Chapter 145: The Scene Felt Instantly Welcoming

The scene felt instantly welcoming, wrapping Sienna in a comforting sense of belonging. Lucas spotted her and rose immediately, guiding her toward the table. “Mommy, come sit with us. Let’s have dinner.” Sienna shook off her daze. She followed Noah to the left side of the long dining table and settled into her chair. Lucas sat directly opposite. “I hope these simple dishes are to your liking,” he offered. Dominic, standing discreetly outside, nearly groaned. Simple? The entire villa staff had been stretched to their limits!

Lucas had planned this menu two days prior. It featured rare ingredients and complex techniques worthy of a three-Michelin-star establishment. The list was exquisite. He’d even flown in a renowned chef from Paris specifically for the occasion. But then, just an hour ago, Lucas called. He demanded the chef pivot entirely to humble, home-cooked meals. All the live musicians were promptly sent away. Seeing Sienna’s quiet melancholy, Lucas understood. She didn’t need grandeur; she needed the warmth of a home. So, he changed everything.

This was his first time ever preparing a homely meal for a woman. A flicker of anxiety stirred within him. What if she disliked it? Sienna’s eyes scanned the spread. “I love it. Thank you for going through all this trouble after your long day. Here, Noah, have a drumstick.” She served her son as she spoke, the mood softening around them. Noah beamed. “Thanks, Mommy! You have some too. The pork knuckle is good for your skin, helps with collagen.”

“You’ve lost weight recently. You need to build your strength back,” Lucas stated, placing a piece of braised chicken in her bowl.

Noah suddenly remembered something. He added a generous portion of greens to her plate. “You need vitamins too, Mommy. Eat your vegetables for balanced nutrition!” Her bowl was overflowing in seconds.

“Okay, that’s plenty. You eat now, Noah,” she said gently.

“Hehe, okay.” Noah happily dug into his food.

A serene peace settled over the room. The air itself felt warmer. Though from utterly different worlds, in that moment, they felt like a complete family. Savoring the delicious food while watching Noah’s cheerful, round face, Sienna felt her heavy burdens lift. Who cared about Helena, Vanessa, or the rest of her complicated family? Nothing compared to having her son right beside her. Sienna unconsciously finished two full servings.

For years, she’d been consumed by work and her plans for revenge. Meals were merely functional, just fuel to survive. It had been so long since she’d enjoyed eating like this. Noah finished his meal, gave a small burp, and rubbed his eyes. “I’m so full and sleepy. I think I’ll go take a nap.” Before Sienna could respond, he scampered off. Sienna saw right through it. The little schemer was deliberately leaving her alone with Lucas. What a clever boy.

The dining hall grew quiet. Lucas broke the silence. “There’s a rooftop garden upstairs with a view of the city. Would you like to see it?” Sienna remembered she needed to talk to him anyway. She nodded. “Let’s go.” She followed him into the elevator, arriving moments later on the nineteenth floor. A vast five-hundred-square-meter open-air terrace had been transformed into a serene lotus pond. The lotus leaves were a vibrant green, and the flowers bloomed magnificently under the midsummer sky. Sienna tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, mentally organizing her words.

It should be simple. She wasn’t one to drag things out. Yet, for some reason, the words stuck in her throat. Suddenly, Lucas reached out and took her hand.