For a while, they simply ate, savoring the rich flavors as they talked in between. The conversation drifted easily, touching on everything and nothing at once.
Stories were shared, jokes exchanged, and laughter filled the quiet area. It was the kind of talk that needed no direction, flowing naturally from one moment to the next.
At some point, Arianna reached for a piece of cake from the table and broke off a small portion.
She held it up, studying it with playfully , then leaned forward and smeared it across Aiden's cheek.
He froze, blinking in surprise.
Laela burst into laughter, with her hand flying to her mouth. Aiden turned his head slowly toward Arianna, who was grinning at him with pure mischief in her eyes.
"Oh, you've done it now," he said.
He grabbed a handful of cake and flung it at her. Arianna shrieked and ducked, but the cake caught her shoulder, smearing frosting across her sleeve.
