The morning after her mother's visit, Elena Li was still flustered. She sat at her desk, sipping tea, replaying her mother's teasing words. Boyfriend… husband's skill… take care of her. It was embarrassing, but she couldn't deny the warmth she felt when she remembered Adrian's calm smile.
Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of clattering in the kitchen. She rushed in to find Adrian Chen rummaging through her cupboards.
"What are you doing?" she demanded.
Adrian looked up innocently. "Breakfast. I thought I'd cook."
Elena crossed her arms. "Do assistants cook too?"
He grinned. "Only spoiled ones."
The scene quickly turned comical. Adrian held up a frying pan like a knight's shield. "Where's the oil?"
Elena sighed. "You don't even know where the basics are."
He shrugged. "That's why I need guidance. Teach me."
She rolled her eyes but handed him the oil. "Fine. But don't burn my kitchen down."
Adrian poured too much oil, earning a gasp from Elena. "Stop! That's enough!"
He laughed sheepishly. "I guess I'm better at reading reports than recipes."
Eventually, Elena took over, frying eggs while Adrian hovered like a pampered child. "Can you make mine sunny‑side up?" he asked sweetly.
She glared. "You're picky."
He grinned. "Assistants should be spoiled sometimes."
She shook her head, but her lips curved into a smile. "You're unbelievable."
As they ate, Adrian leaned back, sighing dramatically. "This is the best breakfast I've ever had."
Elena raised an eyebrow. "You're exaggerating."
He shook his head. "No. It's true. Because you made it."
Her cheeks warmed, though she quickly looked away. "Don't say things like that. You'll make me think you're serious."
Adrian smiled faintly, careful not to push too far. "Then I'll just say thank you."
Later, Adrian carried her bag to the office, insisting on walking beside her. "You shouldn't strain your knee," he said simply.
Elena sighed. "You're treating me like I'm fragile."
He shrugged. "Maybe I am."
At the office, Marcus Wu cornered Adrian, whispering urgently. "Sir, what are you doing? Cooking breakfast? Acting spoiled? Her mother already thinks you're her boyfriend. If she finds out you're the CEO, I'm finished."
Adrian chuckled softly. "Relax, Marcus. She suspects nothing. Besides, her mother's approval is a good sign."
Marcus groaned. "Approval? Sir, I nearly fainted yesterday when she answered your phone. I was about to discuss board matters, and suddenly I heard her voice. My heart nearly stopped."
Adrian smirked. "Then adjust your tone. If she ever answers again, talk about groceries, not mergers."
Marcus muttered, "I'll die of a heart attack before this charade ends."
That evening, Elena returned home to find Adrian already sprawled on her sofa, flipping through her cookbooks.
"What now?" she asked, exasperated.
He grinned. "Dinner. I want to learn how to cook properly. Teach me."
She laughed. "You're hopeless."
"Hopeless assistants need patient teachers," he replied lightly.
Elena shook her head, but her smile betrayed her amusement.
As they cooked together, Adrian fumbled with the knife, nearly dropping it. Elena grabbed his hand, steadying him. Their eyes met briefly, and for a moment the kitchen fell silent.
Her heart skipped, but she quickly pulled away. "Careful. You'll hurt yourself."
Adrian smiled faintly. "That's why I need you."
Elena flushed, turning back to the stove. "You're impossible."
Dinner was a mess — burnt vegetables, unevenly cooked rice — but they laughed through it. Adrian declared proudly, "This is the best meal I've ever ruined."
Elena giggled, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous."
He grinned. "At least I'm entertaining."
That night, as Adrian dozed off again on her sofa, Elena watched him quietly. Her mother's words echoed in her mind. He's handsome, polite, and he cooks noodles. What more do you want