Chapter: 148

“I practiced because I hoped that one day I'd get the chance to cook for the woman I love."

As the oil in the pan began to sizzle, Quintin shifted his focus back to his cooking.

"Kaitlin, maybe step outside; the smoke might get to you," he suggested.

Stunned for a moment, Kaitlin hurried out of the kitchen.

The whole exchange felt dreamlike, as if it hadn't truly happened.

Before long, four dishes were beautifully presented on the dining table. Kaitlin sat down, lured by the irresistible aroma.

"How is it? Pretty good, huh?" Quintin asked, removing his apron with a confident grin.

"It looks delicious. Let's see how it tastes."

Kaitlin took a sip of the mushroom barley, her approval immediately evident as she gave him a thumbs up and exclaimed, "Very impressive!"

Quintin then sat down across from her. "I kept it mild this time. Next time around, I'll prepare a nutritious soup for you. For now, it's crucial that you focus on taking care of yourself and maintaining a positive mood."

Kaitlin nodded in agreement, savoring her meal.

As the afternoon crept in, Quintin finally stood to leave.

He noticed the door to the next apartment ajar, and Alan, curious about the noise, stepped out from behind his laptop and approached.

The tension between the two men was evident as their eyes met.

Quintin didn't hurry off, instead, he let out a chuckle. “So, you've moved in here. Being nearby doesn't change much, you know."

“It's better than being completely out of the picture," Alan retorted.

Quintin's smile faded. “Considering you're her ex-husband, you should really keep your distance. Kaitlin was distraught because of you. If I hadn't been there, she might have collapsed on the street."

"You're overstepping, Quintin," Alan snapped back, his voice tight with contained anger.

"Kaitlin is single now, and I have every right to pursue her. Don't fool yourself into thinking you have any hold over her just because she's expecting your child. I won't back down."

The two men locked gazes, tension crackling between them until Quintin finally spun on his heel and stepped into the elevator.

Alan cast a last look at Kaitlin's still-shut door before he slammed his own with a definitive thud. The sound echoed down the empty hallway.

In the days that followed, Alan and Kaitlin avoided each other, their interactions frozen in an icy standoff.

During this time, Ashley made several trips to the head office, each visit marked by her bringing Alan homemade meals.

Despite his refusals to meet with her, she persisted, leaving the food and departing without seeing him.