The elderly couple seemed lost in a pleasant memory as they spoke, their eyes misty with recollection. After a pause, the old man reached for the bucket in Ashley’s hands and said gently, “Come now, they’re offering from the heart. We can’t turn that down. When you make more pastries next time, we’ll bring them some to return the favor.” The old woman nodded, no longer refusing. She disappeared into the house to grab a small basin. The old man divided the seafood—taking just enough for two and handing the rest back to Arthur and Ashley. “We’re old, don’t need much. It’s your first catch—eat while it’s fresh.” Arthur and Ashley accepted with warm thanks and finally returned to their courtyard, hearts full. Inside, after washing their hands, Ashley picked up one of the pastries the old lady had made and offered it to Arthur. “They look amazing—try it?” Arthur obediently opened his mouth and took a bite. As soon as it touched his tongue, a delicate fragrance blossomed across his palate. He nodded enthusiastically. “Mmm! That’s delicious!” Grinning, he picked up another piece and held it out to Ashley. “Your turn—say ah.” Ashley giggled and opened her mouth, letting him feed her. The moment it melted on her tongue, her eyes sparkled. “It’s so soft! Sweet but not heavy, with this light, fragrant aftertaste… it’s incredible!” She couldn't stop herself—she kept grabbing more, nibbling on one after another. “That old man wasn’t exaggerating. Her pastries are amazing! Honestly, I’d believe it if someone said they were the best in the world!” Coming from Ashley, that was no small compliment. She had grown up in a wealthy household where her father, Spencer, had pampered her and her sister relentlessly. If he heard of good food somewhere—even in the farthest corners of the country—he’d whisk the family away just to try it. Ashley had refined tastes, and even Arthur’s exceptional cooking had only barely managed to impress her. But now—here on this secluded island, from the hands of a humble old lady—she had found something that could rival the best hotel chefs.Maybe even surpass them. Arthur looked at her fondly, amused by how much she was enjoying herself. He poured her a glass of warm water and handed it to her. “Slow down. You’ll choke.” Ashley giggled, took a sip, and then picked up another pastry and held it to his mouth. “You have more too. It’s seriously so good!” Arthur took another bite, and the two of them continued, feeding each other bite by bite until the basket was empty. Ashley blinked at the now-empty container and declared brightly, “Arthur! I want to learn how to make pastries from her tomorrow!” Arthur raised an eyebrow. “Wouldn’t that be a little bothersome for her?” “But I want to make them for you, just like she makes them for her husband,” Ashley said, pouting slightly as she clung to his arm. Arthur’s heart melted. How can she still be this cute? “You sure it’s not because you want to eat more yourself?” he teased. Ashley scratched her cheek guiltily. “…Maybe a little.” She quickly changed the subject. “Let’s go clean the seafood.” Arthur smiled and nodded, setting the remaining catch on the counter. “We’ll steam the big crab, stir-fry the octopus, and slice the geoduck thin for a quick sauté. That should be enough.” He worked quickly and skillfully, talking Ashley through the steps while prepping the ingredients. Ashley loved watching him cook. More than anything, she loved being with him in the kitchen. Even if she was just handing him utensils or cleaning the counter, the simple domesticity made her heart full. Together, they felt like an ordinary couple—nothing grand, nothing complicated. Just a man and a woman preparing dinner in their little home. They had more than they could finish in one meal, so they stored the rest in clean seawater to keep it fresh for the next day. Ashley’s eyes curved into crescents. “You’re the best, Chef Arthur. Just hearing the menu makes me hungry.” “You and that sweet little mouth,” Arthur chuckled, sneaking a kiss to her cheek when she wasn’t looking. Then, smirking mischievously, he leaned closer and whispered, “Since I worked so hard tonight… shouldn’t I get a little compensation?” Ashley blinked. “Compensation?” He leaned in, his breath teasing her neck. “You remember this evening… on the beach…” And just like that, her face turned crimson. His breath against her skin sent a ticklish shiver through her, and all she could do was bury her face in her hands. Arthur chuckled lowly beside her, clearly enjoying the effect he had on her.