Maiden's Vendetta

he entered the bustling kitchen, ready to embark on the task of preparing dinne

a replied, her voice fill

riosity. "Let me help you make dinner. You can just take a rest," C

handle this? I don't want Ava shouting and screaming at the top of her voic

red her, her tone laced with confidence. She wanted to prove herself capable and

of gratitude and relie

nt of respite. "Okay then, I'll be here if you need me. Just call for help

moment to gather her thoughts before answering, her gaze wandering to the array of fresh ingredients spread across

ony. With nimble fingers, she retrieved a large pot from the cabinet, filled it with water, and set it to boil on the stovetop.

pers, tender zucchini, and plump cherry tomatoes, each slice a vibrant burst of color. The tantalizing

ural talent for cooking, her movements precise and fluid. Camila poured a glug of olive oil into a large skillet, all

y to ensure each strand was submerged. She leaned in, inhaling the steam rising from the bubbling pot,

g harmoniously. She sautéed them until they were tender yet still maintained a satisfying crunch. A

king liquid. She added the pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently with the vegetables, allowing the flavors to intertwi

rant and enticing dish. The aroma of sautéed vegetables mingled with the fragrance of garlic, filling the kitchen with a mout

dful of fragrant basil leaves, the dish reached its final crescendo. The colors danced on the plat

the end of her culinary masterpiece. She took a step back to admire her creation, a satisfied smile playing on her

lously prepared meal. The flavors danced on her tongue, a symphony of tastes that del

balanced. You truly have a gift in the kitchen," Elena exclaimed, her words filled with

interrupted as Ava stormed into the kitchen, her voice filled with impatience. "Is dinner ready?" she barked, her eyes darting between Camila and Elena. El

ishing out the food, eager to appease Ava's demands. Camila watched silently, her eyes flickering with a mix of sympathy for Elena and determinati

nce. Camila's heart raced as Ava's gaze bore into her. She quickly composed herself and nodded, not daring to utter a word. With a deep br

ion, the artistry of the presentation juxtaposed against the underlying unease that colored every interaction. With the table set and

up the remnants of their culinary endeavor. The clattering of dishes and the sound of

ed to her late sister, Antoine, and a a pang of sadness washed over her. It had been a year

had shared countless moments together, cooking side by side and sharing stories over a w

arily still. She longed for the comfort of Antoine's presence, yearning for t

gently, a look of empathy on her face. "Camila, are

a. Just lost in thought for a moment," she replied, her voice tinged with sadness.

on Camila's arm. "I'm so sorry for your loss, Camila. Losing someone

Elena. She was my guiding light, and I miss her every day," she

em. Their shared experiences of loss and hardship had forged a deep con