65: This is better already

This is better already

"You can really cook?"  2

Heaven smiled, stopping from cutting the onion as she gazed at her son. Sebastian perched across the counter where she was preparing the ingredients she needed to make dinner.

"Of course! It's a shame I haven't made you a single meal, but back then, I would starve if I don't cook for myself," she shared with a smile, resuming her activity as she added, "It's a bonus that I like cooking — or maybe the process of how these ingredients turn into something."

Sebastian studied the slight smile plastered on his mother's face. "Why would you starve if you don't cook for yourself? Don't you have someone to do it for you?"

"There was, but 90% of them tried to poison—" Heaven almost bit her tongue as she realized what she was about to say. "I mean, there was someone. My dad. But I can't keep relying on him. Moreover, I liked cooking. So even when I was working, I do it to relieve my stress."

She flashed him a smile, hiding the fact she was using the original Heaven's life memory to lie. "This will be quick. Your Dad messaged me that he would be late tonight, so I guess it's just you and me tonight."

"I do not mind." Sebastian shrugged, eyes on his mother's back. His lips parted, but he pressed them into a thin line again. 

'I shouldn't disturb her,' he thought, watching Heaven work in the kitchen. When she turned her head slightly, he caught the slight yet soft smile on her side profile. 

"Mo —" His voice suddenly rolled back, almost biting his tongue. 

Sebastian lowered his eyes and frowned, keeping his thoughts to himself. It was only a few hours since he had a proper conversation with his mother. Even though Heaven told him it was okay to address her as "mommy," he was not used to it. 

That was his dilemma. Calling his mother just felt… awkward.

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"How was it?" Anticipation twinkled in her eyes, waiting for her son's feedback on her cooking. 

Sebastian licked his lips, eyes wide on her. "Not bad."

"Really?" Heaven sighed, but maintained her slight smile. "Soon, it'll be much better. Let's eat!"

"Mhm." Sebastian ate quietly. His mother prepared a full-course meal, but every dish was unknown to him. 

Sebastian was a child born with a diamond spoon. Everything that was given to him was nothing but the best, that included his meal. The chef would only use the freshest ingredients out there. Even before the young master could eat, his eyes would already have a feast with the food presentation. That being said, the meal Heaven prepared was very homely. 

Not that it looked ugly, or it tasted terrible. He wasn't complaining. Matter of fact, it was the opposite.

"This is better already," murmured Sebastian after minutes of silence, making her hum in confusion. "It's already better than the ones the chef prepares."

Her lips parted, but Heaven ended up smiling. "Is that the truth?"

"Mhm." He didn't lift his head. "Though I don't know what this dish is called, I like this better than the ones I usually have."

"That's flattering, thank you." Her expression softened, watching him raise his head to her. "Should I start making your snacks from now on?"

"Snacks?"

"Mhm. I don't have anything to do aside from taking care of my son." Heaven smiled brightly. "Do you want to try lunchboxes?"

Lunchboxes…

Sebastian's world stopped for a moment, recalling those corny lunchboxes his classmates would bring to school. His classmates liked bragging about the snacks their mothers prepared for them, but he never get to join the competition. Not that he envied them, knowing his father hired another private chef in the school for him. 

Still, the idea intrigued him. 

"You don't have to bother." He shook his head, setting his focus on his food. "You just got cured of your illness. You should rest more so you won't get sick again."

"I'll never get sick again." Her answer was quick and confident. "Even if I get a mild fever or cold, it'll never come to that point again."

Sebastian just glanced at her but said nothing. He did not argue, nor did he agree. He just ate his meal in silence, not showing any slight intention of bothering her. For Heaven, Sebastian was being himself; quiet, and proper. She was not wrong, though. However, there was another reason Sebastian kept silent. 

He didn't want to be a nuisance. 

His mother might think he was too much, and thus, he was trying his best not to bother her. Just like he had always done. He didn't want her to get tired of him. 

If only Heaven knew what was going on inside this boy's mind, she would've slammed her head against the wall. Fortunately, she didn't. 

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"What a nice boy." Heaven smiled as she sat down in front of the vanity mirror. 

After dinner, Sebastian resigned to his room. Heaven offered to accompany him or help him, but he adamantly refused. Sebastian told her he wanted to be alone so he could focus on his research. Whatever his research was, she didn't know. Although curious, she told herself she would one day know once her son was more comfortable with her. 

"Today feels a lot shorter. I can't even remember what I did, but it's already this late." Heaven kept a smile, lifting her gaze to look at herself in the mirror. 

Her hair was still damped while she was still in a robe, fresh from the shower. Thinking back, she didn't do anything productive today. However, she was satisfied just by accompanying her son. 

'I still don't know what to feel with this current setup,' she thought, her eyes fixated on her reflection. "But what I am certain of is I don't hate it. In fact, I have a hunch I'll eventually fall in love with life for the first time."

Peace washed over her countenance, only for her smile to fade when a sudden voice rang inside her head. 

[Karma is real. One day, you will regret everything.]

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