Aria and Rian, once childhood friends who now can barely tolerate each other, are forced into marriage for the sake of their families.
Their relationship is anything but smooth, as both struggle with the weight of their troubled pasts and refuse to...
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Aria
The much-anticipated Sunday has finally arrived-the day I've set aside with my dad to catch up and share the highlights of our week, a tradition we both cherish deeply. Ever since my parents' divorce, my father has been working tirelessly, putting in long hours to provide me with the best life possible. Unfortunately, that has meant we haven't had as much time together as we'd like.
But just because I'm married doesn't mean our tradition has to fade away! I invited my dad over for dessert and extended the invitation to Rian's parents and my childhood friend, Emelia, to make the gathering more inclusive. While I might feel a bit out of my element with this expanded group, I genuinely enjoy my in-laws' company. My dad instilled in me the value of family time, and I'm holding onto that with everything I've got.
When I open the door, Emelia nearly tackles me with a bear hug. "I've missed you so much! It feels like a gazillion years since I saw you last!" she exclaims, her enthusiasm as contagious as ever.
Laughing at her over-the-top reaction, I return the hug warmly. "It's only been a week, drama queen," I tease, reminding her that no amount of time can come in the way of our friendship.
"So, what's on the menu today?" Emelia asks as she settles into a chair, her curiosity evident.
"You mean what I'm making," I correct her with a playful grin. "Your kitchen skills make mine look like Gordon Ramsay's."
Emelia rolls her eyes dramatically. "Oh, please. You know I'm all about taste, not technique."
I chuckle as I pull out my phone to show her the recipes I'm considering. "I'm torn between carrot halwa, coconut burfi, and palkova. Thoughts?"
Emelia scrolls through the pictures, her eyes lighting up. "Carrot halwa looks divine and seems manageable. What do you think?"
"Carrot halwa it is, then," I agree, excitedly. "It just happens to be dad's favorite."
I head to the fridge to gather the ingredients: fresh carrots, milk, and a mix of spices. As I start grating the carrots, the kitchen fills with an aroma that can only be described as pure, delicious anticipation. With the promise of a drool-worthy dessert in the air, I can't help but think this is what happiness smells like.
Emelia moves to the counter to help, chopping nuts and chatting animatedly about her week.
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As the halwa simmers on the stove, I glance at the clock and realise it's almost time for everyone to arrive. "Lia, I'm going to get ready before the crowd shows up. Can you take over as Head Chef?" I say, peeling off my apron with a grin.
