Chapter 421

"But it's not too late now," Zion said with his eyes brimming with gentle affection. To the outside world, Zion cut a malicious and fearsome figure. He struck dread into everyone who crossed his path. But to Maeve, Zion was always a quiet, occasionally mischievous, and unconventional man. This side of him was endearing and far from frightening. "Wait here for a moment," Zion said before heading downstairs. He returned soon after with a plate of dessert—a cake with cherry jam filling. The sight of someone as serious as Zion making a heart-shaped dessert warmed Maeve's heart. "Try it," he encouraged. Maeve took a small bite. The cake had a sweet and tangy cherry flavor, with the sourness enhancing the lingering sweetness. "You missed your calling as a chef," Maeve remarked. "I used to be a chef." "I remember you mentioning you were a barber too." "That's right." "Can you tell me more about your past?" Maeve's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "Sure," Zion agreed. Maeve was all