"One, two, three... wow, I’m impressed," Emma said with a smile as she looked at the number of dishes William set on the table.
William let out a small huff. "You didn’t tell me what you like, so I made something I usually enjoy on rainy days."
Emma looked pleasantly surprised. "There aren’t many ingredients in the room, yet you still managed to make such a nice lunch."
William shrugged. "Well, you had all the basics, and even though it looks colorful, the taste will probably be simple."
Emma shook her head. "I don’t believe that."
"Then try it first before deciding."
She did just that, drawn in by the smell of the food. Scooping up some broth with peas and chunks of meat, she tucked a few strands of hair behind her ear, blew on the spoon, and took a careful sip.
William looked relaxed, but in truth, he was waiting for her reaction. He had tasted the soup in the kitchen, but he wanted to hear her thoughts.
He didn’t have to wait long.
"I have three vaults of gold I’ve been saving since childhood," Emma said suddenly.
William blinked, puzzled, until she added with a playful grin, "Would that be enough to hire you as my chef?"
He laughed, shaking his head. "Quit being dramatic and eat."
Emma giggled and went back to eating.
People say everything tastes good when you’re hungry—but this meal didn’t need an empty stomach to earn praise.
As they ate, Emma asked, "Did you learn cooking to keep your future wife happy?" She took another spoonful of soup and added with a teasing smile, "Because if you did, you’ve already succeeded."
William grinned at her. Looking up through his lashes, he asked, "And why do you think you’d be the one?"
Emma shrugged lightly. "Because I won’t let anyone else take that spot."
For a moment, William was taken aback. The way she said it—so calm, so certain—made it sound like the idea of anyone else beside him didn’t even exist in her mind.
"That possessiveness of yours..." he muttered.
"...you love it," she finished smoothly, lifting the bowl to her lips and taking a sip, her eyes never leaving his over the rim.
William didn’t say anything and after lowering his gaze, he continued to eat.
However, despite how much he protested, his lips curved into a smile.
....
After they finished eating, Emma said, "Let me clean the dishes."
William replied, "I can handle that."
"No, if you do that too, I’ll feel ashamed," she insisted, gathering all the plates and heading to the sink.
But just as she was about to start, she looked down and noticed she was still wearing her new dress—it could easily get wet or stained.
"Ah..." she sighed softly.
Before she could think of what to do, William stepped in behind her, close enough for her to feel his breath on her neck. Without a word, he reached around her, wrapping the apron over her front and tying it neatly behind her back.
"There," he murmured, "now you won’t be spoiling such a pretty dress."
Emma’s heart skipped, though she tried to keep her voice steady. "Is this dress pretty... or does it look pretty because of the person wearing it?"
William chuckled, shaking his head. "You talk too much. Now work."
Emma smiled and began washing the dishes.
William stood beside her, towel in hand, silently drying each plate she passed over before setting them neatly on the shelf.
The simple rhythm between them—the sound of water, the clink of dishes, and their quiet smiles—made the small kitchen feel unusually warm.
"Hey, don’t we feel like a married couple?" Emma asked, nudging him with her shoulder.
William smiled. "So after marriage, you’re planning to make me do the chores?"
Emma widened her eyes in mock shock. "Of course! We’re going to share the work. Just because you’ll be earning doesn’t mean you get to laze around at home. You’ll have to cook for me too."
"Cook... regularly?" he asked, raising a brow.
Emma hesitated for a second, then smiled guiltily. "Okay, fine—on weekends. On weekends, I’ll play with the children while you make us something delicious."
"Children?" William echoed with amusement. "Not child?"
Emma huffed. "Why are you hesitating when I’ll be the one bearing them? I want at least three, okay?"
William chuckled. "Don’t you think we’re planning a bit too far ahead?"
Emma let out a soft hum as she turned towards him, "Maybe. But thinking about that future... it gives me something to hold onto. Even if life throws obstacles in the way, that dream makes me want to keep moving forward—until we reach it."
William’s hand stopped midway, the last plate slipping slightly in his grasp as his gaze met hers.
In those deep blue eyes, he saw it all—fear, longing, uncertainty, and hope. The usually calm and unreadable Emma stood before him, stripped of her composure, her heart laid bare.
Something inside him stirred. Without a word, he leaned closer.
Their breaths mingled for a fleeting second before William closed the distance and pressed his lips against hers.
Emma froze, her eyes widening in surprise, but the warmth of his lips soon melted the shock away. Her heartbeat slowed, then raced again—steady and wild all at once. Slowly, she closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment.
William placed the plate carefully on the shelf and wrapped his arms around her waist, drawing her closer. The kiss deepened, unhurried yet filled with quiet intensity.
He pulled her just enough that she rose onto her toes, her hands still damp as they found their way around his neck. Tilting her head slightly, she matched his rhythm, her body soft against his as the world around them faded into silence.
Only the faint sound of running water and their uneven breaths filled the space—simple, real, and achingly tender.
At that moment, William took an oath.
An oath that even if he has to destroy the world and rebuild it, he would do it, to give her what she wants.
Parting his lips from hers he whispered, "Congratulations, you have made me feel the same emotion I decided to never feel for anyone."
Emma giggled as she asked, "Can I hear those three words just to-"
"I love you."
He said.
She heard.
The world froze.
And their lips met again.
In a deep, passionate manner which relayed each other their feelings.
Emma now belongs to William.
And William will always be hers.
°°°°°°°°
A/N:- Had to be careful not to get caught smiling like a fool while writing this Chapter.