"I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." I cried, and he hummed, rubbing my back with his large hands.

...

Wiping my tears with his tee, I slowly tried to stop my cries while he chuckled. I looked up from his chest to him.

"Why are you laughing..." I asked, and he just let out another chuckle before grabbing both my arms. He pushed me up, and my body slid on his a little. Our faces were close again, his eyes staring at me up and down.

"Why do you cry so much, butterfly..." he let out, and I looked at him, sniffing.

"Because you keep hurting me..." I said in a slow voice, and he hummed, closing his eyes for a few seconds before opening them again.

"Isn't your tongue talking too much now..." he said and lowered my head before glaring at him, placing my head on his chest.

"Remove your hands then..." I let out in a small voice...

"Why..." he said, tightening his hold on my waist, and I didn't say anything.

"Maya..." he whispered in my ear, and I hummed. Taking a strand of my hair in his fingers, he rolled it before placing his hands on my back again.

"Can you tell me about yourself..." he asked.

I looked up, placing my chin on his chest.

"I am boring. There is nothing to know..." I let out softly, and he smirked.

"So you are a nerd..." he said in a mocking tone, and a gasp left my mouth. Placing my hands on the side of the bed, I tried to stand up from him when he suddenly pushed me back into him.

"Why do you always want to run away from me, huh..." he said angrily, and I gulped before looking at him. Suddenly, a growl left my stomach.

Rhys blinked twice while I remained silent, biting my bottom lip with my teeth. It was embarrassing. Turning his body again until I was on the bed, he got up and grabbed my hand, pulling me up with him. He was now on the floor while I was sitting on the bed.

He was about to pick me up again when I quickly crawled down and placed my shoes on the floor. Oh, my shoes were still on.

Rhys coughed, taking my attention to him. I looked at him. He placed his hand in the air to hold. I stared at it for a second and then placed my hand on his palm. He quickly tightened his hold and started walking downstairs. I followed his steps.

He stopped when we reached the kitchen and left my hand. The ingredients were all for tortellini, risotto, and steak. Preparing them slowly...

"You all can go..." he ordered the maids who were working in the kitchen. They all followed the command. I let my gaze roam all over, where half the preparation of food was done. The vegetables were chopped, the dough was prepared, and the spices were scooped up.

Finally, my gaze went back to Rhys, who was looking at me.

"Do you know how to cook?" he asked, arching his eyebrow, and I nodded my head before letting out softly a simple "yes."

"Then cook..." he said, and I obeyed him, nodding my head again. I walked towards the stand and started cooking. Rhys followed my every movement while sitting near the fruit bucket. His hand grabbed an apple, and without washing it, he started to chew.

"Wash it..." I said, and he sent a glare at me.

"Do your work, butterfly..." he said mockingly, and I bit my lip, nodding, then turned my head again towards the steak, which was sizzling. Flipping it back and forth, I let it cook fully. Once all was done, I wanted to wash my hands, which were somehow near Rhys.

Walking with slow steps, I spared a glance at him and then walked two steps forward. Opening the tap, I let the harsh flow of water fall on me. I was about to take my hands back when suddenly Rhys stood behind me. His hands slid from my waist to my hands, slowly touching my skin. His hand rubbed against mine, taking my hands between them. I froze at the gesture. His hot breaths kept touching my neck from behind, and suddenly, I heard a lady's cough.

Quickly pushing Rhys a little, I looked towards the direction from where the sound had come. Mr. and Mrs. Bernard stood there. Rhys's mom's eyes were sparkling, while Rhys's dad's stare was the same as Rhys's—always so cold.

I suddenly felt hot all over my body. Lowering my head, I bowed, greeting them slowly, not in the condition to let a word out when Rhys suddenly said in my ear...

"Push me once more, butterfly, and I am kissing you in front of them..."

My heart dropped before my heartbeat quickened. My stomach churned at the weird feeling.

"R...hys..." A whimper left my mouth while Rhys took some steps forward.

"Mom, Maya has cooked some food for you..." he said, and I looked at him before licking my lips in nervousness.

His mom nodded and ordered the maids to serve the dishes, which was quickly obeyed.

In a few minutes, I was sitting beside Rhys while his mom and dad sat in front of us at the giant table. The dining room was like a hall—big, empty, yet so aesthetic with some decoration.

Rhys's hand was in mine, his thumb gently caressing my fingers while I sat lowering my head.

"It's tasty..." Rhys's dad suddenly said, taking the first bite, and I looked up at him. A sudden shyness got inside me, and I tightened my hold on Rhys's hand.

Rhys suddenly chuckled, and I looked at him curiously, asking with my eyes the reason for laughing. He shook his head and said...

"Eat, butterfly..."

I hummed, and then my gaze went to Rhys's mom, who gave me a small smile, which I quickly returned.

Rhys groaned suddenly, and my attention went back to him.

"It's perfect, Maya..." he said, and I hummed, nodding my head. Picking up the spoon and diving into the food, I started eating too.