Chapter 43: The Noodle Chef and the Dog’s Name

As the car cruised through the city streets, Zara hugged the husky in her lap, already acting like the dog's proud owner. "Xavier, stop at that store!" she said suddenly, pointing at a pet supply shop ahead. 

"What for?" Xavier asked, already exasperated. 

"To get dog food, of course," Zara replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. "We can't just bring him home and starve him." 

Xavier sighed but pulled over. "Fine. Make it quick." 

Zara, in her usual style, made anything but a quick stop. She ended up filling a cart with bags of premium dog food, treats, and other essentials, along with a stash of instant noodles for herself. 

As Xavier stared at the growing pile in the cart, he raised an eyebrow. "You do realize you just found the dog, right? You're acting like you've had him for years." 

"Excuse you, Xavier," Zara said, tossing a pack of noodles into the cart. "He deserves to be spoiled. Tomorrow, we're going to get him a proper dog house, toys, maybe even some outfits. He's going to be the happiest dog in the world!" 

Xavier pinched the bridge of his nose but said nothing, knowing better than to argue with Zara when she had her mind set on something. 

--- 

Back at the house, Zara clapped her hands together. "Okay, Xavier, I've decided to grace you with my culinary skills tonight!" 

"Oh no," Xavier said flatly, shaking his head. "I'm not in the mood for food poisoning." 

Zara rolled her eyes dramatically. "For your information, I'm an expert at cooking instant noodles. You're in for a treat!" 

"I'm shaking in anticipation," Xavier deadpanned, but Zara ignored him and got to work. 

She boiled water, added the noodles, and sprinkled in the seasoning with a flourish, as if performing a magic trick. "Voilà!" she said proudly, setting the steaming bowl on the table in front of Xavier. 

Xavier hesitated, his expression skeptical. "Are you sure this won't kill me?" 

"Just taste it," Zara said, crossing her arms. 

With an exaggerated sigh, Xavier took a bite. To his surprise, it was actually good—perfectly cooked noodles with just the right balance of flavor. He kept his face neutral, though, unwilling to give Zara the satisfaction. 

"It's… so-so," he said casually, taking another bite. 

Zara gasped. "So-so? SO-SO? Xavier Steele, you're lying through your teeth!" 

"Not really," he replied with a smirk. "I mean, as the name implies, it's *instant* noodles. What exactly did you do other than follow instructions on a packet?" 

Zara's jaw dropped. "I *cooked* it, Xavier! I poured my heart and soul into that bowl!" 

Xavier chuckled. "Right. Your *efforts* are truly inspiring." 

"Oh, you're insufferable," Zara said, flopping onto the couch dramatically. 

After finishing their dinner, Zara clapped her hands again. "Okay, serious business now. We need to name the dog." 

Xavier leaned back in his chair, watching her with amusement. "You're really taking this dog mom thing seriously, huh?" 

"Of course," Zara said, looking at the husky curled up on the floor. "He deserves the best name. Something strong. Something noble." 

"How about *Trouble*?" Xavier suggested, smirking. 

Zara glared at him. "Not funny. I was thinking something like… Apollo! Or maybe Zeus!" 

Xavier considered it. "Apollo's not bad." 

"Right? It fits him," Zara said, her excitement growing. She knelt beside the dog, scratching behind his ears. "What do you think, boy? Do you like Apollo?" 

The husky lifted his head slightly, his blue eyes locking onto hers. 

"I think he approves," Zara declared triumphantly. 

Xavier shook his head, a faint smile playing on his lips. "You're unbelievable." 

"And you're welcome," Zara shot back with a grin, giving Apollo another pat.