章 340: Fake it till we make it

The morning sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting warm, golden hues across the bedroom. I stretched, a yawn escaping as I blinked away the remnants of sleep. Last night's overwhelming stress and anxiety felt like a distant memory. Today, I felt... ready. 

The smell of something delicious wafted through the air, making my stomach rumble. I sat up and glanced at the empty side of the bed, a smile tugging at my lips. Carmen was up early. 

Pulling on my robe, I padded into the kitchen to find her standing at the stove, flipping pancakes like a professional chef. Her dark hair was tied back into a loose bun, and she wore one of my aprons—a sight that made my heart flutter. 

"Good morning," I greeted, leaning against the doorway. 

She glanced over her shoulder, her lips curving into a smile. "Good morning, sleeping beauty. Hungry?" 

"Starving. What's all this?"