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By noon, their banter naturally led them into the kitchen to prepare lunch.
"You're surprisingly good at chopping vegetables," Karina observed, peeking over Winter's shoulder.
"Don't act so surprised," Winter shot back, her hands working quickly.
"Well, I don't know your life story, Ms. Mystery," Karina teased, nudging her playfully. "You don't exactly scream 'domestic goddess.'"
Winter sighed, pausing her chopping. "You want to know? Fine."
Karina perked up, resting her chin in her hand. "Do tell."
Winter hesitated for a moment, but something about Karina's expectant gaze made her continue. "I used to do MMA. Professional. It was my life. But I... got banned..." She swallowed hard, staring at the cutting board. "My mom got sick. After that, things spiraled. Money got tight. I had to find a way to make ends meet, and then..."
"...You kidnapped me," Karina finished, grinning.
Winter winced. "Yeah. That."
Karina tilted her head, her grin widening. "I gotta say, your criminal career is off to a shaky start. Kidnapping me was not the smartest move."
"Gee, thanks for the advice," Winter deadpanned.
"I'm serious!" Karina continued, gesturing dramatically. "You picked the wrong person. You know, people love me. My fans are probably tracking me down as we speak. There are likely search parties combing the streets, crying, 'Where is our Karina?'"
"How dare you," Karina gasped, clutching her chest in mock offense.
They both laughed, the tension easing as they finished preparing the meal. As they sat down to eat, Karina grew quiet, toying with her chopsticks.
"What's with the face?" Winter asked, chewing on a bite of rice.
Karina sighed, leaning back in her chair. "You opened up. I guess it's my turn."
Winter blinked, caught off guard by the sudden seriousness.
"My dad's a big-shot businessman. He's always been too busy for me, even before he became mayor." Karina twirled her chopsticks absently. "When I was a kid, I used to try to get his attention, but after a while... I just gave up. Instead, I started flying around the world, spending his money, doing whatever I wanted."
Winter frowned, her chest tightening. "That sounds... lonely."
Karina shrugged, smiling faintly. "Maybe. But I've accepted it. This is my destiny: to be a rich, popular, globe-trotting celebrity." She flashed Winter a wide, self-satisfied grin. "It's a tough life, but someone's gotta do it."
