Chapter 226: Finally, A Break

Gray was in pure bliss.He went back home with nothing but a smile on his face.

Even as Daniel drove him home, the smile refused to leave him. For the first time in a while, he wasn’t thinking about work, numbers, or plans.

He was simply... happy.

The dinner had gone well. It was even better than he ever expected.

The week had been heavy. It was filled with doubts and waiting. However, tonight felt like a release for all that heaviness.

As Daniel dropped him off, he respectfully stepped out.

"Thank you, Daniel."

"No problem, Sir. Have a good night."

"You too."

As he took a step inside, his shoulders looked light and relaxed. His chest also carried a strange warmth.

When he entered the condo, the place felt brighter. Lily was already asleep in her room, and her door was slightly open. The only source of light was the glow of her night lamp spilling into the hallway.

Just seeing that scene made Gray’s chest swell. He quietly peeked in and saw her sleeping soundly with her blanket half-kicked off to the side. He chuckled and gently fixed it for her before closing the door again.

Back in the living room, Gray collapsed onto the couch. The silence was calming, but inside, his thoughts filled his mind. He leaned back, staring at the ceiling. His lips curled into another grin he couldn’t fight off.

This week was a good one.

A very good one.

For all the struggles, for all the waiting and the anxiety, the ending couldn’t have been better.

"Yeah... this is good. Really good." Gray let out a long breath and chuckled softly to himself.

He didn’t care that Monday would bring back the usual load of responsibilities. Maybe even more. For now, he let himself sink into it fully.

The week was closed with a win. A quiet but meaningful win.

Gray stayed on the couch for a long while that night. He just let himself breathe. He scrolled absently on his phone, not really paying attention to anything. His mind was also quiet.

Eventually, he dragged himself to bed. He was still smiling faintly as he slid under his sheets. Sleep came easily for him, and when morning light slipped past the curtains the next morning, Gray woke up earlier than usual.

For some reason, he felt energized.

Gray stretched his limbs and ran a hand through his hair. He walked out of his room and glanced toward Lily’s room. She was still asleep.

That suddenly gave him an idea. It had been so long since they sat down for a proper breakfast together. It’s been so long since they ate food that was freshly cooked, not just reheated after meal prepping.

"Yeah," he muttered under his breath with a grin. "Let’s do that."

Heading into the kitchen, Gray rolled up his sleeves. He took out the pans and set the stove to life. The silence of their condo was slowly replaced by the soft sounds of sizzling butter.

Gray whisked some pancake batter. He put some in the pan, waited for a minute, then flipped it. After waiting for more, he finally scooped out the perfect golden pancake and placed it onto a plate.

In another pan, he was frying some bacon, releasing its savory aroma. Eggs came next. He fried a simple sunny-side up, just the way Lily liked them.

The smell spread quickly to their whole unit.

It wasn’t long before he heard the faint sound of footsteps. Then, almost on cue, a small, groggy voice called out.

"Brother... mmm... what’s that smell...?"

Lily emerged from her room in her pajamas. Her hair was still a complete mess and her face was scrunched from sleep. But the moment she spotted the plates being set on the table, her eyes lit up.

"Brother!" She rushed over to Gray, her eyes widening with delight. "You made breakfast for me!"

Gray couldn’t help but laugh.

"Yeah, I did. Now, sit down and wait for the eggs to cook."

"Yes, Brother!" She bounced toward the chair, excitement written all over her still-sleepy face.

Lily didn’t waste a second. She plopped herself on the chair across from Gray, her eyes practically sparkling as she stared at the plates.

"Pancakes!" she gasped out loud as she covered her mouth with her tiny hands, "And bacon! And then eggs too?!"

Gray couldn’t help but laugh at her loud reaction.

"What, you thought I’d only make one thing?" He finally took out the egg and put it in her place. "Eat while it’s hot."

Lily clasped her hands dramatically, as if she were about to dig into a feast.

"Don’t worry, Brother! I will really eat!" Then she attacked the pancakes, cutting into them with excitement and shoving a big bite into her mouth.

"Mmm—" she couldn’t even finish chewing before speaking again. "Brother, this is sooo good!" Her cheeks puffed up as she tried to talk and chew at the same time. "Way better than those reheated meals."

"I know. Your brother is the best, but chew first," Gray said, shaking his head but smiling anyway. "You’ll choke at this rate."

Lily pouted, but only for a second before she stuffed more pancake into her mouth.

"But it’s really good! You should cook more often."

"I will," Gray smiled and cut into his own breakfast. He was watching her from across the table. Their food wasn’t anything fancy. It was just pancakes, bacon, and eggs. But the way Lily devoured it, you’d think it was the best thing she’d ever eaten all her life.

"It’s been a while, hasn’t it?" Gray muttered softly.

"Hm?" Lily glanced up, her cheeks were still puffed as she chewed.

"Since I actually cooked for us."

That seemed to hit her. She swallowed quickly, then gave him a softer smile.

"Yeah, brother... it feels nice. Just like before."

Her words made Gray pause. He let them sit in the air for a moment.

’Before...’ He was sure that Lily was thinking of those days when they were just simple.

"Then," Gray glanced at her and smiled a little. "I’ll try to do this more often. Not just for special occasions."

Lily’s eyes lit up instantly. Really, brother? Do you promise that?"

Gray smirked and chuckled.

"Promise."

Lily grinned widely and clapped her hands. Then, after a moment, she returned to demolishing her pancakes with even more excitement.

"Okay, brother! But next time... can you make waffles too?!"

Gray chuckled, leaning back in his chair as he sipped his coffee.

"We’ll see."

The two of them continued eating happily, with Lily humming in delight every time she took another bite. Gray found himself slowing down. It was not because he wasn’t hungry, but because he just wanted to savor the moment with her.

Watching Lily eat with that much excitement was satisfying for him. It made him happy and satisfied.

"You really love pancakes that much, huh?" Gray teased her as he sipped in his coffee.

"Yes, brother!" Lily declared proudly. She even held up her fork in the air with a piece of pancake stuck on it. "But only yours, Brother. Yours tastes the best!"

Gray chuckled, shaking his head.

"You stupid. Flattery won’t get you any more bacon."

Lily gasped dramatically. "What?! But—but—" Before she could finish her protest, the sudden ding-dong of the doorbell echoed through the condo.

Both of them froze for a second.

"Who could that be this early?" Gray murmured, glancing toward the door.

But before he could move, Lily jumped out of her chair with surprising speed for someone who had just woken up.

"I’ll get it!" she said cheerfully, her messy hair even bouncing as she ran.

Gray called after her, "Careful! Don’t just open it without checking—"

But before he could finish, the door already swung open.

Standing there was Selina, smiling warmly as always. She was holding a small white pastry box tied neatly with a ribbon.

"Sister Selina!" Lily exclaimed out loud, her face lighting up even more than when she saw the pancakes.

"You’re here! And you brought food too!"

"Good morning, Lily," Selina greeted gently, kneeling slightly to meet her at eye level. "I thought I’d stop by and bring you both some pastries. It was fresh from the bakery."

Lily didn’t even hesitate. She reached out and tugged on Selina’s hand with her tiny one.

"Come join us for breakfast, Sister! Brother made pancakes and eggs, and bacon! It’s sooo good!"

Selina blinked in surprise, then laughed softly at the girl’s enthusiasm. She glanced past Lily and saw Gray sitting at the table, watching them. He gave her a small smile.

"Breakfast, huh?" Selina asked as she straightened her posture. She was still holding the pastry box.

"Yes! Come on!" Lily pulled at her again, determined.

"Well... I suppose I can’t say no to an invitation like that." Selina chuckled before she stepped inside.

Gray rose slightly from his seat. He took another plate and filled it with food. Fortunately, he made some extra.

"Good morning, Selina. You’re just in time."