Contract Marriage with My Secret Partner in Crime-Chapter 84: She Wished... But

The dining room was filled with the comforting aroma of garlic rice, fried eggs, longganisa, and a pot of steaming hot chocolate. The morning sun filtered in through the half-open blinds, casting warm light on the tidy table. Plates clinked and soft murmurs of conversation floated in the air.

Zephany sat quietly at the dining table, gently folding her hands in her lap as Kendrick poured her a cup of hot chocolate. He did it without saying a word, placing the mug right in front of her and then pushing the sugar bowl closer in case she wanted to sweeten it more. Zephany glanced at him, her eyes catching his for a brief second before she quickly looked away, murmuring a soft, "Thank you."

"You’re welcome," Kendrick replied with a small smile before settling back in his chair.

Christy noticed the exchange, and though she didn’t comment, a subtle smile formed at the corner of her lips. She reached for the serving spoon and placed more garlic rice on Zephany’s plate. "Eat a lot, Zeph. You’ve gotten thinner since the last time I saw you."

Zephany smiled timidly, glancing down at her plate. "Thank you, Mom."

"Welcome, dear," Christy said gently.

Levy, who was sitting on the other side of the table, pointed at the fried eggs. "Kendrick, give her the egg with the runny yolk. She always likes that."

Zephany looked up in surprise. She hadn’t expected Levy to remember it from her first visit, especially since she had only mentioned it in passing during their chat back then.

Kendrick reached for the plate and did as told, sliding the perfect egg onto Zephany’s plate. "Here," he said simply.

Zephany was flustered but tried to hide it behind her mug. "Thanks..."

"You’re too quiet today," Levy said, grinning as she scooped rice onto her plate. "You’re not usually like this."

Because, yeah, last time Zephany didn’t know what happened, but she easily became chatty with Christy and Levy, complete total strangers, before. Yet, she felt at ease and actually happy being with them.

Zephany chuckled nervously. "I guess I’m just still getting used to being here. And... being around you all."

"You’re family now. You don’t need to be shy," Christy said. She took a bite of her longganisa and continued, "We’re happy to have you here. Right, Kendrick?"

Kendrick looked up from his plate, nodded once, then glanced at Zephany. "Yeah. I am."

Zephany felt her cheeks warm, but she just smiled and focused on her rice.

It was peaceful for a few minutes. The clatter of utensils and soft conversation filled the room. Kendrick occasionally nudged the serving dishes closer to Zephany when he noticed she was hesitating to reach for them. Each time, she’d thank him in a whisper, and he would just nod like it was nothing.

Christy noticed all of it.

When breakfast was nearly over, Kendrick placed his spoon down and leaned back slightly. He was about to stand when his mother reached out and placed a hand gently on his arm.

"Kendrick, take Zephany with you and help Levy move into her dorm," she said.

Kendrick blinked. "Zephany with Levy? Why?"

Across the table, Levy didn’t miss a beat. "Because Mom doesn’t trust your judgment when it comes to dormitories. She thinks you’ll just glance at it and declare it fine."

"I don’t do that," Kendrick muttered, brows knitting together.

"You do," Christy said calmly. "Also, join her. I want to know how her situation will be at that dorm. Make sure it’s safe, clean, and that she’ll be comfortable there."

"It’s an all-girls dorm, Mom," Kendrick pointed out. "I won’t be allowed inside."

"Classes haven’t started yet," Christy countered. "Families are allowed to check in and assist. I called to confirm already."

Kendrick sighed, knowing this argument was already lost. "Fine."

Levy leaned back with a victorious smile. "Look at that. The cold and mighty Kendrick being bossed around by Mom. What a rare sight."

He narrowed his eyes at her, but she only laughed and continued eating.

Zephany watched the exchange with quiet amusement. The way the two siblings bickered was oddly endearing. It didn’t come from animosity but from comfort and closeness. Her lips curled up into a smile as she gently pushed her rice around her plate.

This must be the favor Mom had mentioned yesterday—helping Levy move into her dorm.

Zephany didn’t mind. In fact, she was looking forward to spending more time with Kendrick’s family. Even if they were just acting for now, it was starting to feel real to her. Though she knew it would end, she still liked the feeling of warmth that came with being part of a family.

She set her fork down. "I’d love to help," she said softly.

Christy beamed at her. "Thank you, dear. It’ll be nice to have you around."

Kendrick glanced at her, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.

Zephany met his eyes for a moment. This time, she didn’t look away too quickly.

The rest of breakfast was lighthearted. Christy asked about the dorm arrangements while Levy grumbled about packing. Kendrick offered to carry the heavy boxes, and Zephany quietly said she would help fold and organize Levy’s clothes. It was domestic and simple, but for Zephany, it felt like something she’d missed her whole life.

Later, as they stood up from the table and began clearing the dishes, Kendrick again took Zephany’s plate before she could carry it. He brushed her hand lightly, taking it from her without saying a word.

Zephany’s fingers froze for a second. She turned to him slowly. "You didn’t have to..."

"I know," Kendrick said quietly. "But I wanted to."

From behind the kitchen counter, Christy pretended not to listen, but the small smile playing on her lips said otherwise.

Zephany followed him to the sink, her chest feeling strangely warm. For someone she’d been forced to marry just weeks ago, Kendrick was really gentle. And that kindness, though subtle, was slowly sinking into her heart.

She wished it could last. But she knew better than anyone—this would all end soon.