Chapter 250 Cooking
The next morning, Brooklyn woke up to the clock reading 7:40 AM.
Still feeling weak from the fever she had the night before, she squinted at the sunlight streaming through the window, raising a hand to shield her eyes and taking a few deep breaths.
"Kelly?"
She thought, 'Where is Kelly? Is it possible I kicked her under the bed last night, and she can't get up?!'
Brooklyn threw off the covers and sat up, quickly realizing that Kelly was unlikely to be stuck under the bed.
As she stepped out of the bedroom, a delightful aroma of breakfast wafted from the kitchen. Brooklyn frowned slightly, thinking, 'Who is cooking?
'Kelly, who always lives in luxury, never cooks. Has she suddenly changed overnight?' Brooklyn thought.
"Darling, you're finally awake! You're so lucky! You get to wake up to a delicious breakfast made by a top-notch chef. First up, roasted broccoli!"
Kelly emerged from the kitchen, holding a plate of food with a beaming smile as if she had just met her celebrity crush.
Brooklyn thought, 'But what is that noise coming from the kitchen?'
Kelly set the plate down and gently guided Brooklyn to the kitchen door, pushing her gently until she saw Zach, who was focused on frying eggs.
He wore a white shirt and her light blue apron, one hand expertly maneuvering a spatula and the other holding a frying pan. His back was straight, and despite the noise and smoke from the stove, he remained impeccably clean.
Brooklyn felt a mix of guilt, gratitude, and surprise. "Dr. Carter, what are you doing here?"
Zach turned his head at the sound, "Just finishing up the last dish. Breakfast will be ready soon. Go wash up first."
His tone was so natural and reassuring, as if he were a husband of many years, with no hint of awkwardness.
Brooklyn was momentarily stunned.
Kelly leaned in and whispered in her ear, "Sweetheart, you're so lucky. Dr. Carter got here at 6 AM and has been busy in the kitchen ever since. He said you needed taking care of because you're sick, and he wouldn't let me help at all. A man who can cook is just too handsome!"
Brooklyn was surprised that he would come so early. Brooklyn ran her fingers through her disheveled hair awkwardly. "You two carry on. I'll go wash my face and brush my teeth."
Kelly rolled her eyes, "Even if you never wash your face or brush your teeth, Dr. Carter wouldn't mind. What a great guy."
Kelly continued to chat animatedly, her enthusiastic commentary for Brooklyn's morning routine making Brooklyn's head spin. As she spat out the foam from her toothpaste, Brooklyn said, "Kelly, can you step out for a moment? I need to use the bathroom."
"Brooklyn, I'm serious, Dr. Carter is just an amazing guy. You really deserve him!"
Brooklyn shut the bathroom door, feeling a mix of gratitude and frustration. Zach's kindness and attentiveness were undeniable—he had gone above and beyond for her, and she was touched. Yet, there was still something missing between them.
No matter how wonderful he was, she couldn't seem to make her heart flutter.
When Brooklyn emerged from the bathroom, the breakfast spread on the table was impressive—roasted broccoli, fried eggs, sautéed potatoes, and bacon—all her favorites.
Zach, impeccably dressed in a crisp white shirt and black pants, sat by the table like a breath of fresh air. He was so clean and fresh. There wasn't a hint of disinfectant, just a pure, refreshing aura that seemed to permeate the air.
Kelly had just picked up her fork when she suddenly put it down again. "Brooklyn, Dr. Carter, I'm really sorry, but I just remembered I have something to take care of. I need to head out now. Let's plan for another meal next time."
Brooklyn thought, 'What a lame excuse!'
Brooklyn grabbed her arm. "Whatever it is, it can wait. We're having this meal together. Dr. Carter made all this food—enough for three people. Sit down and enjoy."
Zach flashed a warm, genuine smile. "Ms. Wilson, please join us. It's just some simple home-cooked dishes. I'd like to know if you like them."
He added, "I'm a bit rusty since I haven't cooked in a while, so bear with me."
"Dr. Carter, you're being too modest. The food is excellent. Thank you."
Kelly popped a piece of broccoli into her mouth. "It's really delicious! Dr. Carter, you're definitely going to be a great husband when you get married!"
Brooklyn's foot found Kelly's instep with precision, making Kelly wince and stop her praise. She thought, 'Brooklyn, you brute!'
After breakfast, Zach started to clear the dishes, but Brooklyn stopped him firmly. "I'll handle this. You go on to work. Dr. Carter, I'm fine now, and I won't let this stop me. I'll be back at the hospital this afternoon."
Zach, with his sleeves rolled up, revealing his clean arms, reached out to take the plates from her. "I'm off this morning. I'll head to the hospital with you later. Brooklyn, don't turn me down."
His tone was so resolute that she found herself unable to refuse.