Chapter 8

Serenity stayed at Liberty’s home, mainly to help lighten the load for her sister. Unfortunately, her brother-in-law took advantage of the situation and treated her like a nanny, giving her orders.

This morning, Serenity woke up and took in the unfamiliar bedroom where she had spent the night. As memories rushed back to her, she murmured, “I must be half-asleep to think I’m still at my sister’s place. This is my home. I don’t have to get up now.”

With that thought, she snuggled back into her bed, hoping to drift off again. However, Serenity found it impossible to adjust her internal clock; sleep eluded her even when she desired it.

Eventually, the rumbling of her stomach convinced her to rise. After changing her clothes and freshening up, Serenity stepped out of her room and glanced at Zachary’s bedroom door. It appeared he was still asleep, likely due to his late night.

She wandered into the kitchen, only to find it empty and silent. After a moment, she turned around and decided to leave. Serenity had ordered kitchenware the previous day, but unfortunately, it hadn’t arrived yet. Had she known this would happen, she would have opted to purchase the items in a store instead of online.

Recalling a breakfast spot she had noticed in the neighborhood during her move, Serenity decided to grab some takeout. She contemplated what Zachary might enjoy for breakfast, but since waking him up to ask wasn’t an option, she opted for a variety of dishes.

She picked up a breakfast omelet, bacon, sausages, pancakes, and toast—the typical favorites in Wiltspoon. Little did she know, Zachary, despite having been out late the previous night, was an early riser. Just as Serenity left to pick up breakfast, he woke up. Unaccustomed to having a wife around, he again forgot about her and stepped out of his room bare-chested, ready to start his day.

glass of water. At that moment, Serenity swung open the door to enter the house, and their eyes met.

Before she could process what was happening, Zachary crossed his arms over his chest and dashed back to his room, mimicking Serenity’s earlier behavior from the previous night.

Initially taken aback, Serenity soon erupted into laughter. She chuckled to herself, “Honestly, what’s so fascinating about a man’s bare torso? It’s just abs. I can’t believe he covered up like that. Haha, that was hilarious!”

After a little while, Zachary reappeared, now dressed in a suit. He didn’t look particularly happy, but he couldn’t really scold Serenity for anything. After all, it was his oversight for not remembering that a strange woman—his wife on paper—was now living with him.

Usually, Zachary spent his time in his villa, waking up to an empty second floor. As long as he stayed upstairs, the maids wouldn’t invade his territory. Sometimes, he would even go shirtless when he was feeling a bit cheeky.

Today was one of those days, and the clever girl had caught sight of his bare chest.

“Mr. York,” Serenity called out, “I’ve made breakfast. Come and eat!”

Despite her laughter, Serenity didn’t lose sight of the task at hand. She laid out a variety of breakfast items on the dining table and beckoned the man, who felt somewhat exposed, to join her.

Zachary paused for a moment before approaching. He looked at the spread and bluntly remarked, “Don’t you know how to cook?”

“I do! I’m quite a good cook,” Serenity replied confidently.

“Store-bought breakfast, especially from street vendors, is not very hygienic. You really should avoid that. Since you can cook, you should prepare your own meals. It’s safer and more sanitary.”

As the head of the York household, Zachary had never indulged in the breakfast staples typical of Wiltspoonese cuisine.

Serenity shot back with a question, “Have you even looked at your kitchen? It’s cleaner than your face! There’s hardly anything in there. Even if I were the chef of a…”

In a five-star hotel, I realized I couldn’t pull together a feast without the necessary tools and ingredients.

Zachary was left speechless.

“Are you going to eat it?” Serenity inquired.

Though Zachary was starving, he attempted to maintain his composure. He sat down at the table and softly remarked, “It would be a shame not to eat since you already bought it. I suppose having it once or twice won’t hurt.”

What a clever way to save himself from feeling embarrassed.

Serenity divided half of each dish and passed it to him. As she took her seat and began to eat, she commented, “I took a look around when I moved in yesterday. I ordered quite a few kitchen utensils online. Once they arrive, I’ll get the groceries and cook, so you won’t have to rely on street food.”

Zachary held a prominent position in a large corporation, and Serenity assumed that white-collar workers were particular about their meals. Having a habit of cooking at home, she only ordered takeout when she was at her shop, and she was more than willing to cater to his food preferences.

“Our home is missing quite a bit. Is it alright if I decorate the place to my taste?” she asked.

Zachary lifted his gaze to meet his wife’s eyes before he began to enjoy his breakfast. The standard fare was acceptable.

“We’re married with a license. This is your home; you can decorate it however you wish, as long as you don’t touch my room,” he replied.

She could rearrange the other rooms to her heart’s content.

“Okay,” Serenity said, feeling pleased with his approval. She was determined to proceed with her plans.

With flowers and a swing on the balcony, she envisioned herself reading a book and enjoying the blooms while lounging in her swing during her free time.

“That reminds me,” she said. “Nana asked me yesterday to come back with you this weekend for dinner and to meet the family.”

Zachary responded quietly, “I’ll let you know. I need to check my schedule. If I can’t…”

“Let’s set a time for this. I’ll ask Nana to bring my parents over so that you all can meet and share a meal together,” she suggested. Serenity was completely on board with the idea.