As they made their way downstairs, Lila stretched her arms above her head, letting out a soft yawn.

    Ethan followed behind, rubbing the back of his neck. The warmth of the morning sun streamed through the large windows, casting long shadows across the living room floor.

    "So, what''s on the agenda today?" Lila asked, glancing at him as they entered the kitchen.

    Ethan leaned against the counter, crossing his arms. "I need to finalize some stuff for business with my partner you saw in the restaurant that day."

    Lila hummed in thought, walking over to the fridge and swinging it open. "Big businessman moves."

    Ethan smirked. "Trying to keep up with my schedule already?"

    Lila, still facing the fridge, waved a dismissive hand. "Oh, please. I''m just making sure you eat properly before you go running off to play real estate mogul." She turned back to him, puffing up her chest. "I''m making breakfast today!"

    Ethan raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

    "Yes." She grabbed some eggs, milk, and butter from the fridge before placing them on the counter.

    Then, she reached for the flour and sugar from the cabinet, her eyes shining with determination. "Egg omelets with pancakes."

    Ethan chuckled, pushing himself off the counter and pulling out a stool. "Alright, chef. Let''s see what you''ve got."

    Lila tied her hair up in a messy bun, grabbed a mixing bowl, and started cracking eggs into it. Ethan watched as she beat the eggs, her tongue slightly poking out in concentration.

    She reached for the milk, carefully pouring it in, followed by a pinch of salt.

    As she set the mixture aside and moved on to the pancake batter, she poured flour into another bowl, only for a small puff of it to rise into the air.

    The fine white dust settled onto her nose and cheeks.

    Ethan leaned forward, covering his mouth with his hand as he tried to stifle a laugh. "Lila... you have — "

    "What?" She looked up, tilting her head.

    He reached over and swiped a finger against her flour-covered cheek, holding it up as evidence.

    Lila gasped, quickly wiping her face with the back of her hand. "Oh my God. Did I — was it — how bad is it?"

    Ethan snickered. "You look like a ghost."

    She pouted, crossing her arms. "You''re so mean."

    Lila grinned, clearly pleased with herself.

    As Ethan picked up his plate, he glanced at the time. "I should probably get ready to head out soon."

    Lila tilted her head. "Are you nervous?"

    Ethan shook his head. "Not really. It''s just a matter of finalizing everything. I should be back home late though,"

    Lila nodded, watching as he started cleaning up. "Well, whatever happens, I''m sure you''ll handle it."

    He looked over his shoulder at her and smiled. "Thanks."

    #####

    They stood outside.

    As the taxi pulled up to the curb, Lila turned to Ethan with a playful smirk. She entered the taxi and leaned slightly out of the window, her chestnut-brown hair catching the breeze.

    "Don''t forget me while you''re making all your business deals," she teased, her voice light.

    Ethan chuckled. "As if I could."

    Lila giggled before blowing him a quick kiss. Then, the taxi''s engine revved, and she disappeared down the street.

    As soon as the car was out of sight, the playful ease on Ethan''s face disappeared. His posture straightened, his expression hardened. Business mode was on.

    He turned on his heel, walking toward the garage.

    As he pulled out his phone, it vibrated in his hand — a call from a potential buyer. Without breaking stride, he answered.

    "Ethan speaking."

    "Mr. Ethan, good morning. This is Harold Lane. I was informed that you have a completed apartment building for sale?"

    Ethan smirked slightly. "That''s correct. Prime location, modern structure, high occupancy potential."

    "I''m interested," Harold replied. "Would you be available for a viewing today?"

    Ethan checked his watch. It was still early. "I''m already at the site. If you can make it within the hour, we can discuss the details."

    "Perfect. I''ll be there shortly."