroine bidding farewell to her forbidden lover. With a defeated sigh, I glanced up… and found Father watching me, face as unreadable as ever.
I quickly looked away, cheeks warming, and reached for my plate—only to freeze when I noticed his hand.
He silently pushed the chocolate cake toward me.
I blinked.
Did… did my father just give me his dessert?
I stared at the cake, then at him, my eyes wide. The real Isla might have fainted on the spot. But me? I beamed at him with the brightest smile I had probably ever given. And in that moment, the rest of the world vanished—it was just me and my precious chocolate baby.
Thank you, Dad. You have my eternal gratitude.
He cleared his throat, breaking the moment. "This dinner was arranged to welcome Edward back," he announced, voice deep and commanding. "Now that he's graduated, he'll begin working alongside me to learn the family business."
"That is so thoughtful of you, my Lord!" Amelia said quickly, pouring wine into his glass with a practiced smile. "I will personally advise Edward to be diligent in following your example."
She looked thrilled. Humans are so odd. Meanwhile, I glanced at Edward. He was staring down at his food, his expression unreadable.
Did he not want this? Not that I cared.
Once dinner ended, Father stood and left. Amelia followed him like a shadow. Elena disappeared soon after, leaving just me and Edward in the hall.
I had devoured my chocolate cake. I could've eaten ten more but decided to keep my refined young lady image intact.
"Your love for cakes hasn't changed," Edward said, catching me off guard.
I turned to him, blinking. Did he just speak to me?
"Yeah… I love them," I said with a shrug and a smile.
He raised a brow, then leaned in slightly. "Some of your quirks are still the same, but you've changed a lot."
I tilted my head and smirked. "You remember my quirks? I thought you wouldn't even remember my name."
"I remember everything about you," he said. "And I'd like to know even more."
I stared at him, stunned.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
He smiled mysteriously. "Nothing. Don't you need rest?"
"Yeah… I'm leaving," I said and stood up, this conversation was weird.
Just as I reached the door, he called out, "Isla."
I paused, not turning back. "Yes?"
"You look beautiful today."
I didn't look back. I simply walked out.
Behind me, Edward glanced at the cake crumbs on my plate and smiled, remembering the little girl who once offered him her cake because he'd saved her from falling down the stairs.
---
I entered my room, followed silently by Sasha, who had expertly blended into the background the entire evening.
"Sasha, help me get these pins out of my hair," I said, and she sprang to life.
In no time, she had removed my makeup, helped me change into my nightclothes, and tucked everything away.
Tonight was… eventful. But thankfully, peaceful.
---
The next morning, I wandered into the garden, needing some air. That's when I saw Edward. He was practicing swordsmanship, his movements fluid and precise, each swing calculated and clean. There was an undeniable grace in the way he moved—like the sword was an extension of himself.
I stood still, watching in silent admiration.
"Are you interested in swords... or in me, Lady Isla?" Edward asked, turning toward me without missing a beat.
I jumped slightly. "How did you know I was here?" I asked, blinking.
"I don't need to see you to know when you're near," he said smoothly, placing his sword on the table and walking toward me.
"I was admiring your sword," I said, walking closer to the table. "It's beautiful. You handle it really well. I was just wondering… if I could ever use one like that."
He looked at me, the corner of his lips tilting up. "If you'd like, I can teach you."
"Really?" I asked, eyes lighting up.
He nodded and stepped closer, too close for my liking.
He reached up, and for a second, I thought he was going to touch my cheek. But his hand went toward my hair and I just took a step back making him stop his actions.
--