The morning sun streamed through the windows of Ava's apartment, casting a warm glow on her face as she stirred from sleep. She stretched languidly, a smile playing on her lips as she recalled the events of the previous evening. Delivering dinner to Sarah, discovering Liam lived across the street – it had been an eventful night, filled with unexpected twists and turns.She glanced at her phone, half expecting a message from Sarah, thanking her for the lasagna. But there was nothing. A slight pang of disappointment flickered through her, quickly replaced by a surge of determination. She had a project to lead, a company to conquer.Arriving at the office, she found Sarah already at her desk, looking surprisingly refreshed despite her claims of exhaustion the previous night."Good morning, Sarah!" Ava greeted her with a cheerful smile. "How are you feeling today?"Sarah, momentarily thrown by Ava's cheerful demeanor, stammered a response. "Oh, uh, much better, thanks. I, uh, managed to get some work done last night.""And how was the lasagna?" Ava asked, curiosity twinkling in her eyes.Sarah, desperately trying to recall the details of the dish she hadn't actually eaten, fumbled for an answer. "It was... divine! Absolutely divine. The best lasagna I've ever had."Liam, who had just arrived and overheard the conversation, stifled a laugh. Sarah's unconvincing performance was almost comical. He watched Ava, her face beaming with pride, and felt a warmth spread through him. He had to admit, her culinary skills were impressive.Later that morning, Sarah entered Liam's office, carrying a brown paper bag filled with breakfast pastries."I brought you some croissants and coffee," she announced, placing the bag on his desk.Liam, however, waved it away. "No, thank you, Sarah. I'm still full from that amazing lasagna."Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Really? You haven't even touched your usual morning croissant."Liam smiled. "I'm savoring the memory of last night's dinner. It was... exceptional."A mischievous glint entered his eyes. "You know, Sarah," he began, leaning back in his chair, "I think it's time we took this plan to the next level."Sarah, intrigued, leaned closer. "What do you have in mind?"Liam outlined his plan, a cunning scheme that involved a staged illness, a hospital stay, and a desperate need for home-cooked meals. Sarah listened, her eyes widening with each passing detail."Liam, are you sure about this?" she asked, a hint of concern in her voice. "It seems a bit... extreme."Liam's lips curled into a sly smile. "Desperate times call for desperate measures, my dear Sarah. Besides," he added with a wink, "a little drama never hurts."The plan was set in motion. Liam, with Sarah's assistance, feigned a sudden bout of stomach cramps, culminating in a dramatic collapse at the office. An ambulance was called, and Liam was rushed to the hospital, Sarah trailing behind, feigning distress.The doctor, after a thorough examination, diagnosed Liam with a severe case of food poisoning, likely caused by contaminated takeout. He recommended a bland diet, preferably home-cooked meals, to aid in his recovery.Sarah, playing her role to perfection, wailed about her inability to cook, lamenting the fact that Liam would be subjected to bland hospital food. Ava, who had accompanied Sarah to the hospital, her heart aching for the seemingly suffering Liam, overheard the conversation."Sarah, don't worry," she blurted out, surprising herself with her own impulsiveness. "I can cook for Liam. I mean, if you're okay with it, and if the doctor approves, of course."Sarah, barely able to contain her glee, threw her arms around Ava. "Oh, Ava, you're a lifesaver! Thank you, thank you, thank you!"Liam, lying in the hospital bed, feigning weakness, allowed a small smile to play on his lips. His plan was working perfectly. He would get his home-cooked meals, courtesy of Ava, and he would have the perfect opportunity to spend time with her, to charm her, to break down her defenses.He looked at Ava, her face etched with concern as she fussed over Sarah, and felt a warmth spread through him. He was playing a dangerous game, but the prize, he knew, was worth the risk. He would win Ava back, one delicious meal at a time.