Better Late, But Never His Again novel Chapter 101

Hazel sat at the dining table. The breakfast spread actually looked appetizing, clearly made with effort.

Julian hadn't even taken off his apron yet, wearing an expression that practically begged for praise.

Having known him for years, she had never seen him in the kitchen. In the past, when she cooked, the most he'd do was stand at the door, glance in, and tell her she had worked hard.

Now, not only had he stepped into the kitchen, but he'd also researched all these new recipes. Hazel almost wondered if the food was drugged.

Julian sat across from her and pushed a plate closer, followed by a warm glass of milk. A hint of flattery, which he himself didn't even notice, touched his smile. "Try it. These are new recipes I learned. Tell me if they're any good."

He paused. "If you think it's good, I'll let Evelyn try some too."

Hazel's fingers stalled. Looking at Julian's expectant face, she suddenly realized—he wasn't cooking for her. He was using her as a taste tester.

Waiting for her approval before making it for Evelyn Vance. What a calculated move.

She curled her lips into a faint smirk and pushed the plate back. "I don't have much of an appetite this morning. I'll pass."

Julian's smile stiffened. He quickly pushed the plate back toward her. "Come on, I made this specially for you. These are all your favorite ingredients. I just figured you've been working so hard cooking for us lately, so I wanted to treat you."

Hazel nodded slowly.

So he just wanted to 'treat' her, not actually share the household chores.

Her eyes remained indifferent. Her heart had long since given up on him.

Not wanting to waste breath arguing, she picked up her fork and took a couple of bites. The fried egg was actually quite good, cooked perfectly—much better than her own first attempt in the kitchen.

...

Outside the Apex Holdings building, the morning commute was in full swing.

Hazel had just stepped out of a cab when she spotted that familiar black Maybach parked by the curb.

The doors opened. Julian stepped out of the driver's seat and walked around to open the passenger door. Evelyn slid out, clutching a thermal lunchbox to her chest—the exact same one Julian had taken from the house that morning.

The two stood close together. Julian lowered his head to gently tuck a windblown strand of hair behind her ear, the gesture impossibly tender.

Hazel took one look and looked away, pretending she hadn't seen a thing.

Julian looked up and caught sight of her. He turned back to Evelyn and softly instructed, "Evelyn, I packed enough for two. You can go find Hazel and eat together at noon."