CHAPTER NINETY TWO – MIGUEL THE COOK

"So," Karina said as she sliced bell peppers, "why did you really bring us here, Miguel?" He paused in his stirring, looking at her thoughtfully. "Honestly? I felt like we needed a break from... everything. The pressure, the act, the constant scrutiny. I thought it might be nice to just... be ourselves for a while." Karina nodded slowly, processing his words. "And who are we when we're being ourselves?" Miguel's eyes met hers, and there was an intensity in his gaze that made her breath catch. "I'm not sure," he said softly. "But I'd like to find out." The moment was interrupted by the sizzle of the pan, and they quickly turned their attention back to the cooking. But Karina could feel a shift in the air between them, a new tension that was both exciting and terrifying. They ate dinner on the terrace, watching as the last rays of sunlight disappeared below the horizon. The conversation flowed easily, touching on topics they'd never discussed before – their childhoods, their dreams,