When Grump Met Sunshine

Chapter11: Meal and Memories

As the weekend approached, Zephyr and Valencia began preparing for their visit to Kelvin's place, where they were invited for a private meeting. Mrs. Gilbert, sensing their determination, decided to call them for lunch before they left. The aroma of Mrs. Gilbert's cooking filled the air as Zephyr and Valencia entered the kitchen. They sat down at the table, and Mrs. Gilbert served them with a warm smile. As they ate, Mrs. Gilbert couldn't help but notice the bond forming between Zephyr and Valencia. "So, tell me more about your families," Mrs. Gilbert said, breaking the silence. ​

Zephyr hesitated for a moment before sharing his story. "When I was three, my parents passed away," he began. "I was raised by my mother's friend, who didn't have any children of her own. Unfortunately, she passed away a few years ago, and I've been alone since then." Valencia listened intently, her heart going out to Zephyr. "My family is back in our hometown in Italy," she shared. "I came here for studies and have been living alone ever since." Mrs. Gilbert gave a concerning look to both and started to tell about herself, "me and my husband used to live in this town since we met for the first time, my son and his wife used to live in city after their marriage." She said.

 "We didn't met for years but we had a great bonding, my husband called my son and daughter- in-law for the investigation, and in that tragedy I lost my whole family." She said. A wave of emotions washed over Valencia as she thought about her family. She excused herself from the table, feeling overwhelmed. Zephyr watched her go, concern etched on his face.​

​Later that evening, as Valencia was preparing dinner, Zephyr entered the kitchen, drawn by the sound of her singing. He leaned against the doorway, admiring her without her noticing. He looked at her perfectly toned body, swirling around the kitchen and singing with her soft and chirpy voice which can make anyone happy.

 After sometime Valencia turned around, startled, when she saw him. "How long have you been standing there?" she asked, trying to cover her embarrassment. Zephyr chuckled. "Not long," he replied. "What were you singing? It sounded beautiful." Valencia blushed. "Oh, just a random tune," she said dismissively. Zephyr said in teasing tone "I thought you were singing something like My love Oh My love" he started laughing. Valencia got annoyed and said stop singing that." Zephyr asked her, " who is your love by the way?" She said "it's none of your business, and even if I have why should I tell you." She started to tease him "oh wait is Mr. Grim getting jealous?" Zephyr choked and said "why would I get jealous, I'm not even interested in you and you are nothing but a Babble bee." He laughed. "What's a Babble bee?", she asked being annoyed. "A talkative and irritating insect who's name is Valencia." He teased and laughed. Valencia rolled her eyes and also started laughing.​

​As they shared a lighthearted moment, Mrs. Gilbert entered the kitchen, smiling at the scene before her. She knew there was more to their relationship than they let on. After dinner, the three of them gathered in the living room to discuss their next steps in the investigation. Despite the tension and uncertainty looming over them, they found solace in each other's company. As the night wore on, Mrs. Gilbert couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in the bond forming between Zephyr and Valencia. Little did they know, their connection ran deeper than they could imagine.​

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