Uncrowned Princess

23

Marco, who had been stirring a pot of soup, looked up when she walked in. "Ah, Isabella," he said with a knowing smile, "I see you two finally stopped dancing around each other."

Isabella felt heat rise to her cheeks as she hopped up to sit on the kitchen counter. "Was it that obvious?" she asked, covering her face with her hands.

Marco laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "My dear, the chemistry between you two was so noticeable, I'm surprised the fire alarms didn't go off every time you were in the same room."

Oh god," Isabella groaned, but she couldn't help the smile that crept onto her face. "I didn't think we were that bad."

"Worse," Marco said with a wink. "But it's wonderful to see you both so happy. You know, I've already started thinking about your wedding cake."

Isabella's eyes widened in surprise. "Wedding cake? Don't you think that's moving a bit fast?"

Marco shrugged, stirring his soup with a mischievous glint in his eye. "Perhaps. But when you know, you know. And I know I want to be the one to make that cake."

Well," Isabella said, playing along, "I suppose if we ever do get married, you'd be our first choice for the cake. But don't get ahead of yourself, Marco."

"Ah, but getting ahead is what I do best," Marco replied with a grin. "Just remember, for friends, I offer a very reasonable friends and family discount. Only slightly overpriced."

Isabella laughed, shaking her head. "Oh, how generous of you. I thought it might be a wedding gift."

"A gift?" Marco placed a hand over his heart in mock offense. "And deprive me of the joy of sending you a bill? Never!"

Their laughter filled the kitchen, a moment of pure joy. As it died down, Marco's expression softened. "In all seriousness, Isabella, I'm happy for you. You deserve this."

Isabella felt a warmth spread through her chest at his words. "Thank you, Marco. That means a lot."

She glanced at the soup Marco was working on and gave him a small, grateful smile. "Thanks for letting me know. I probably have to take a break."

"Take your time," Marco said kindly. "This soup isn't going anywhere, and I'm sure your little  break can wait a few more minutes. Besides, you look like you could use a moment to yourself after all that... excitement."

Isabella chuckled, hopping down from the counter. "You're probably right. I'll head up in a bit. And Marco? Thanks for everything."

As Isabella left the kitchen and made her way to her room, her mind wandered. The excitement from her time with Ethan had faded, leaving her feeling slightly drained and already bored with the routine of her day. She sighed, realizing she needed a change, something to shake her out of this dull mood.

Isabella spotted Dan hunched over his phone, his face scrunched in concentration. A mischievous grin spread across her face as she crept up behind him. In one swift motion, she snatched the phone from his hands.

"Hey!" Dan yelped, nearly falling off his chair. He made a grab for the phone, but Isabella danced away, holding it just out of reach.

"What's so interesting, Dan?" she teased, her eyes scanning the screen. Dan lunged for her, but she stopped him with one hand on his chest, her arm fully extended as she tried to read the phone.

Give it back, Isabella!" Dan protested, his voice a mix of annoyance and amusement. He made another grab, resulting in a ridiculous dance of dodges and feints around the room.

Finally, Dan managed to snatch the phone back, clutching it to his chest like a precious treasure. Isabella, slightly out of breath but still grinning, raised an eyebrow at him.