"How on earth did you manage to make this?" Arabella looked up at Romeo, "Every New Year, Grannie Grace would make them for
me. They were a symbol of togetherness, of everything ending perfectly. This tastes just like hers."
It was as if they were identical.
Everyone was caught off guard by this revelation, their gazes shifting to Romeo.
Romeo explained, "A few days ago, | got in touch with the old cook from the Murphy household. | asked her about the dishes that
were traditionally served at Christmas and New Year dinner, and that's how | found out what Grace used to make for you."
His eyes softened as he continued, "Before she was hospitalized, she sensed something was wrong with her health. Back then, she
handwrote several recipes for the cook, all your favorites. But after she was admitted to the hospital, under Olga's pressure, the
cook was too scared to make any decent meals for you. That cookbook Grace had handwritten was tucked away. Thankfully, it
wasn't thrown out. | managed to get my hands on that cookbook."
With that, Romeo handed Arabella a small black notebook.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt
As Arabella opened it, she saw Granny Grace's handwriting outlining each recipe's ingredients, measurements, and even her own
preferences, detailed to a T.
Turning to the last pages, it was evident that Granny Grace's health had been declining - her writing becshaky, but she
persisted in finishing the last recipe.
She even included notes on Arabella's tastes, reminding whoever was cooking to add a bit more of this, a little less of that.
Arabella's eyes glistened with unshed tears, touched by Granny Grace's behind-the-scenes efforts.
"This dish," Romeo said, "lI made it on behalf of Grace. Her blessing for your New Year isn't just for the past; it will be with you
every year to come. You should be happy in the new year. Everyone who cares about you wants to see you doing well."
"Absolutely, Romeo's right." Kenneth agreed, "Grace is always with us. Her love for you can't be expressed face to face, but Romeo
has conveyed it through his food."
"Romeo, you're so thoughtful." Louisa's voice cracked slightly with tears, "Your dad is right. Grace has never left us. Her care for
you has penetrated every aspect of life."
Arabella lifted her moist eyes to look at Romeo, "Thank you."
Although a 'thank you' seemed too formal after six months of dating, at that moment, Arabella truly wanted to express her
gratitude for his thoughtfulness, for the ways he tried to ease the regret, guilt, and remorse she felt for not being able to save
Grannie Grace.
Such a man had warmed countless moments of her life, bringing her endless touches of emotion.
"There's another dish you haven't tried yet," Romeo looked at her indulgently, his gaze tender.
He had made two dishes: one on behalf of Grannie Grace, and one on behalf of himself.
The fish was shaped into a five-layer cake, with carrots carved into hearts, stars, flowers, and other cute garnishes. The whole
plate was both aesthetically pleasing and filled with childlike innocence.
Arabella took a bite, finding the flavor and texture perfectly executed, leaving a lingering taste that beckoned for more.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm
She smiled at Romeo, nodding in approval, "Delicious."
Romeo's face broke into a knowing smile.
"Let's all eat together," Arabella called out.
"I'll try this pearl meatballs from Grannie Grace." David took a bite, his expression one of amazement, "So delicious! It tastes like
home."
"Lethave a go." Clark also took one, nodding as he chewed, "Mmm, not bad. It seems that with Grannie Grace around, Bella
was quite lucky."
Laughter and chatter filled the room as everyone served each other.
Arabella and Romeo exchanged a knowing glance. Just then, the chef approached, "Ms. Arabella Collins, the dish you prepared is
ready. I've turned off the heat. Shall | bring it out?"