MARIA POV
The idea of preparing an Italian dinner for the family—well, for the twins, mostly—had been swirling in my head since the morning. Something special to show I could cook more than toast and coffee, something that could distract them from their usual obsession with burgers and protein shakes. I walked into the kitchen, opened the fridge, and—immediate regret. Desolation. A half-moldy lemon, random sauces halfway gone, and cheese that looked like it had seen better days. I sighed.
“Maybe pasta with tomato sauce?” I muttered to myself as I swung open the pantry door, hoping for a miracle. Nope. Just chips, protein shakes, and a few boxes of instant mac 'n' cheese. I tapped my finger to my chin, trying to stay positive. Looks like I’m going grocery shopping.
I tapped my finger ag
