Chapter 81: Getting to like her better

"Huh? I hope so. Did he tell you he has a fiancée? As in, he's engaged?" Mrs. Carter asked, stopping what she was doing mid-motion, her brows slightly raised. "Yes," Dorah replied softly, a hint of sadness tucked behind her eyes. "Okay." Mrs. Carter's tone was unreadable, her expression giving nothing away. Dorah was left wondering where she was going with the conversation. But just as Dorah's mind began to spiral with questions, Mrs. Carter snapped her fingers playfully. "Hey, girl. You should stay focused. You wouldn't want to miss the opportunity to learn this." Snapping out of her thoughts, Dorah's face lit up. "Can I mix it?" she asked, her voice laced with eagerness. "Yes, but you must follow all my instructions," Mrs. Carter replied with a smile, handing over the mixing spoon as they switched positions. "Yes, ma'am," Dorah replied excitedly, brushing her hands together before diving in. She paid close attention, soaking in every step like a sponge. As the cookies began to take form, the kitchen filled with warmth, not just from the oven, but from their shared laughter and the sweet rhythm of bonding. Mrs. Carter even lightened the mood by sharing funny stories about Ronald's childhood, making Dorah laugh until her sides hurt. "She's actually a lovely girl," Mrs. Carter thought, watching Dorah's focused expression as she carefully followed each instruction. Just then, the sound of heels clicking on the tile floor interrupted the moment. "What's that smell?" a voice asked. They both turned. It was Madison. "Maddy, how are you?" Mrs. Carter asked, welcoming her with a fond smile. "I'm good, Mum," Madison replied, leaning in for a quick side hug. Her eyes shifted to the counter. "So, what are you two up to?" "Dorah and I are making cookies for everyone. Want to join us?" Mrs. Carter offered cheerfully. Madison scoffed lightly. "No, I'll pass. I just got my nails done, and they're too precious to ruin. Besides, I don't want to get covered in flour." Her eyes flicked to Dorah's flour-stained shirt with a slight sneer. "Alright then," Mrs. Carter said, unbothered. "Mum, is Ronald home?" Maddy asked, casually grabbing a cookie. "Yes, he's in his room upstairs." "Okay, Mum," she said, and with that, she turned and exited the kitchen, not without throwing Dorah a pointed glare that held no explanation. "Let's decorate the cookies," Mrs. Carter said, brushing off Madison's attitude as she returned her attention to Dorah. Later on… "Babe, please come with me," Maddy pleaded from the doorway, her tone overly sweet. "I'm not going to any party with you. Please leave when you're done and stop pestering me," Ronald replied, the irritation in his voice rising. "What's all the noise about?" Mrs. Carter asked, entering the room just as Dorah stepped in behind her, carefully balancing a tray of cookies. "Mum, I'm asking Ronald to come with me to a friend's party, but he keeps refusing," Maddy complained, sounding frustrated. Mrs. Carter turned her attention to Ronald. "I don't want to go. Is that so hard to understand?" he said, nearly raising his voice. "Mr. Man, calm down. You don't raise your voice when I'm around," Mrs. Carter warned, her gaze steady. She then turned to Madison. "Well, if he says he doesn't want to go, then let him be. Don't worry, he'll go with you next time," she said with a reassuring smile. "But I want him to come now," Maddy grumbled, folding her arms. "Sorry, baby. He'll go with you next time." "There is never going to be a next time," Ronald muttered under his breath, loud enough for Dorah to catch it. "Okay, Mum. I'll be going then. Bye," Maddy said, giving her mother a hug, which was quickly returned. "Bye, Ronald," she added coolly, but he didn't respond. Instead, his eyes drifted to the tray in Dorah's hands. Maddy left the room, not without throwing one last icy glare at Dorah before disappearing around the corner. "Why are you just standing there? You should put the tray on the table," Mrs. Carter said, snapping Dorah out of her thoughts. "Okay, ma'am," Dorah replied, walking briskly to the table and setting the tray down. "Hey, boy. We need to talk," Mrs. Carter said, turning to Ronald. "Now?" he asked, not hiding his reluctance. "Yes, now," she replied firmly, already heading out the door. "I'll be back. Wait here for me," Ronald told Dorah, who nodded in reply. Once he was gone, Dorah looked around the room. It was spacious, with a clean white and gold theme that felt both regal and personal. Her eyes landed on the three doors, one led to the bathroom, another to the toilet, and the third, slightly ajar, revealed a glimpse of his closet. Curiosity tugged at her. She walked over and stepped inside the closet. It was neatly arranged, with sections for shoes, shirts, jackets, and accessories. Every piece had its place. "Done admiring?" Ronald's voice suddenly broke the silence behind her. Startled but not flustered, Dorah turned. "Just exploring your room. Nothing more," she said as she stepped out. "You want to change into something clean and maybe freshen up?" he asked, nodding at the flour marks on her shirt. "Yeah, but what would I wear?" she asked, glancing down at herself. "I can lend you my hoodie if you don't mind, or I can order something for you," he offered casually. "I'd love to wear your hoodie, but what if your mum gets upset seeing me in your clothes? I want her to like me, and I don't want this to be the reason she gets the wrong impression of me," she said, worry briefly creasing her brow. "As her future daughter-in-law, right?" Ronald teased with a raised brow and a playful smirk. "Yeah, you need to be on her good side." "Jeez, stop it!" she said shyly, but couldn't stop herself from smiling. "You don't need to worry. She won't freak out about it," he assured her. "You sure?" "Yes. Your charm worked as usual. She told me earlier that she likes you," he shrugged. "What?! Really?" she asked, her face lighting up. "Yes. So, what's your choice now?" he asked again. "Give me your hoodie," she said with a grin. "Okay, baby," he replied as he headed back into his closet. "I'll give you some privacy. Let me know when you're done," Ronald said as they stepped out of the closet. "Sure," Dorah replied, her tone warm. He left the room, and Dorah quickly freshened up in the bathroom. The warm water helped soothe her nerves. After wrapping herself in a towel, she slipped into his oversized hoodie, its soft fabric carrying a faint scent of him, clean and calming. Just as she picked up her phone to text Ronald that she was ready, a notification buzzed on the screen. It was a message from her mum. "Jace has gone back."