Kidnapped to love

chapter 34

Dimitri’s mom,  stood in the kitchen, her eyes narrowed as she watched Crystal struggle with the simplest of tasks. The clatter of utensils and pans echoed in the air, and she sighed heavily, shaking her head as Crystal managed to drop yet another spoon on the floor.

"Crystal, how many times do I have to tell you? Stir the sauce gently, not aggressively!" His mother  voice was firm but not unkind.

Crystal flashed her a sheepish grin. "Sorry, aunty. I’m trying, really!" She quickly grabbed the spoon, only to knock over the salt shaker next.

His mother pursed her lips, clearly irritated, but when Crystal looked up at her with wide, innocent eyes and muttered a soft, “Sorry, aunty,” her heart melted. She couldn't stay angry for long.

"You and your cute apologies..." she grumbled, though the smile tugging at her lips betrayed her.

Just then, Dimitri walked into the kitchen, his curiosity piqued by the chaos. He leaned against the doorframe, watching the scene unfold with an amused expression.

"What’s going on here?" he asked, his tone playful.

"I’m trying to teach your Crystal how to cook," she explained, pointing at the mess of ingredients scattered across the counter. "But all she’s doing is making a disaster"

Dimitri smirked and crossed his arms, his eyes locking on Crystal " but mom she is like those girls who Likes to eat but can’t cook"

Crystal shot him a deadly glare, narrowing her eyes at his teasing. "Careful, Dimitri. I’m holding a knife."

He chuckled, unfazed. "Yeah? And what are you gonna do with it? Butter some bread?"

"You are forgetting we made pasta together last time "she said.

" only I know,  how we made " Dimitri said teasing her .

Before Crystal could retort, her hand slipped while pouring oil into the pan. In a split second, hot oil splashed onto her arm.

"Ahh!" Crystal yelped, instinctively pulling her arm back as pain shot through her skin.

Dimitri's playful demeanor vanished in an instant. His heart raced as he rushed to her side, his face filled with concern. "What happened? Are you okay?"

Crystal cradled her arm, which had turned a painful shade of red where the oil had splashed. Tears welled in her eyes as the stinging sensation grew worse.

Dimitri’s eyes widened, his voice panicked. "Mom! Get something, quick!"

His mother hurried to grab ointment and a clean cloth while Dimitri guided Crystal to the living room, helping her sit down on the sofa. He dropped to his knees in front of her, gently taking her arm in his hands, his fingers trembling slightly as he inspected the burn.

"Crystal, you should’ve been more careful," he muttered, his voice low and filled with guilt.

"It’s fine," Crystal whispered, though her voice wavered. "It’s just a burn…"

Dimitri shook his head, not convinced. "No, it’s not fine. Look at this—it’s red, swollen… Does it hurt a lot?"

She nodded, biting her lip to hold back the tears. Seeing her in pain made something twist in his chest, and he felt a wave of protectiveness wash over him. His mother  quickly returned with the ointment, and Dimitri carefully applied it to the burn, his touch gentle and soothing.

As he worked, his brother came, taking in the scene with wide eyes. "What happened here?" he asked, looking from Dimitri to Crystal.

Dimitri didn’t even glance up as he replied, his focus entirely on Crystal. "Hot oil spilled on her. She got burned."

Dimitri looked up at Crystal, his expression softening. "Are you okay now? Does it still hurt?"

Crystal gave him a small nod, her lips curling into a faint smile despite the pain. "I’ll be okay. Thanks for… well, this."

Dimitri exhaled in relief, his thumb gently brushing over her hand. "Don’t thank me. I’ll always take care of you."

Ryan eyes flicked to their mother, disbelief written all over his face. "Is this really my brother? The one who never cared about anyone’s scratches or bruises?"

His mother shook her head, equally shocked. "I’m just as surprised as you are."