Chapter 149

Elena’s POV:

I walked out to the main restaurant, and some of the chefs were looking at me awkwardly and whispering.

I stopped in my tracks and slowly walked into the staff restroom to check myself. I turned around, and my outfit was looking perfect.

I turned around and touched my hair. “What could be wrong? Why are they all whispering?”

 Just then, Anna walked up to me with a smile on her face.

“Hello, Elena. I have been searching the whole place for you,” she said.

"Uh, I was in the bathroom,” I said and turned my head to observe the crowd, then I turned back to her. “Why are they all staring? Do they know something that I don't?”

“Haven't you heard?”

“Heard about?”

“Well, it turns out Nelly walked into you and Nicklaus alone in the bathroom,” she said.

“What?” I asked, creasing my brows. “That's not what it looks like,” I said.

“Well, it’s too late because she has been spreading rumours about how you have been seducing Mr. Coleman, and she said she knew you would do it; that was why she followed you,” Anna explained.

“Oh my gosh. This is bullshit. It's not what it looked like,” I explained.

“I don't believe any word that comes out of the boss’s daughter's mouth. I know she just had to do something to ruin your reputation, never mind. Everyone will get over it, and you will get back to your life before you know it,” she said, and I nodded my head.

We spent all morning in the kitchen as we sorted out the orders. I checked my watch, and it was almost noon.

“I have to go back to work, Anna. Nicklaus…” I cleared my throat. “Mr. Coleman will be back any moment to have lunch,” I said and walked out.

I walked out of the pantry when Nelly stopped me. “Still going back there to seduce the billionaire; how much of a loose woman can you be?”

I crossed my hands against my chest. “You know what?” I asked and smiled, “I don't have time for shifty conversations like this. Some of us have work unlike others,”

I climbed the stairs when I missed my step, and I almost lost balance, but a strong figure held me still.

Arranging the strands of my hair, I looked up to see Nicklaus. Our eyes locked, and he was so close. It felt as if the world stood still. After a while, I coughed dryly. “Are you hurt?”

“I'm fine; let go of me,” I said, but instead, he leaned in closer. “Did you get married to someone else after you left me? Elena, I can't get over you,” he whispered.

“You don't know anything about me,”

“Obviously, you are not married to Alex or anyone else. You are here doing some stupid ass job and allowing somebody like Nelly to pick and attack you?”

I took in a deep breath, trying to calm him down. I gave him a daring look. “Why did you decide to visit Oregon? Are you stalking me?” I asked. “You should mind your business; I love my job,”

“Then why did you refuse to be my chef in the first place? Are you scared of falling for me again?” He asked, leaning in, and our lips were almost brushing when I heard a clap.

“Well, well, well, good job, Elena. It turns out you are out to seduce our guest,” Nelly spoke with her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Immediately, Mr. Stone walked up to us. “What is going on here?” he asked.

"Dad, it turns out that Elena is heel bent on seducing, Nicklaus,”

"Hey, watch your words, Nelly. I am just having a conversation with my chef. Nelly, you need to stop stalking me. Are you aware that I am a married man?” Nicklaus spoke up.

Mr. Stone grabbed Nelly by the arms and said, “I am so sorry for the inconvenience, Mr. Coleman. Come with me, child. You should learn to mind your business and not interfere in other people's business,” he said as they walked away.

Nelly put on a long face, and she gave me a daring look.

I felt happy that Nelly was put in her place, but I became angry when Nicklaus boasted that he was a married man. It means he still loves my sister, Sarah. I turned to walk away, but he gently grabbed my arms.

“What does a married man want from me? I have taken the job, and you should let me be,” I spoke and walked away. Sam was standing right there in the hallway.

“Elena, please don't go. Can we talk?”

I got into the closet and locked the door, with tears gathering in my eyes. “Elena, don't cry; hood it. You can't let it out,”

“Elena, please let me speak to you,” he spoke on the other side of the door.

“Go away, Nicholas. You have done enough already,”

Why did Nicklaus come back to my life? 

“Please, Elena. Don't shut me out. Come out so that we can talk,” he spoke, his voice echoing in the restroom.

I thought I could handle myself, and I thought I had healed, but seeing him like that in front of me made me realise that I had not healed yet.

Now he has found me, and I don't think he would like to leave her very soon. Great timing because Sam was standing right there. He must have heard our conversation.

It is so embarrassing. I don't even know how to face him or speak with him right now. At this point, I don't give a fuck about anybody right now. I just want to be there for my son.