The Reign of Zane Gardner

Chapter 27 - Kitchen Confessions

In an effort to calm herself down, Claire sat watching while Zane tidied up the remaining plates.

Breaking the silence, her voice carried a soft curiosity, “Zane, since when can you cook?”

Her eyes followed his movements, reflecting her interest in his answer.

Without stopping, he replied, “Ah, I’ve been used to living alone since I was little. So, like it or not, I had to learn to cook for myself to survive.”

His words were simple, yet they revealed a life shaped by self-sufficiency and resilience.

Claire’s smile widened as she listened, a warm light in her eyes.

Zane’s humble revelation shed light not only on his culinary skills, but also on the deep-seated strength and responsibility that had governed his life.

***

The early morning atmosphere at the Scott Company office was abuzz with the usual corporate activity, but for Zane, each visit bore a sense of uneasy isolation.

Clad in a crisp white shirt and sleek gray trousers, he moved through the office with a quiet dignity,