Dominick embraced his father first, then his mother, feeling the warmth of their parting mont.
"Since you two will be away for a week, I’ve decided to postpone the welcoming ceremony until after your return," Mabel said gently. "Don’t take too long to co back."
"Of course, Mother. We’ll be back soon," Juniper assured her with a soft smile.
Rainard placed a steady hand on his son’s shoulder. "Call us as soon as you land in Elarindel," he reminded.
"Of course," Dominick agreed, glancing at his watch. "We should leave now before we’re late."
Rainard gave him a nod of approval. "Yes, go ahead. And take good care of June," he said.
Dominick laced his fingers through Juniper’s and together they walked away, their steps in quiet sync. As they settled into the car, Juniper broke the silence.
"You wanted to be here with everyone. We could have—"
"Don’t say we could have gone later," Dominick cut her off gently but firmly. "You should be my priority."
Her lips curved into a soft smile at his words, and she rested her head against his shoulder, comforted by his certainty.
As the car rolled forward, Juniper’s gaze drifted out the window. The palace gates faded into the distance. Ever since she and Dominick had reconciled, she couldn’t shake the feeling that she had overreacted before. Guilt tugged at her heart. She wanted to apologize to Zilia too, but the right mont had never co.
’I’ll talk to her after returning from the honeymoon. Hopefully, she forgives ,’ she thought, her eyes clouding with regret.
Beside her, Dominick’s thoughts ran just as deep. ’I didn’t make our wedding special enough. June deserves more. She’s the center of my world, and she’s always been loyal, never once asking anything from . This wedding should have been perfect for her. I just hope this ti, June will feel special... Truly special.’
~~~~~
"Sage, you didn’t have to carry my luggage to the apartnt. I can manage it myself," Katelyn said, glancing at him with a faint smile.
"It seems you didn’t want to see your apartnt," Sage teased lightly. "Don’t worry. I won’t enter unless you invite in."
"That’s not true," Katelyn quickly replied. "I just didn’t want you to trouble yourself." Her hesitation lted into warmth as she added, "Now that you’ve co all this way, you should co inside."
"Really?" Sage asked, his brows lifting as if he hadn’t expected her to say it.
Katelyn nodded, a small, genuine smile tugging at her lips.
"Yes. I can’t ask you to leave," Katelyn said softly as she entered the password. The door clicked open, and she stepped inside, dragging one trolley bag while Sage carried the other with ease.
He slipped off his shoes at the entrance and put on the spare slippers neatly placed by the door.
Katelyn led him into the spacious living room, its soft light shades reflecting her calm and elegant taste. "Sit here. I’ll bring you so water," she offered.
Sage gave a small nod and lowered himself onto the couch, his gaze briefly sweeping over the carefully arranged space. Everything about the ho felt warm and refined.
Monts later, Katelyn returned with a tray balanced in her hands. Before she could set it down, Sage rose quickly to et her, taking a glass from the tray. "Thanks," he said simply, settling back onto the couch.
"I only took one bag from here, but Mom packed a lot more things for in the second one," Katelyn said with a small laugh.
"That’s nice. Your mother is pampering you," Sage replied warmly.
"Yes, she is. Ever since Brother Gabriel and she reconciled, Mom has softened so much. Honestly, I never thought my mother and brother would ever nd their relationship... But they did. And I’m so happy about it."
"They reconciled!?" Sage’s brows lifted in surprise. He lowered the glass onto the table. "That’s wonderful news." Rising slightly, he added, "I should go. You must be wanting to rest."
"I rested the entire flight," Katelyn countered with a gentle shake of her head. "I can cook sothing for us. It’s lunchti anyway."
"You know how to cook!?" Sage teased, a hint of amusent in his tone.
"I’m still learning," she admitted, smiling shyly. "But I think I’ve gotten pretty good at it."
Sage stood, his expression softening as he looked at her. "Allow to cook for you, Princess," he said with sincerity. "I’ve been cooking for myself for a long ti. Just show the kitchen."
"Alright," Katelyn said, walking ahead with a playful glance over her shoulder. "But don’t complain later that I made you work."
"I won’t," Sage replied.
They entered the kitchen, and he casually slipped off his jacket, handing it to her before rolling up the sleeves of his shirt. The motion revealed the strong lines of his forearms, veins running beneath his skin, and Katelyn’s throat tightened as she swallowed hard.
Without another word, he tied an apron around his waist and strode to the refrigerator. Pulling it open, he retrieved a neatly packed salmon fillet and a frozen packet of at, turning each over in his hands as he checked the dates.
"They were bought today," he murmured, almost to himself.
"I asked Albus to stock the food before I left for the flight," Katelyn explained, setting his jacket aside.
"Gabriel’s house butler, right?" Sage asked, glancing at her.
"Yes," Katelyn nodded, watching him with growing curiosity. "So... what are you planning to cook?"
A small smile curved his lips as he set the packets down on the counter. "You’ll know soon enough. Why don’t you freshen up while I prepare lunch?" he suggested.
Katelyn hesitated for a mont before nodding. "Alright. But don’t overwork yourself," she said softly, turning toward her room.
As she walked away, she couldn’t resist one last glance at him. A strange feeling developed in her heart.
"I thought he was like my brothers, who know nothing about cooking," she murmured, smiling.
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