Chapter 10 - The Warmth That Stays
Five years later, Zorenko’s House remained the most celebrated restaurant in Kyiv, renowned not only for its exquisite cuisine and flawless service, but for its legendary hospitality and community support programs for single parents.
On a crisp October evening, the restaurant was closed for a private family celebration.
The dining room tables had been pushed back to make room for balloons, streamers, and a massive chocolate birthday cake with six glowing candles.
Milana—now a bright, talkative six-year-old with my eyes and Sebastian’s determined spirit—ran around the room chasing our second child, a lively three-year-old boy named Leo who had Sebastian’s exact stubborn chin and adventurous streak.
I stood by the entrance of the grand dining hall, holding a tray of fresh pastries, watching my husband chase our son around a pillar while Milana cheered wildly from the sidelines. Sebastian’s tuxedo jacket was draped over a chair, his sleeves rolled up, laughing openly as Leo tackled his knees.
Nazar walked up beside me, handing me a glass of sparkling apple cider with a warm, proud grin.
May you like
— You know, Marina, — Nazar said, shaking his head fondly. — If someone had told me ten years ago that the fierce Mr. Zorenko would be crawling on the restaurant floor playing horses with two kids, I would have laughed them out of the kitchen.
— People change when they finally find what they’ve been searching for, Nazar, — I smiled, watching Sebastian hoist Leo
