Ava, ever practical and compassionate, took charge. She consulted with Liam's doctor, getting a detailed list of foods to avoid and recommendations for a bland, easily digestible diet. She then made a beeline for the nearest grocery store, her mind already buzzing with recipe ideas.Back at her apartment, she transformed her kitchen into a culinary haven. Fresh vegetables were chopped, fragrant herbs were minced, and pots simmered gently on the stove, filling the air with a comforting aroma. She cooked with a focused intensity, channeling her concern for Liam into each dish. Chicken broth, infused with ginger and garlic, simmered alongside a pot of avocado and cucumber salad, while a tray of rice pudding, sprinkled with cinnamon and nutmeg, filled the apartment with a sweet and comforting scent.Meanwhile, at the hospital, Liam, though genuinely relieved to avoid the dreaded hospital food, was already plotting his next move. He knew Ava wouldn't be easily won over, and a bland diet was the perfect opportunity to test her culinary mettle and, perhaps, her patience.He sent a text to Sarah: "Operation Bland Diet is a go. But tell Ava... I'm a very discerning patient, even when ill. My palate demands subtle flavors, even in simplicity."Sarah, suppressing a giggle, relayed the message with a dramatic flourish. "Mr. Blackwood says he's very particular about his food, Ava. Even when he's sick, he has...refined tastes."Ava, though slightly annoyed by Liam's perceived fussiness, took it as a challenge. She was determined to create dishes that were both healthy and delicious, even within the constraints of his bland diet.Later that evening, Ava arrived at the hospital, armed with her culinary creations. Liam, feigning weakness, greeted her with a weary smile.Ava, with a final flourish, arranged the lemon slices on the rim of the water glass and placed it on Liam's bedside table. She stepped back, surveying her handiwork - a tray laden with a steaming bowl of ginger-infused chicken broth, a small dish of creamy avocado and cucumber salad, and a delicate rice pudding sprinkled with cinnamon."Bon appétit, Mr. Blackwood," she said, trying to inject a note of cheerfulness into her voice.Liam, with a dramatic sigh, picked up his spoon and examined the broth with a critical eye. He took a sip, swishing it around his mouth before swallowing with a grimace."Hmm, the ginger is a bit aggressive," he declared. "Perhaps a touch of honey would balance the sharpness."Ava, barely suppressing an eye roll, resisted the urge to retort that he was lucky to be getting anything beyond plain water. Instead, she plastered a polite smile on her face and said, "I'll keep that in mind for tomorrow."Liam then turned his attention to the salad, meticulously dissecting it with his fork. "The avocado is adequately ripe," he conceded, "but the cucumber lacks...crispness. Were they perhaps not chilled sufficiently?"Ava's grip tightened on the tray. "I assure you, Mr. Blackwood, the cucumbers were chilled to perfection."The rice pudding, however, seemed to pass muster. "Ah, this is quite palatable," he announced, taking a spoonful. "Though a hint of cardamom would elevate it to new heights."Ava, her patience wearing thin, merely nodded curtly. She watched as Liam finished his meal, his every expression and gesture a study in exaggerated scrutiny. She could practically hear Sarah's muffled giggles from the hallway, where she'd strategically positioned herself to observe the unfolding drama.As soon as Liam finished his meal, Ava collected the tray and made a hasty retreat. Once outside the room, she let out a muffled scream, clamping her hand over her mouth to stifle the sound.Sarah, startled by the outburst, rushed to Ava's side. "Ava, are you alright? What happened?"Ava, her eyes wide with frustration, grabbed Sarah's arm and dragged her towards the hospital cafeteria. "He's impossible!" she hissed, once they were safely out of earshot. "Utterly impossible!"She proceeded to vent her frustration, mimicking Liam's critical tone and exaggerated expressions. " 'The ginger is too aggressive,' " she mimicked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. " 'The cucumber lacks crispness.' Who does he think he is, a Michelin-starred chef?"Sarah, struggling to contain her laughter, patted Ava's arm consolingly. "He's just a bit particular about his food, Ava. Don't take it personally.""Particular?" Ava scoffed. "He's arrogant, demanding, and thinks he can boss everyone around, even when he's lying in a hospital bed!"Sarah, though secretly enjoying Ava's outburst, tried to maintain a neutral expression. "He's probably just bored and frustrated, Ava. Being stuck in a hospital bed can't be fun.""Well, he doesn't have to take it out on me!" Ava retorted. "I'm going above and beyond to cook him decent meals, and all he does is criticize."She paused, taking a deep breath. "But you know what? I'm not giving up. I'll make him the blandest, most perfectly seasoned, most exquisitely textured food he's ever had. He'll be begging for more, and then I'll tell him exactly where he can shove his cardamom!"Sarah, unable to hold back any longer, burst into laughter. Ava, initially surprised by Sarah's reaction, soon joined in, the tension dissipating as their laughter filled the cafeteria.Liam, meanwhile, lay in his hospital bed, a smug smile playing on his lips. He had successfully pushed Ava's buttons, challenged her, and ignited a fire within her. He knew he was playing a dangerous game, but he also knew that Ava, with her fiery spirit and unwavering determination, was the perfect opponent, the perfect match for him.And as he drifted off to sleep, the image of Ava's exasperated face and Sarah's infectious laughter filled his mind, a comforting reminder that his plan, however unconventional, was working perfectly.