Sweet Subterfuge

Kevan had always been a good cook. But due to his busy schedule, he didn’t get many chances to cook.
Kevan unbuttoned his cults and rolled up his sleeves, revealing his forearms. He also took off his wristwatch and placed it on the
coffee table in the living room.
Wendy was always concerned about the hygiene cloutside food. So, she would make dinner for Aster every day, no matter how
busy or
tired she was. As a result, Kevan found the ingredients she had yet to use up from the fridge.
Yet, when Kevan took out the steak and large prawns from the freezer. Aster immediately showed a disappointed face.
“I don’t want steak or prawns for dinner,” he expressed his opinion.
Wendy’s home–cocked meals were limited. She would usually try by the steak a
and prawns in butter and sprinkle some black pepper on them.
This would be their usual dinner whenever she returned home late.
“I’m tired of them.” Aster wrinkled his face. He glanced at the steak and prawns before turning away,
He understood his godmother’s situation. So, he never asked her to change the menu. He would always eat both dishes.
But today, Duddy was linally here. And Daddy had said he would try to fulfill any request he made.
Kevan searched the fridge for quite a while. But aside from the steak and prawns. there were only a few sweet potatoes and
tomatoes lett. Wendy bought these for her diet meals.
Kevan wasn’t familiar with the area around the place. Thus, he didn’t know where the supermarket was. Besides, it was too cold
outside. He didn’t want to take Aster out again after they had spent so much time getting him out of his winter gear.
“Til try a different approach.” Kevan said, bending down and looking Aster in the eyes. He proposed. “I promise it taste better
than what your godmother makes. How does that sound?”
Aster tilted his head, thinking for a moment. He locked al Kevan’s genuine expression and replied. “Okay.”

Kevan cut the steak into small pieces, skewering them with toothpicks. Then, he seasoned them with cumin and other spices. He
sel them aside to marinate. Also, he deveined the shrimp, peeled, and cut the sweet potatoes into chunks. Then he prepared the
tomatoes by
cutting them into pieces.
Aster brought a small stool. He sat at the kitchen doorway. He propped up his face with both hands, watching Kevan’s Iuld
movements in awe. Wendy also used a knife when cooking. But she tended to cut things slowly, and the shapes and sizes of the
ingredients often varied. unlike Kevar’s precision.
At that moment Aster felt overwhelmed with pride. This man was skilled, and he was his daddy.
However, not long after. Aster’s spirits dropped, and the brightness in his eyes laded.
Kevan immediately sensed the shilt in Aster’s mocd. He set down the knife and waked over, squatting in front of Aster.
“What’s wrong” He gently tousled Aster’s hat, showing genuine care and concern in his every gesture.
Aster looked at him, hesitated to speak, and then swallowed his words.
“It’s nothing.” He shook his head, but his voice exuded disappointment and sadness.
Kevan held Asler’s chin, making sure their eyes mel. ‘Remember, you can tell me anything.”
Alas, his words didn’t have the desired effect. Instead, Aster clamped his lips even lighter, and lears began to well up in his eyes.
Kevan felt a moment of panic. He quickly embraced Aster and settled him on his lap.
“Aster?” he asked gently. He had always had a good relationship with Aster, and he had never said anything to make him cry. He
was unsure of how to handle the situation.