Two Reborn, One Throne novel Chapter 58

Amber was awakened by the mouth-watering scent of a hearty homemade breakfast skillet.

She opened her eyes. It was 6:00 AM. She had planned to sleep in since she didn't have classes today, but a student's biological clock was ruthless.

"Why are you up so early? Oh, Xanthe, you really didn't have to do this," her dad's voice drifted in.

"Arthur, please let me help. I'm sorry I didn't ask before opening the fridge. I didn't know what you and Amber usually eat, so I threw together a breakfast skillet. Amber is still sleeping, and I know you need to open the diner soon. Go wash up, it'll be ready in a minute."

Xanthe wasn't acting like a servant; she genuinely felt bad about imposing on them. Besides, at the Sutton household, she was forced to wake up at 5:00 AM every single day to cook breakfast for over a dozen people. Cooking for just two was a breeze.

Arthur hadn't expected to wake up to the smell of a hot, savory breakfast just for taking in Loretta's cousin for a night.

He loved a hearty breakfast, but because it was so time-consuming, he rarely made it. If he wasn't running Grace's diner, he'd gladly wake up at six to cook for Amber. But managing the diner made it impossible.

Lately, between the hospital and the diner, his own meals were practically non-existent, and he felt terrible for neglecting Amber.

"You're incredible, Xanthe. I was sleeping so heavily I didn't even hear you prepping the skillet." Arthur was deeply moved. He didn't realize that Xanthe moved with practiced, absolute silence, a habit ingrained from years of trying to avoid waking her abusive family.

"It's because you're exhausted, Arthur. Running the diner and taking care of a patient? Even a machine would break down. Sleeping deeply is a good thing. Go wash your face, I'll plate this up. When Amber wakes up, I'll make a fresh batch for her," Xanthe smiled warmly.

Arthur rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "Thank you, Xanthe. Seriously, thank you."

Listening from her room, Amber rolled her eyes. Her dad was such a nice guy, but he was completely hopeless at flirting. It sounded like it took all his strength just to say thank you.

Amber kicked off her blankets and walked out, rubbing her stomach dramatically. "Dad, did you make a breakfast skillet? Smells amazing! Wait... Xanthe? You made this? Oh my gosh, you shouldn't be cooking! Put that down, I'll do it!"

Only her dad would fall for her exaggerated acting.

"Amber, don't get your hands dirty. I'm already done. I'm so sorry, I woke you up, didn't I?" Xanthe felt terribly guilty, despite having moved as quietly as possible.

"Yes, it's her fault," Arthur started, stepping out of the bathroom. "Amber, where are your manners?"

He immediately turned to apologize to Xanthe. "I'm sorry, kids just say whatever comes to mind. Please don't take it to heart. Amber, apologize to Xanthe right now."

Amber rolled her eyes. "Dad, you didn't even let me finish before yelling at me! Hmph. I was going to say it's her fault because the food smells so ridiculously good it woke me up! Xanthe, how are you such an amazing cook? My dad could never make something this good!"

Suddenly, a slender, efficient woman wearing a floral blouse and dark pants—with a remarkably attractive face—caught her eye.

That hussy?!

Arthur hadn't expected Xanthe to follow him to the diner after cooking breakfast. He had told her to wait at the apartment for Loretta, but Amber mentioned she was going to the bookstore, and Xanthe felt awkward staying alone. She offered to help out at the diner while she waited.

Arthur agreed, but Xanthe was simply too hardworking. She buzzed around the diner, effortlessly anticipating what needed to be done without him asking once. Arthur couldn't help but wonder if she had run a restaurant before.

"Xanthe, you really don't need to do this. Just sit down and rest. I've got this," Arthur protested as Xanthe began clearing tables.

"It's fine, Arthur! I'm just standing around anyway. You've helped me so much, it's the least I can do. I'll take these to the back to wash." Xanthe smiled radiantly.

Unfortunately, Grace saw that exact smile. Pure, unadulterated fury coursed through her veins, but she couldn't cause a scene and become the neighborhood laughingstock.

Forcing a sickly sweet smile, she called out, "Arthur~ I'm discharged!"

Who the hell was that woman you were just smiling at?!