Chapter 1002 When Will You Win Her Over?
"How'd you know how to make these meatballs?" Abella looked up at Phillipe, her eyes wide with surprise. "Mrs. Wilson used to make them for me every Christmas. They symbolize unity and completeness. The taste is so similar to hers."
Everyone turned to look at Phillipe, equally astonished.
Phillipe shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "A few days ago, I tracked down the Wilson family's old cook and asked her what you usually had for Christmas. That's when I found out Mrs. Wilson made these dishes for you."
His gaze softened. "Before she got really sick, she sensed something was off with her health. She wrote down a bunch of recipes for the cook, all your favorite dishes."
"But after she was hospitalized, Skylar pressured the cook not to make anything special for you. That recipe book was put away, but luckily, it wasn't thrown out."
"I managed to get my hands on it." Phillipe handed a small black notebook to Abella.
Abella opened it and saw Vilma's handwriting, detailing each dish's ingredients, quantities, and even Abella's preferences, all clearly written.
Towards the end, as Vilma's illness worsened, her handwriting became shaky, but she still insisted on finishing the last recipe.
She even noted Abella's tastes, advising the cook on what to add more of and what to use less of.
Abella's eyes grew moist, touched by Vilma's efforts behind the scenes.
"This dish is my way of continuing Mrs. Wilson's Christmas blessing to you. Not just for past years, but for every year to come. Now, you should be happy. Everyone who cares about you wants you to be well."
"Phillipe's right," Beckett agreed. "Mrs. Wilson has always been with us, caring for you. Though she can't say it to you directly, Phillipe has expressed it through the food."
"Phillipe is so thoughtful," Kimberly said, her eyes welling up with tears. "Your dad is right. Mrs. Wilson's care for you has permeated every aspect of your life."
Abella looked at Phillipe with her tear-filled eyes. "Thank you."
Though they had been dating for six months, saying thank you felt too formal.
But at this moment, Abella truly wanted to thank him for his thoughtfulness. He had been trying in various ways to ease her regret, guilt, and sorrow over not being able to save Vilma.
Such a man had warmed her countless times and brought her endless moments of emotion.
"There's another dish you haven't tried yet," Phillipe said, looking at her with a gentle gaze.
He had made two dishes, one for Vilma and one for himself.
The crab meat was shaped into a five-layer cake, with carrots carved into hearts, stars, flowers, and other cute decorations. The whole dish looked beautiful and full of childlike innocence.
Abella took a bite. The taste and texture were perfect, leaving a lasting impression.
She smiled at Phillipe and nodded in approval. "Delicious."
Phillipe's face lit up with a knowing smile.
"Everyone, let's eat together," Abella invited.
"I'll try Phillipe's meatballs," Blake said, taking a bite and looking amazed. "So good! It tastes like home."
"I'll give it a shot too," Winston said, taking a bite. "Not bad. Looks like Abella ate pretty well with Mrs. Wilson around."
Everyone chatted and laughed, serving each other food.
Abella and Phillipe exchanged a knowing glance.
Just then, the chef approached. "Ms. Medici, the dish you were making is ready. I've turned off the heat. Should I bring it out?"
Everyone remembered Abella had been busy in the kitchen earlier. The kitchen was large, and everyone was focused on their own dishes, wanting to make something delicious for Abella, so they didn't know what she had made.
The chef brought out a rare and expensive lobster, huge in size. Originally, the chef was going to prepare it, but Abella had offered to do it herself that afternoon.
The dish was beautifully and meticulously prepared, making everyone's mouth water and appetite grow.
"Abella, you can cook lobster?" Winston was stunned, quickly taking out his phone to snap pictures.
"Abella, is there anything you can't do?" Blake hadn't finished his admiration when Beckett stepped on his foot, Kimberly pinched his arm, and he received warning looks from everyone at the table.
Blake was confused and in pain. What did he say wrong?
"It's okay," Abella said with a calm smile. "Everyone, try it."
Everyone eagerly picked up their forks.
"Abella's cooking must be delicious."
"This looks like a professional chef's work."
The chef nodded in agreement. "Even chefs with three to five years of experience might not handle lobster this perfectly and make it look this exquisite. Ms. Medici's culinary skills make me feel inadequate."
"Coming from a chef, that's high praise. It shows Abella's cooking skills are indeed impressive," Vanessa said with a smile.
Blake was still puzzled about what he had said wrong.
He looked at Winston, who took out his phone and sent him a message.
Winston: [Abella's only regret is not being able to save Mrs. Wilson. Don't mention it again.]
Blake suddenly understood. He had unintentionally rubbed salt in Abella's wound.
But Abella didn't blame him at all. Seeing he hadn't picked up his fork, she got up and served him a piece of lobster.
"Blake, try it." Abella's expression was calm and still, as sweet and cute as ever.
Blake felt deeply guilty for his careless words.
He vowed never to mention it again!
"By the way, why didn't you guys bring your girlfriends tonight?" Vanessa suddenly asked.
Earlier, Kimberly had suggested they visit their girlfriends' families first to show respect, then bring them over to join the fun.
"Camila's family is having dinner at their old house, which is too far. I didn't want her to make the trip," Ethan explained first.
"I also agreed with Nicole to have dinner at her place. I'll visit her family after dinner," Winston added.
Steven nodded. "Same here."
Everyone then looked at the two single guys.
Blake was enjoying his food. Seeing the elders' eyes on him, he swallowed his bite and said, "Dennis is ahead of me. Ask him first!"
He didn't forget to add, "Dennis, when are you bringing Saskia home for dinner? Or rather, when will you win her over?"
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