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Yulia could feel the weight of three pairs of eyes on her, a sensation that made it difficult to maintain her focus on the task at hand

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Yulia could feel the weight of three pairs of eyes on her, a sensation that made it difficult to maintain her focus on the task at hand. Despite her efforts to stay calm and immersed in making the pasta, the situation was proving more challenging than anticipated. The tension with Leonardo, who had been quiet had added to her unease.

As she worked, Yulia made a mental note to address their strained relationship after dinner. She hoped that a calm conversation might clear the air between them, even though she was unsure how to approach it.

Aline and Alice moved swiftly around her, their hands working with practiced efficiency. They were clearly skilled and comfortable in the kitchen, their teamwork almost seamless. Yulia couldn't help but wonder about her own place in all of this. If the twins knew the kitchen so well, what was her role in this elaborate dance of cooking?

Once the pasta was prepared and only needed cooking, Yulia decided it was time to dismiss the twins. "Thank you girls, but I've got it from here," she said, trying to sound confident. Aline and Alice nodded, expressing their gratitude before leaving the kitchen.

As they left the kitchen, Yulia was left alone with Matteo, Leonardo, and Alessandro. The atmosphere shifted immediately, the three men's gazes making her feel like prey under scrutiny. She tried to ignore the intensity of their stares and focused on her task, but the feeling was inescapable.

In a moment of distraction, she glanced at Matteo, who gave her a cheeky wink. Yulia rolled her eyes in response, trying to shake off the flutter of unease it caused.

Leonardo huffed quietly at Matteo's playful gesture, though he kept his comments to himself. Yulia had come to realize that Leonardo was the control freak of the group, his need for order and structure evident in his every action. Despite her efforts to stay focused, the dynamic between them all left her feeling like an outsider, unsure of where she fit into their carefully orchestrated lives. 

Yulia finished preparing the pasta and carefully plated it on porcelain dishes. Her perfectionist streak emerged as she meticulously added the right amount of sauce and a sprinkle of cheese, ensuring that each plate was a work of art. The creamy sauce glistened, and the cheese melted just perfectly, creating an inviting aroma that filled the kitchen.

"More cheese on mine, please," Matteo's voice interrupted her concentration. Yulia narrowed her eyes at him, but with a resigned sigh, she grated a generous amount of cheese over his plate. His request was not a surprise, but it added a touch of familiarity to the otherwise charged atmosphere.

As she worked, Yulia couldn't help but be aware of the lingering sensation of Matteo's lips on her neck. The memory of their earlier encounter was fresh, and she could still feel the faint, warm imprint of his touch. The thought of the marks on her neck, evident from the twins' knowing glances earlier, made her cheeks flush slightly. She was certain that her neck bore visible evidence of their intimate moment, a reminder of the blurred lines between their personal and professional lives.

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