Emily’s POVDuring the day, I helped run my family’s restaurant, finding a rare sense of happiness while at night I was part-timing at the bar Emma worked. She pitched the job to me, and I aced the interview thanks to my stint in a bar after high school. In just a week, she became the closest thing to a best friend. My past had made me wary of friendships, but Emma’s bright smile and no-nonsense attitude gave me hope.“You’re starting again,” Emma teased without looking up, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.“Am I?” I shot back, feigning innocence.“Daydreaming.” Emma teased, pouring the shimmering liquid into a frosted glass. “Look, if I had half your charm, I’d have men tripping over themselves just to order another round. You could probably have three boyfriends by noon if you wanted.”I rolled my eyes, laughing softly. “One is more than enough to deal with, thank you.”She arched a brow but didn’t press further. The truth was, Damian had been on my mind more than I cared to ad
Emily’s POVI took a deep breath, my fingers clenching into fists on my knees as I sat in the middle of them. “What if we hosted a special dining event at the restaurant? Something new, something fresh.”“We could showcase our traditional dishes, mix them up with fusion recipes, and pair them with cocktails I’ve learned from Emma. We invite food critics, bloggers, TikTok influencers, people I know from food magazines and dad’s connections from the travel industry.”I leaned forward, my pulse quickening with excitement. “If it works, we could gain more exposure, attract new customers, maybe even get some collaboration offers.”My father sighed, setting his tea down. “That sounds like a lot of work.”“It will be,” I admitted. “But we need something to push us forward, right? We’re doing better, but we can’t just sit, and hope things will change. We have to make them change.”Lola perked up. “It could be cool. I mean, people love those fancy, exclusive food events. If we market it right,
Emily’s POVThe bar thrived with its usual energy, laughter spilling through the air, glasses clinking against polished wood, and the hum of conversation blending with the distant melody of the live band. But tonight, I barely noticed any of it. My mind was elsewhere—on Savor the Night, on the dishes I was perfecting, on the future I was determined to carve out for myself and my family.My mind was solely focused on creating and everything else seemed to fade away as I bustled around the kitchen. The weight of my failed marriage, the years I had spent trying to be someone I wasn’t, no longer lingered in my mind. Rediscovering my passion for food forced me to face myself - it challenged me, pushed me, made me realize that I wasn’t weak. I wasn’t just Louis’s ex-wife. I was Emily. I was a damn good chef.I had spent the past week refining the menu for Savor the Night, testing bold new flavors, bringing fresh twists to our family’s traditional dishes. Every plate was a piece of me, a stor
“I can explain everything,” he assured, glancing around the bar. “When do you get off?”“Two, it’s a bar,” I responded, looking him up and down. He was clearly shaken. “What is going on? Why are you here?”“It’s a long story.”Just then, Emma came over, eyeing us both curiously. She looked around the bar, which was still lively but slowing down, most people lingering, drunk and chatting entirely too loudly.“What’s wrong?” she asked, glancing at Damien.“I honestly don’t know,” I grumbled, shaking my head. I then turned to restock the coolers and Emma stopped me, smiling."Go on, Emily," she said over the hum of conversation and the clink of glasses. "You’ve done enough for tonight. I’ll close up."I hesitated, looking up at the clock behind the bar. It was still an hour until closing. “Are you sure? It’s still so busy.”She rolled her eyes, tossing a towel over her shoulder. “Emily, you’ve been on your feet all day. I’ve got this. Besides, I think you two should talk – he looks anxio
Emily's POVDamian’s entire demeanor shifted the second he saw her. His face hardened, his knuckles whitening on the wheel before he exhaled sharply and opened the door. I followed, stepping out into the cool night air, my stomach twisting with unease."Charlotte," Damian said, his voice low, wary. "What are you doing here?"Charlotte ignored him. Instead, her sharp brown eyes landed on me, assessing, unyielding. She was beautiful, but her expression made it clear she wasn’t here to exchange pleasantries."This is her?" she asked, like I was some kind of stain on her designer shoes.My spine stiffened, and I lifted my chin. "Excuse me?"She let out a humorless laugh before turning back to Damian, her perfectly manicured nails digging into her crossed arms. "Are you even aware of the damage you're doing to yourself? Do you have any idea what you’re throwing away?"Damian sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Charlotte, I don’t need this right now.""No, you never need it, do you?"
Emily's POVThe scene in the kitchen buzzed with energy, like a pot of stew just beginning to boil. I glanced at the clock, my heart racing as I wiped my hands on my apron. Tonight was the night. A famous food blogger named Nathan Park was on his way to our restaurant, ready to discover the hidden gem that was our restaurant. He specialized in this.He was a renowned food critic and influencer with millions of viewers on YouTube and a popular food blog that highlighted up and coming restaurants, often labeled hidden gems. Of course, after he reviewed them, they weren’t so hidden, but this is the exact exposure I wanted for my family. I could already hear the hum of anticipation beyond the kitchen door as the bar staff hustled to set the mood. This was my shot, the chance to highlight my family’s passion and our determination to bring our past culinary experiences to more people.As I arranged garnishes on plates with trembling fingers, the sound of raised voices filtered through the
Emily's POVThe music swirled around us, the singer hitting a high, thrilling note that sent the crowd into a roar of excitement. I walked over to Nathan’s table, holding my creation—a chili hot dog. The soft, crusted bread cradled a lavishly seasoned sausage, topped with green bell peppers, scallions, crunchy radishes, spicy jalapeño slices, and finished off with a generous drizzle of my special sauce and melting cheese.Nathan sat with his legs wide on the stool, his signature slouch evident in his worn t-shirt and ripped jeans. Tattoos with intricate designs snaked down his shoulders, giving him the appearance of someone who belonged in an energized fight club, not sitting here as a professional food critic. His grin spread when I approached, and he glanced up as I set the plate down, taking a seat beside him. His table was already piled high with a variety of snacks, appetizers, and dishes—it was almost comical to think this muscular frame could take on so much food.“Feeling the
Emily's POVDamian stood there, leaning against the frame, his dark eyes fixed on me with something unreadable—something raw. For a moment, neither of us spoke. It had been days since our last conversation, since Charlotte’s harsh words, since my doubts had almost swallowed me whole.“You gonna let me stand here all night?” he finally asked, a small, wry smile tugging at his lips.I let out a breath, shaking off my nerves. “You’re the one lurking in my kitchen like a lost soul.”Damian chuckled and stepped inside, his presence filling the space. “I came to talk.”I swallowed, setting my tongs down. “I figured.”He took a deep breath, rubbing the back of his neck before looking at me, his gaze unwavering. “Emily, I don’t want to dance around this anymore. I want to be with you. I know things are complicated, I know you’re scared, but I also know what we have is real. And I’m asking you—are you willing to give us a chance?”My chest tightened. I had spent so much time pushing him away,
Emily's POVI remained still. My heart pounded in my chest, but I did not move.That drove her completely mad.Maya’s expression tightened, frustration flashing behind her eyes. This was her moment of triumph, her moment to watch me crumble, to see me break beneath the weight of her cruelty, and I refused to give her that victory.She drew a breath, her lips curling into something sharper, something colder. “Do you remember that video?” she whispered, her voice like silk wrapping around a dagger. “The one that destroyed you? The one that made Louis finally leave you? The one that showed the whole world what you refused to believe?”I clenched my fingers at my sides.A slow, satisfied smirk stretched across her lips. “I was the one who released it.”The world tilted for a split second.Pain lanced through me, sharp, deep, sudden. My breath hitched ever so slightly, but I forced myself to breathe, to push past the suffocating weight pressing down on my chest.For so long, I had wondered
Maya, however, chuckled lightly, the sound as artificial as the diamonds glistening in her ears. "Oh, Emily herself is already annoying enough," she mused, her eyes gleaming. "I did hear something rather interesting, though. Apparently, Damian has been searching for someone, his childhood first love." She tilted her head, her gaze locking onto mine. "Maybe he just thinks Emily looks like her."Her words were not spoken in hushed tones. They were meant to be heard, meant to draw a reaction, meant to make me falter.I did not.Instead, I reached for my fork, cutting through the delicate piece of fish on my plate, tasting the citrus glaze with an appreciative nod. "The ingredients are lovely," I said simply, directing my words to Damian and his grandfather, who sat nearby. Damian smiled, nodding in agreement, and his grandfather gave a pleased chuckle.Maya’s smile tightened.The rest of the night continued in a blur of laughter, music, and speeches. I played my role well. I smiled when
Emily's POVI still came to the wedding despite my reservations.When Damian’s father personally delivered the invitation, I hesitated for a long time. I could have refused and left all the pain in the past, could have spared myself from the whispers, the lingering stares, the carefully measured pity disguised as politeness. But in the end, I chose to face it. I wanted to prove to everyone that I had moved on.With my hand resting on Damian’s arm, I stepped into the wedding reception with composed steps, my expression indifferent, my spine straight. The murmurs started almost instantly, hushed voices passing from one guest to another like a ripple in still water. I could feel the weight of their gazes, lingering too long before darting away when I met their eyes. Most of them were familiar faces, I had once raised my glass to toast their happiness at their own weddings, just as they had once watched me walk down the aisle toward Louis, believing it was forever. And now, they saw me he
Maya's POVStepping out of the bridal suite once more, I felt reborn. The deep wine-red gown cascaded over my frame, sculpted to perfection, seductive yet elegant, as though it had been woven from the very essence of power itself. The rubies glistening at my neck and wrists caught the light with every movement, perfectly matching the fire in my veins. It was not just a dress. It was a statement. It declared to the world that I was untouchable, that I had won.The moment I stepped outside the main doors, heads turned. My father, Charles, was the first to approach, his expression one of pure admiration. His arms opened, and I stepped into his embrace, inhaling the scent of expensive cologne and success."You are breathtaking," he murmured, pulling back to admire me. "Everything about this night is perfection, and all of it is for you, my beautiful daughter."I beamed, tilting my chin up as if soaking in the admiration. "Thank you, Father. This wedding, this reception, it is beyond anyth
Maya's POVThe reception was a masterpiece.Exactly as I’d imagined it—a golden haze blanketing the estate as the sun dipped low in the sky, casting everything in that soft, glowing light you can’t fake. Rows of champagne flutes sparkled like diamonds, the scent of roses wafting through the warm air, mingling with hints of truffle, seared lamb, and other delicacies I had hand-selected from a Michelin-starred tasting.People were talking about it already. I could hear it in the way they murmured as they arrived, the way their eyes widened at the floral arch, the way their compliments grew more effusive with each course. This wasn’t just a reception—it was the event. The kind of thing high society would whisper about for years.Louis and I stood at the entrance like royalty, arms elegantly linked as guests floated toward us with their congratulations and over-the-top gifts. I wanted every single one of them on display—glinting under the chandeliers in the grand salon like trophies. Proo
Emily's POVLouis wasted no time. He pulled her into his arms, pressing a lingering kiss against her temple before resting his forehead against hers. “Finally,” he murmured, his breath warm against her skin. “It’s over. We’re married.”Maya smiled, resting her hands on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath the crisp fabric of his tuxedo. “Yes,” she whispered. “And it was perfect.”His lips curled into a soft grin as he kissed her once more. “I can’t believe we actually made it through the day.” He chuckled, shaking his head. “Now we can start our new life together. Just us and the baby.”At the mention of their child, Maya’s fingers tightened against his jacket. Their baby. The ultimate symbol of her victory. She had everything. Louis, their marriage, their child.She let out a pleased hum, tilting her head to look at herself in the full-length mirror. Louis wrapped his arms around her waist from behind, and she sighed in contentment. She wasn’t showing yet, thank Go
Emily's POVThe estate was a dream, her dream, brought to life with painstaking attention to detail. No expense had been spared, no arrangement left to chance. Towering floral centerpieces of pale mauve and buttery yellow roses lined the courtyard, their fragrance wafting through the air, mingling with the delicate scent of fresh-cut greenery. The warm glow of chandeliers hanging from the grand estate’s terraces bathed everything in golden light. A string quartet played softly, their elegant renditions of pop songs filling the space with a romantic yet modern touch.Maya sat in the lavish bridal suite, her hands folded delicately in her lap, as her bridesmaids surrounded her, their voices buzzing with excitement. The room was a swirl of silk and chiffon, the muted hues of their dresses perfectly complementing the aesthetic Maya had so carefully curated. She had chosen the colors herself, ensuring they enhanced her own brilliance rather than stealing focus. Mauve and pale yellow, soft
Emily's POVCharlotte let out a dramatic sigh. “I’m drowning in it already.” She waved her free hand, gesturing at the overwhelming décor. “This whole thing is nauseating. An entire estate transformed into a wedding fairytale just to prove Maya has officially climbed the social ladder. It’s embarrassing.”Damian hummed in agreement. “A bit much, isn’t it? But then again, we couldn’t have expected subtlety.”Charlotte scoffed, shaking her head. “I didn’t even want to come, you know. But Father made it clear that wasn’t an option. Not when appearances are everything.”I offered her a small smile. “Well, at least we can get through it together.”Charlotte arched a brow, tilting her champagne flute toward me in mock salute. “Misery loves company.”Damian chuckled but then turned serious. “Have you seen them yet?”Charlotte let out another dramatic sigh. “No, but I assume they’re all gathered somewhere, discussing important matters over overpriced scotch and thinly veiled insults.”Damian
Emily's POV For a moment, I simply looked at him, taking in the way he stood beside me, unwavering, constant. It was strange how different love could feel when it was real, when it was built on trust instead of illusion.His fingers squeezed my shoulder gently, his gaze meeting mine in the mirror. “Do what feels right for you,” he said. “You don’t owe anyone anything.”I turned in my seat then, reaching up to cup his face as I pulled him down into a kiss. It was deep, lingering, a silent confirmation that I had made my decision.“I’ll go,” I whispered against his lips.When I pulled away, I caught the flicker of relief in his expression, amusement dancing in his eyes.“Were you worried about going alone?” I teased.He let out a low chuckle, shaking his head. “You’ve met my family, Emily. Anyone would be worried about facing them alone.”I laughed at that, shaking my head as I turned back to my vanity, reaching for my makeup brush. As I began applying a soft sweep of blush to my cheeks