Natalie knew Harold and Olivia mostly ate chicken and rabbit at home. So, when she planned the meal, she pulled out beef, pork, and lamb from the freezer. She marinated trays of beef, pork, steak strips, and smoked sausages. Natalie also set aside pork belly, marbled beef slices, and lamb leg—unseasoned but ready for grilling. On top of that, she added trays of sliced sweet potatoes, corn, and other vegetables. The two of them were still busy in the kitchen when the front door was knocked on. Natalie hurried over and opened it. It was Harold and Ghania. They carried a big bag crammed with zucchinis and tomatoes. Natalie grinned as she took the bag. "Perfect. The best side dishes for barbecue." Ghania laughed out loud. "Of course. The moment Harold heard we were grilling, he rushed out to grab fresh greens." Harold scratched his head, a little embarrassed. "They make everything taste better." Natalie handed them each a pair of slippers and welcomed them in. It was the first time that the mother and son had visited Natalie's place. Before they even had the chance to look around, they froze in surprise at the sight of her pets. Harold's mouth twitched. "Lucky sure grew fast. She's even bigger than a Labrador now." Then he pointed at Cash. "Wait. Don't tell me—that's the rooster I gave you?" Ghania's jaw dropped. "That's a rooster?!" She thought it was some weird hybrid between a peacock and something else. Natalie nodded. "Yep, that's him."Harold let out a sigh. "I raised a bunch of his siblings, but not one turned out looking this good." He turned to Ghania. "Mom, is there something wrong with your skills?" Ghania smacked him on the arm. "Nonsense! I raised you just fine, didn't I? You think I can't raise a few chickens?" Natalie laughed and chimed in, "Exactly. This one's just genetically special." Cash strutted proudly in a circle around them as if he understood every word. In his mind, he was noble and smart—way above those common farm-raised chickens. Natalie was used to his showy attitude, but Harold and Ghania widened their eyes. They were stunned. "This rooster ... It almost looks like he understands us," Harold whispered. Before they could say more, Ghania pointed ahead in shock. "What on earth is that?" Harold followed her finger, lips trembling. "A r-rabbit?!" He looked at Natalie again. Harold couldn't believe his eyes, waiting for her to confirm. Natalie nodded to let him know he was right. Ghania stared at Baron, who was much larger than an orange tabby. "I've lived all these years; this is the first time I've seen something like this! If it weren't for those long ears, who would believe it's a rabbit?" Natalie covered her mouth, trying not to laugh. Out of everyone who came to her place and saw the pets, only Cassian kept a straight face. That big shot really knew how to hide his feelings.Mother and son kept marveling as they walked inside. Soon they spotted Cassian, tall and steady, wearing an apron as he bustled around the kitchen. Harold immediately abandoned the "magical animal" and rushed over to help. The two men struck up a conversation right away. Ghania followed Natalie to the couch, narrowed her eyes, and was all smiles. "Natalie, you're one lucky one!" Natalie glanced toward the kitchen where Cassian worked. "Thanks to your advice, Ghania." Most men like Cassian—young, handsome CEOs—usually couldn't manage without assistants or housekeepers. In a world like this, she thought he would have a hard time surviving. But to her surprise, he could handle both business and the house chores. He was, without a doubt, the perfect boyfriend. Ghania shook her head. "Forget what others say. This is about you. I think you deserve a man like him. If it's meant to be, you can't run from it. If it isn't, no advice in the world can make it happen." Natalie pressed her lips together, smiling at that. They chatted for a while until a knock came at the door. "Must be Olivia. I'll get it." Olivia stormed inside. "Hey Natalie, I'm here!" She spotted Ghania and Harold's shoes by the door. Am I late?" Natalie smiled. "Not at all. You're right on time." Olivia handed her a box. "A gift for you two lovebirds." Natalie looked down—it was the newest couple's gaming console from before the world fell apart."You didn't have to. It's just dinner." Olivia grinned and explained, "Yesterday I saw how you two were glued together and thought of this. I wasn't using it anyway. You can play with it, bond, and kill time together." Natalie accepted it without further fuss but rebuked, "We weren't glued together." Olivia laughed at her and tugged a child out from behind her. "Lottie, this is Natalie. Say hello to her." Natalie finally noticed the little girl hiding behind Olivia. Her hair was tied into two neat braids, her face scrubbed clean. She was painfully thin, cheeks hollow, but her features hinted she would grow into a beautiful girl someday. Natalie studied her carefully. Something about the child felt off.