Liam woke to the soft glow of dawn filtering through the floor-to-ceiling windows of his penthouse apartment. He stretched languidly, a contented sigh escaping his lips. He felt… different. Lighter, somehow. As if a weight had been lifted from his shoulders.The memories of the previous evening flooded back – the unexpected summons from Sarah, the delicious lasagna, the revelation that Ava had been the one who cooked it. He could still taste the rich flavors, the subtle blend of herbs and spices, the lingering warmth of the dish.But it wasn't just the food that lingered. It was the feeling, the connection, the sense of intimacy that had washed over him as he savored each bite. He had tasted Ava's creation, a part of her essence captured in the culinary masterpiece. It was as if, through the food, he had touched a part of her soul.He rose from the bed, drawn to the window. He looked across the street, his gaze settling on Ava's apartment building. He imagined her waking up, going about her morning routine, unaware of the impact she had had on him. He smiled, a genuine smile that reached his eyes, a rare sight for the usually stoic Liam Blackwood.He felt a surge of gratitude for Sarah, his accomplice in this elaborate scheme. She had orchestrated this unexpected encounter, this culinary connection, bringing him closer to Ava in a way he hadn't anticipated. He knew he owed her one.He reached for his phone, his fingers hovering over Ava's contact. He wanted to message her, to thank her for the delicious meal, to tell her how much he had enjoyed it. But he hesitated. It was too soon, too forward. He didn't want to spook her, to jeopardize his carefully crafted plan.He decided to wait, to bide his time, to let the impact of the lasagna simmer. He would continue to play the role of the demanding boss, the aloof investor, while secretly orchestrating ways to support her, to empower her, to draw her closer.He thought about the Phoenix project, the ambitious initiative that Ava was leading. He knew she had the potential to revolutionize the industry, and he was determined to give her the resources and the freedom to achieve her vision. He would be her silent partner, her champion, the one who believed in her even when she doubted herself.He felt a surge of excitement, a renewed sense of purpose. This wasn't just about winning Ava back; it was about empowering her, supporting her dreams, and witnessing her rise to greatness. He wanted to be there beside her, not as a rival, but as an equal, a partner, a lover.He looked across the street again, his gaze fixed on Ava's window. He imagined her standing there, looking back at him, their eyes meeting across the distance. He felt a connection, a pull, a sense of destiny that transcended the physical separation.He knew that the journey ahead would be challenging, filled with obstacles and uncertainties. But he was determined to navigate the complexities, to break down the walls Ava had built around her heart, to prove to her that he was worthy of her love.He had tasted her creation, a part of her soul, and he was hungry for more. He was hungry for her laughter, her passion, her intelligence, her love. And he would not rest until he had it all.