Chapter 121: Mark's Steady Presence

Garlic and herbs—unmistakable scents of cooking—wafted through the apartment as Olivia turned her key in the lock. She stopped for a moment, confused. She hadn't planned on cooking tonight; her mind had been too consumed with the weight of Nathan's ultimatum to even think about food. The sight to behold behind the door she pushed open tightened her lungs, and her breath got caught in her throat. The living room had been made over. A soft, warm glow created an inviting and cozy atmosphere. In one corner, her easel was set up, with nice organization and running brushes in her favorite paints. A new throw hung invitingly over the couch. At the door of the kitchen, there he was, Mark, smiling in his gentle fashion and waving around a wooden spoon. "Welcome home," he whispered. "Mark, what. What is all this?" Olivia blinked her eyes in overwhelming surprise. He shrugged a little sheepishly. "You've seemed a bit stressed recently. I thought you could do with a bit of pampering." Once a