Part 108

08

"How is it?" Nicholas couldn't wait for Alesya's response to the dish he had prepared.

Although there was no doubt about the quality and taste of his cooking, he still feared that all this perfection might not mean much to Alesya.

Alesya nodded slowly between bites, savoring every mouthful. However, on the last bite, she furrowed her brow.

"Why? Is it not good?" Nicholas worried now. The sudden change in Alesya's facial expression made him fear that she didn't like the food.

"It's good, but..."

"But?" Nicholas followed up, leaning in and waiting for Alesya's answer.

"The portion is very small. Just five bites and it's gone. Come on, Nik!" she protested, pouting her lips and pushing her empty plate towards Nicholas.

Nicholas scratched his non-itchy head. "The portion is meant to be like this, Al. What matters most is the taste, so customers come back here to enjoy it again. Moreover, if we make it larger, it might not look as nice as it did."

"So what's being sold here isn't just the taste?" As a fan of local eateries and roadside stalls in the village, Alesya was unfamiliar with Nicholas's way of serving food.

Luckily, the main ingredient Nicholas used reminded Alesya of dendeng basah, her favorite dish at the Padang restaurant.

Nicholas nodded. "The smaller and more elegant it looks, the higher the price."

"So, to really get full here, I'd need many portions. I might have to sell my organs if I want to eat enough here."

"No need. You can enjoy all the menu items here for free."

"You could go bankrupt if I ate here."

"Not possible. Looking at your physique, I doubt you could finish one serving of food at a street stall," Nicholas teased. He regarded Alesya with a playful look as she widened her eyes.

"Are you sure about your assessment?" Alesya raised both her eyebrows.

"Sure, look at it. It's so small..." Nicholas raised Alesya's hand. "And there's no meat."

"How can I have meat?" Alesya sighed. "The problems just keep coming. I'm still grieving my mother's loss. Then my father and these never-ending problems."

"I can't say anything to make it better for you, Al, because the word 'patience' isn't enough to dispel all your pain and troubles." Nicholas held Alesya's hand. "But I can promise you that I'll always be by your side, whether you're sad or happy."

"Is that true?" Alesya's eyes welled up with tears of emotion at Nicholas's words.

"Yes. I promise."

"If that's the case, let's stand up!"

Nicholas raised his eyebrows. Still, he stood up as Alesya wished.

And how surprised Nicholas was when Alesya took a step forward and, without saying a word, hugged him tightly, as if Nicholas wasn't someone she had just met.

"Why did it have to be Bryan, Nik? When you're also Handoko's child."

Nicholas's hand reached out to caress Alesya's back. "I've never been interested in the business world that tends to play dirty, Al. My life no longer depends on my parents either. There are many reasons why they can't interfere in my life anymore. You'll slowly see the stories behind why Bryan was chosen by my father to be your husband."

"Because you're not normal?"

Nicholas nodded. "It might be because of that. However, I'm sure there are many other reasons. I won't tell you; let time answer that."

"While waiting, I want one honest answer from you, now, Nik."

"What is it?"

"Is it true that you don't like women?"

"In your opinion?"

Nicholas released his embrace.

Alesya shook her head. "I can't believe you're not normal. That's why I want an honest answer from you, Nik."

"I won't give you any answer."

"Why?"

"I can't. Those three words are all I can say."

Alesya slumped. Irritation and disappointment suddenly gnawed at her. She didn't accept that Nicholas was still shutting himself off from her, even though she had been completely open with him. He had even seen her from head to toe without any barriers, just a thin piece of cloth.

"But you can explore me. Down to the smallest detail, and I won't set limits for that," Nicholas urged. He felt uneasy seeing Alesya's sour expression.

"Is that so?"

Nicholas nodded in agreement.

"Umm... besides exploring, can I test you?"

"Test?" Nicholas was now perplexed.

"Yes, a test."

"A test for what?"

Alesya raised both her shoulders, nonchalant about Nicholas's question. "You don't need to know. Just allow it, and I won't ask any more questions. I think that's fair for both of us."

"It's up to you." Nicholas got up.

"That's not an answer."

"Then what, Al?"

"Yes or no, that's what I'm asking for, not 'up to you'."

"Yes, yes, it's up to you! Do whatever you want, but don't ask about me anymore."

"Agreed!" Alesya extended her hand as a sign of approval for their agreement.

Nicholas, who was in a hurry to help the kitchen staff, reluctantly shook Alesya's hand. For today, Nicholas agreed to let Alesya do as she pleased. He would count the cost later.

In Nicholas's eyes, Alesya was an innocent girl with little knowledge of life. He doubted she could go further without his permission.

"Since an agreement has been reached, I'll go to the kitchen now." Nicholas glanced at the circular watch on his wrist. "Lunchtime is approaching. The kitchen is usually busy with orders."

"Can I help?"

Not wanting to be left alone, Alesya followed Nicholas. She walked alongside the bespectacled man. "Don't be too confident, Nik. I want to help because I expect payment for my hard work."

"No need. Just stay here; I'll give you whatever you want." Nicholas ruffled Alesya's hair, like a husband bidding farewell to his wife.

It was truly touching. Receiving love and attention from a man. Alesya had never experienced such sweetness in her entire life, not even from Devin.

"B-but, Nik... I..."

Nicholas shook his head, closed the door, and headed to the main kitchen. There, he would assist his staff in preparing all the orders before the customers arrived for lunch.

From where she was, Alesya could see Nicholas mingling with the chefs, working together harmoniously to create beautiful and delicious meals.

In her heart, Alesya wondered if such a kind and caring man as Nicholas could be gay. It didn't seem likely, but Alesya needed direct proof to dispel her doubts, whether by taking the right path or the wrong one.

Since Alesya was with Nicholas, Bryan didn't mind what time she would come back. He believed that Nicholas would never take Alesya to the office, let alone get too involved in his father's business affairs.

And it seemed Bryan's hunch was correct. Nicholas and Alesya weren't heading in that direction at all. In fact, they hadn't even discussed the company. Currently, Nicholas and Alesya were eating at a small eatery near a bridge, enjoying a plate of chicken satay while soaking in the night atmosphere. There was no moon or stars, but the lights lining the riverbank were enough to please the eyes.

"Do you like it here?" Alesya turned to Nicholas, who sat beside her. He was still trying to finish the satay in front of him. Alesya, on the other hand, had already completed her meal, including a second serving.

"Not particularly. I just come here when I'm bored to enjoy the evening atmosphere. Nothing more."

"Oh..." Alesya nodded faintly. She bit her lower lip, searching for new topics to engage Nicholas in conversation. If she didn't initiate, they would likely remain silent. Alesya couldn't understand why Nicholas had such an attitude, so different from Bryan, who was talkative. However, what Bryan said was very hurtful.

"Let's go home!" Nicholas suggested, wiping his mouth with a tissue, though he hadn't finished his meal.

"But, why haven't you finished?"

"I don't have an appetite. Besides, I'm already full."

"What a waste. Come on, finish it!"

Like a mother scolding her child for not finishing their meal, Alesya reached for Nicholas's wrist, guiding him to sit. "Finish it, or we'll never leave here!"

Nicholas rolled his eyes. "I'm full, Al. Where do you want me to put all of that?"

"No stories! I've been sitting here with you while you worked all day. You've only eaten a piece of bread and a glass of dragon fruit juice since this morning. Where did you get full from?"

Nicholas grimaced. "But, Al..."

Alesya grabbed the satay plate and the spoon, ready to feed Nicholas.

"Come on, Aaaa."

"Al, don't joke around."

"Who's joking? Finish it quickly!"

"Al..."

Nicholas reluctantly opened his mouth, allowing a piece of rice cake to enter.