Chapter 2 The aroma of freshly brewed coffee still lingered on Delilah's clothes as she entered her small apartment . As soon as she stepped inside , the scent of something delicious hit her nose . She inhaled deeply , savoring the scent of spices and herbs that made her stomach growl with hunger . After a long day at the café , it was exactly what she needed . With a tired sigh , she dropped her bag lazily by the couch , her shoulders slumping in relief . She moved toward the kitchen , following the irresistible smell , already guessing who the culprit was . She rounded the corner into the kitchen , and found her aunt , Mary Flynn . Mary stood over the stove , stirring a pot of what smelled like her famous chicken stew Her aunt's graying hair , always tied back in a neat bun , gleamed under the kitchen lights . Despite her age , Aunt Mary had the energy of someone half her years and the warmest smile that could melt any stress away . 0.00 % 13:00 Chapter 2 Mary glanced up and smiled warmly when she saw Delilah . " I knew you wouldn't be cooking tonight , lazy girl , " she teased , reaching up to peck Delilah on the check . Delilah chuckled , leaning into the kiss . " You know me too well , Aunt Mary . I was going to cook ... eventually . " Her aunt laughed heartily . " If I left it to you , you'd starve yourself before getting a meal ready . Someone has to keep you fed ! " Delilah grinned , unable to argue . She quickly washed her hands and moved to help . " Okay , okay , I admit defeat . Let me at least help finish this up . " Together , they worked in comfortable silence , the only sounds in the kitchen being the bubbling stew and the clatter of dishes as Delilah set the table . After a few more minutes , they were done , and Delilah carried her plate to the dining room , her stomach rumbling in anticipation . They both sat down , the dining room filled with the smell of the delicious food . Delilah took a bite , humming in satisfaction as the flavors danced on her tongue . Aunt Mary's cooking never disappointed . As they ate , Aunt Mary glanced at Delilah , a thoughtful look on her face . There was a pause before she spoke . 11.93 % 13.00 Chapter 2 1289 West " Delilah , there's something I need to tell you , " she began , her tone gentle but serious . Delilah , mid - bite , glanced up curiously . " Go on , " she said , chewing on a piece of chicken , too lost in the delicious meal to sense the gravity of her aunt's words . Mary smiled softly , then took a deep breath . " I've found a suitor for you . A good match . " The words landed like a bombshell . Delilah froze , her spoon suspended in mid - air , eyes wide with shock . For a moment , it felt like the room had gone completely silent , as if the air itself had stilled in disbelief . " A ... suitor ? " Delilah repeated , her voice barely above a whisper , her mind racing . She hadn't expected this . She glanced at Aunt Mary , who was watching her closely , waiting for a reaction . The very word , Suitor made Delilah's stomach twist . 36 614 13:00 Chapter 2 " He's a nice guy , " Mary said , her voice warm and encouragin handsome . " 1 28 " And very Delilah blinked and let out a small sigh , trying to collect her thoughts . " Aunt Mary , " she began slowly , " I don't think- " Mary interrupted , her expression shifting from playful to concerned . " Delilah , I've noticed how you've been avoiding men . I understand after ... everything . " Her voice trailed off , eyes clouded with memories . Delilah looked away . She knew her aunt was thinking of her parents ' death and the awful events that followed - the men she'd dated who had proven to be untrustworthy , leaving scars deeper than she liked to admit . But not all men are like that , Mary believed . Not every man is like what you've faced , she wanted to say , but the words hung unspoken between them . " I've been thinking about your future a lot , you know , " Mary continued , her tone softening as she reached across the table to hold Delilah's hand . " With your parents gone , it's fallen on me to make sure you're looked after . I may not be around much longer myself . " Delilah's head snapped up . " Oh goodness , Aunt ! Don't talk like that . You ' re not going to die of old age anytime soon . " She squeezed her aunt's hand affectionately . " You're still young and full of life . " 27.04 13.00 Chapter 2 1 283 Vouchers Mary chuckled , but the seriousness in her eyes didn't waver . With a playful smack to Delilah's hand , she added , " If I'm so young , then hurry up and get married while I'm alive , rather than waiting until I'm gone . " Delilah sighed , shaking her head but smiling faintly . She knew how much Mary cared , but this wasn't what she wanted - not now , not like this . " You're my only family , Delilah , " Mary continued softly . " I just want to know you're happy and with someone who'll take care of you . The suitor I found for you ... well , his family has already approved . They think highly of you . " Delilah pulled her hand away gently , returning her focus to her food . She picked up her spoon again , hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere , but her aunt wasn't letting this go . " Aren't you at least interested in knowing about him ? " Mary asked , her voice laced with curiosity . Delilah didn't even look up . " No. " Mary's lips pressed into a thin line as she reached for her phone , pulling up something on the screen . " Well , maybe seeing him will change your mind . " She turned the phone toward Delilah , showing a photo of the man she was talking about . Delilah's instinct was to look away , to avoid whatever trap her aunt had set , but as her eyes caught a glimpse of the man in the photo , her heart did a strange flip . 13 00 Chapter 2 1 x Womens He was handsome - no , more than handsome . He was striking , the kind of man who could stop traffic with just one glance . His black hair was short but styled in that perfect , effortless way that suggested both discipline and rebellion . His deep , dark grey eyes , almost charcoal , stared back with an intensity that made her breath catch in her throat . 1 . There was something about his sharp , firm features , the coldness of his expression , and the athletic build that hinted at power and control . Delilah gulped , suddenly feeling uncomfortably warm . She quickly set down her spoon again , her appetite vanishing under the weight of the image before her . " He was handsome four years ago , " Mary said with a knowing smile , " but he's even more handsome now . " Delilah finished the last bite of her food hastily , her mind spinning . She picked up her plate , pushing back her chair as she stood . " I'll think about it , " she muttered , heading for the kitchen . Behind her , Mary's playful voice followed . " Is that a yes ? " Delilah paused , half - turning with a shrug . " Maybe a yes . " 12 13.00 Chapter 2 She didn't need to see her aunt's face to know that her response had made her beam . Mary , ever the optimist , would take any sliver of hope and run with it . " Thank the stars ! " Mary exclaimed , her voice light with happiness . Delilah escaped into the kitchen , setting her plate in the sink . Her hands gripped the edge of the counter as she took a deep breath , trying to regain control of her racing thoughts . The image of the man was etched in her mind , those deep grey eyes haunting her . She could feel her pulse thudding in her chest , the unwelcome flutter of attraction tightening her stomach . But no . This wasn't happening . She wasn't going to let herself fall into another situation where emotions clouded her judgment . She had no reason to trust anyone , let alone someone like him - handsome or not . She had dealt with enough to know better than to let herself get tangled in a mess of love , or worse , marriage . } She had managed to avoid every suitor her aunt had thrown her way before , and she would do the same this time . Delilah wasn't ready to give her heart to anyone , especially not someone who looked like they could break it without a second thought . With a firm nod to herself , she washed her plate and resolved not to be 83.11 % 13.00 Chapter 2 288 Vouchers swayed , no matter how cold and calculating - and devastatingly handsome -he appeared to be . 13 00