Uncrowned Princess

21

The kitchen buzzed with a quiet excitement as Isabella, Jenny, and Maria moved in a well-choreographed dance of preparation. The air was thick with anticipation, mingling with the rich aromas of their culinary efforts. Candlelight flickered across the dining table, casting warm, golden shadows that danced along the walls, creating an atmosphere of intimate romance.

The scent of al dente pasta, savory sauces, and freshly baked bread wafted through the air, intertwining with the delicate fragrance of floral arrangements strategically placed around the room. Each detail was carefully considered, from the soft linens to the sparkling wine glasses that caught and refracted the candlelight.

Isabella, her face flushed from the kitchen's warmth, wiped her hands on a nearby towel. "Okay, the salad is ready, and the pasta is done," she announced, her eyes darting to the clock. "Maria, can you check on the dessert? I want it to be perfect for when they're done eating."

Jenny, balancing a stack of plates with practiced ease, couldn't contain her grin. "This is going to be amazing. I think Laura will be in for a huge surprise."

Maria nodded in agreement as she carefully carried over a tray of freshly baked tiramisu. "Definitely. She has no idea why we've been so busy all day."

Just as they were putting the finishing touches on the table, Marco burst into the room with his trademark exuberance. He proudly held aloft a massive plate, steam rising enticingly from its contents.

"Here we go!" Marco declared, his chest puffed out with pride. "My famous lasagna. No dinner is complete without it."

Isabella playfully rolled her eyes, a smile tugging at her lips. "Marco, we've got everything ready. You just had to sneak in with your lasagna, didn't you?"

He responded with a mischievous wink. "Come on, a romantic dinner deserves a touch of my culinary genius. Trust me, Edward and Laura will thank me later."

Maria stifled a laugh, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Let's just hope they have room for all of this food!"

Meanwhile, several floors above, a different kind of preparation was taking place. In Edward's room, Dan was helping his friend with the finishing touches of his attire. Edward stood before the mirror, fidgeting nervously as Dan adjusted his tie with meticulous care.

"Are you sure this is necessary, Dan?" Edward asked, his fingers tugging at his collar as if it were suddenly too tight.

Dan's reflection grinned back at him as he tightened the knot on the tie. "Absolutely. Trust me, this is a big night. You want to look sharp."

Edward let out a deep sigh, his shoulders rising and falling as he tried to release some of the tension. "I just don't know what all the fuss is about. Laura's been so secretive all day."

"Don't overthink it, man," Dan reassured him, giving Edward's shoulder a firm, comforting pat. "She's going to love it. Just enjoy the evening."

In Laura's room, a scene of quiet anticipation unfolded. Zoe stood by the vanity, her eyes fixed on Laura as she scrutinized her reflection in the mirror. Laura was a vision in her new dress—a delicate shade of blue that embraced her figure perfectly, with soft lace detailing adorning her shoulders. Despite her undeniable beauty, a hint of confusion lingered in Laura's eyes.

"Zoe," Laura queried, her fingers delicately adjusting a wayward strand of hair, "why am I wearing this? No one's told me what's happening tonight."

Zoe's lips curved into a knowing smile as she gently fixed Laura's hair. "You'll find out soon enough. Just trust me. You look stunning, and Edward is going to be speechless."