章 178: Kill him

I woke up before the sun had fully risen, the soft light of dawn just beginning to creep through the curtains. Beside me, Elena slept peacefully, her chest rising and falling in a gentle rhythm. I watched her for a moment, taking in the serenity of her sleeping form, before quietly slipping out of bed. I wanted to surprise her with breakfast.

In the kitchen, I moved with deliberate care, trying not to make any noise that might wake Elena. I decided to make her favorite: blueberry pancakes, scrambled eggs, and crispy bacon. I pulled out the ingredients, feeling a rare sense of normalcy wash over me. Cooking for her was something I loved, a small way to show my affection.

I mixed the pancake batter, adding fresh blueberries and a hint of vanilla extract. The scent was intoxicating, filling the kitchen with a warm, comforting aroma. I heated the skillet, pouring the batter and watching as the pancakes began to form, their edges bubbling and turning golden brown.