The Contract

Chapter 133-The Piggyback Ride

I hopped down the stairs, hands tucked behind my back. Peeking into the kitchen, I saw Rosa standing behind the stove, her movements as graceful as ever. She was making magic again, as usual.

I always wondered why she chose to cook herself, even with all the staff bustling around the house. Maybe it was her passion for it-an unspoken love she nurtured for the art of creating meals. No one else was allowed in her kitchen, and honestly, I admired her for it.

I walked in quietly and stopped just behind her. She must have felt my presence because she turned with a warm smile. "Pearl."

"Good morning, Rosa," I greeted, leaning forward to steal a peek at what was steaming in the pot. "That smells amazing."

"It's almost done. You'll love it," she assured, closing the lid before moving to the sink. I followed her like a little shadow, a child trailing her mother.

The day already felt promising, and it was only 9 a.m.

"How was the ball last night?" Rosa asked as she washed her hands, her voice light but curious.

"It was good," I replied simply.

"I thought he was adamant about attending," she muttered, more to herself than to me.

I grinned. "I convinced him."

She dried her hands and turned back to me, her expression playful but knowing. "You convinced him," she repeated, arching a brow. My grin widened in response.

"It wasn't that much convincing, really. I think he had a business meeting, so it became important to him."

She nodded thoughtfully. "That's good."

Her movements were effortless as she walked to the other side of the kitchen, and, as expected, I followed again. "You seem to be in a good mood," she observed, glancing at me briefly.

"I guess. I love my time here; it's been calming," I admitted, leaning against the counter.

Her gaze softened. "You and Travis could consider living here," she began, and I immediately saw where this conversation was headed.

"Since you'll both be starting a family soon, it's only proper that your children learn their father's language, culture, and heritage," she continued.

I bit the inside of my cheek, forcing a polite smile. If only that were possible.

"Italy is a wonderful place for that. Besides, I'd like to be close to my grandchildren," she added with a wistful sigh.

I let out a short laugh, though it felt a little forced.

"I've noticed some changes this time," Rosa said, her tone more pointed. Her eyes studied mine.

"Changes?" I echoed, feigning nonchalance.

"You've both gotten closer," she noted, a smile tugging at her lips.

"Come on, Rosa," I said, waving it off. "We've always been like that."

She chuckled knowingly. "I wasn't born yesterday, Pearl. I know what I've seen."

My lips curved into a small smile despite myself. She wasn't wrong. Rosa had always been observant. She noticed when we used to fight constantly, and now, she noticed this shift.

Truthfully, I couldn't even pinpoint what had changed. We had grown closer, sure, but I couldn't put my finger on how or when.

"This feels different," she remarked softly. "Let me agree with you on that," I teased lightly.

"Of course, I'm right," she said with a satisfied nod. "I see the way he is around you. He's more... collected."

I let out a disbelieving scoff. "You've got to be kidding me, Rosa."