Then there’s a knock, crisp and assertive. “Come in,” I call out, expecting to see Ethan or even Karl. But the door swings open to reveal a tall, commanding figure that I don’t recognize. Dressed in a sharp charcoal suit, with an air of unquestionable authority, the stranger’s steel blue
Abby “This… Isn’t a prank, right?” Even as I utter those words, I feel like an idiot. But I can’t help myself; I just can’t wrap my head around this whole situation. My little restaurant was chosen as one of four finalists for the Alpha gathering out of all of the amazing restaurants in the ci
Ethan’s grin fades to an expression of curiosity while Chloe’s eyes widen. “What is it, Abby?” Without pausing for a breath, I recount my meeting with Calvin. “We’ve been chosen as one of the finalists to cater for the Alpha gathering! There’s going to be a cook-off and everything!” I can barely
Abby The ambiance of the restaurant after hours is one of muted stillness, a stark contrast to its bustling daytime persona. I absolutely cherish these moments, where the world seems to fade, and it’s just me and my culinary creations. Tonight, it’s not about a new dish or preparation for t
“Karl!” I shriek, both shocked and amused. I look at him, my expression feigned outrage, but the giggles escaping my lips betray me. “You’ll pay for that.” His laughter fills the room, a deep, infectious sound. “Bring it on, chef.” Without another word, I scoop up a generous handful of flour a
The restaurant buzzes with an energy that I haven’t felt in a long while. Streamers hang from the ceiling, twinkling fairy lights wrap around the bar, and the laughter of friends and colleagues fills the air. Tonight is more than just another party; it’s a celebration of someone I hold dear, and I
“Actually, I think everyone should be in the picture,” I start to say, not wanting Karl to feel left out. After all, he’s a part of the team, part of this night. And he’s helped me immensely with the preparations. Karl meets my eyes, and it’s as if he reads my thoughts. His face softens, and he pu
The city’s nocturnal pulse is like a second heartbeat, a comforting undercurrent as I make my way toward the subway. Tonight was something else. A blend of euphoria, sprinkled with an indescribable tension—thanks to Karl’s abrupt departure. I’m not sure why he left, or really even when he left.
Abby Intrigued, I let Karl take my hand and lead me discreetly away from the reception, weaving through the tables and out a back door into the gardens. A mischievous grin plays on his lips as we giggle like teenagers, ducking behind hedges and scurrying across the lush green lawns. “Where are w
As the music shifts to a slow ballad, I feel a familiar pair of strong arms circle my waist from behind. “There’s my beautiful wife,” Karl’s deep voice rumbles in my ear, sending shivers down my spine. He spins me around to face him, our bodies swaying in time to the soft music. I gaze up at him
Abby The reception hall is cast in a warm, romantic glow, with twinkling lights and the warm flickering of candles on every table. Soft music plays as Karl and I make our entrance, hand-in-hand to raucous applause and cheers from our guests. I can’t stop smiling as we wave to our loved ones gather
Abby The afternoon sun streaming in through the tall windows of the chapel casts the stones in a warm golden light, giving everything a sort of ethereal energy. I stand in the hallway, my arm linked with Anton’s, as the wedding coordinator prepares everyone to walk down the aisle. “Are you ready
Abby As I sit in front of the vanity mirror with the hair and makeup artist circling around me, I meet my friends’ gazes in the reflection; Chloe, Leah, Daisy, and even Elsie are here as my bridesmaids, each of them looking more beautiful than the last. “The seamstress really did do a great job
Abby With a gasp of excitement, I pull the wedding gown out of its box and hold it up in the light. Everything is perfect; the way the beadwork catches the light, the silky texture, the shape. I can’t wait to try it on now that it’s been altered to fit my body. Quickly, I slip out of my clothe
Abby “Abby, why don’t you sit down?” Karl looks up at me from where he’s sitting on the sofa, a look of concern on his face. He pats the spot next to him, but I shake my head. “I can’t,” I say, continuing to pace back and forth in our living room. “I won’t sit down until I hear back about that
Abby As I chop, stir, melt, and saute, the others stand around me, watching intently. The pasta simmers on the stove, the air smelling like warm butter and spices. It’s enough to make anyone’s mouth water. But my focus isn’t on the rumbling in my belly, nor is it even on the lingering pain in my
As we continue searching, I keep thinking back on our last harrowing hunt for black truffles; those poachers nearly shot us. Even now, I can still remember the sound of the bullets whizzing past my head, and the thuds they made when they careened into trees. “We got really lucky,” I say. “If we ha