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Chef Special

Author: Anelle Zondo
last update Last Updated: 2025-01-12 19:39:29

The flight to Paris was smooth, but Zoe barely spoke to Adonis the entire time. She kept her focus on the book in her hands, even though she wasn’t really reading. Every now and then, he would glance at her, probably expecting her to say something, but she never did.

When they landed, a chauffeur was already waiting to take them to their hotel. Adonis stretched as they stepped outside, breathing in the fresh air.

“Paris,” he said, looking around. “Romantic, isn’t it?”

Zoe gave a small nod, not meeting his gaze.

Adonis chuckled. “You’re awfully quiet. Excited?”

She turned to him with a blank look. “Just tired.”

He watched her for a moment but didn’t push further. Instead, he helped her into the car, and they headed to their hotel.

Their suite was breathtaking—huge windows overlooking the Eiffel Tower, a luxurious king-sized bed, and a cozy sitting area. But Zoe barely took it in. She placed her bag down and walked straight to the bedroom.

“Zoe,” Adonis called after her, “aren’t you going to say anything? The view is amazing.”

She paused for a second, then said, “Enjoy it.”

Adonis frowned. “Okay, what’s wrong with you?”

“Nothing,” she replied.

“Nothing?” He walked closer. “You’ve been distant all day.”

She sighed and turned to face him. “Adonis, let’s not do this. We’re here for a reason, right? To act like a couple. So let’s just stick to the script.”

He raised an eyebrow. “Act like a couple? So we’re just playing roles now?”

Zoe crossed her arms. “Haven’t we always been?”

His jaw tightened. “You didn’t have a problem before.”

“Well, I do now.” She turned away. “Getting too close to you is pointless.”

Adonis scoffed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means,” she said, her voice quieter now, “that this isn’t real. And I’d rather not forget that.”

For a moment, Adonis didn’t say anything. Then, with a smirk that didn’t quite reach his eyes, he said, “Got it. You’re scared.”

Zoe’s head snapped up. “Excuse me?”

“You’re scared,” he repeated, stepping closer. “You think if you let yourself enjoy this, you’ll end up wanting more.”

She let out a short laugh. “That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it?” He tilted his head. “Then why are you running?”

Zoe swallowed hard, then turned away. “I’m not doing this, Adonis. I’m going to freshen up.”

She walked into the bathroom, shutting the door behind her.

Adonis stared at the closed door for a moment before shaking his head.

“This honeymoon is going to be fun,” he muttered to himself.

Zoe stepped out of the bathroom, her damp hair falling over her shoulders, only to find Adonis lying comfortably on the bed, scrolling through his phone. He didn’t even look up when she walked in.

She sighed. “I need a little privacy.”

Adonis finally glanced at her, then shrugged. “There’s a dressing room. Use it.”

Zoe frowned. “Seriously?”

He smirked, turning his attention back to his phone. “I’m not even interested in seeing your naked body, so don’t flatter yourself.”

Her jaw tightened. She grabbed her clothes and stormed toward the dressing room without another word.

Adonis chuckled to himself. “You’re welcome,” he called after her.

Zoe slammed the door behind her.

By the time she stepped out of the dressing room, Adonis had already changed into a sleek black shirt and dark trousers, looking effortlessly put together. He was still lounging on the bed, scrolling through his phone as if he had all the time in the world.

She ignored him and walked over to the mirror, running her fingers through her damp hair.

“I hope you’re not planning to stay in,” Adonis said without looking up.

Zoe arched a brow at him through the mirror. “Why?”

He finally put his phone down and sat up. “Because we’re going out.”

She turned to face him. “Says who?”

“Says the husband who’s trying to keep up appearances.” He stood and stretched lazily. “A romantic walk by the Seine River, a romantic dinner date, some laughs, maybe even a stolen kiss under the stars—very honeymoon-like.”

Zoe folded her arms. “Pass.”

Adonis smirked. “That wasn’t a request, sweetheart.”

She clenched her jaw. He was pushing her buttons on purpose. She could either argue or let him think he won. With a sigh, she grabbed her coat.

“Fine,” she muttered. “Let’s get this over with.”

Adonis grinned. “That’s the spirit.”

~~~🌸~~~~

The restaurant’s romantic ambiance did little to calm Zoe’s nerves. The soft candlelight was almost too perfect, but Zoe couldn’t stop thinking about how forced it all felt.

Adonis, however, seemed right at home, smiling as he ordered their meals without consulting her.

“You couldn’t let me choose?” Zoe muttered.

“Seems like you’re not in the mood,” he replied casually, clearly enjoying himself.

Just then, the chef—a stunning woman—approached their table with a flirtatious smile. She leaned down a little too close to Adonis as she set down their plates.

“I hope you enjoy your meal, Monsieur, chef special,” she purred, lightly grazing her hand across his wrist. “If you need anything, just ask.”

Adonis smiled, clearly amused. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he said, his voice low.

Zoe’s eyes narrowed, and she didn’t miss a second of the interaction. Without missing a beat, she placed her hand on Adonis’s, locking her fingers around his. “I think we’re good,” she said sweetly, her tone leaving no room for doubt.

The chef’s smile faltered, but she quickly recovered and gave a small nod before walking away.

Adonis raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Why’d you do that?”

“I don’t tolerate disrespect. Real or not, I’m your wife,” she said, sipping her glass of wine.

He leaned back, his smile turning playful. “Jealous?”

Zoe didn’t flinch. “Hell no!"

His smile widened, clearly pleased by her reaction. “Interesting.”

As they continued with their meal, Adonis, with a mischievous smile, picked up his fork and tried to feed her a bite of his meal.

“Here,” he said, holding it out toward her. “Try this, it’s delicious.”

Zoe’s patience, already running thin, snapped. Without warning, she slammed her hand onto the table and tossed the fork across the room. It clattered loudly on the floor, drawing the attention of several nearby diners.

Adonis was taken aback, shocked and embarrassed as the room’s eyes turned to them. He quickly looked around, his face flushed with a mix of surprise and discomfort.

Zoe stood up, her voice sharp and steady, despite the growing tension. “I’m tired of you doing this,” she said, her tone cold as she walked briskly toward the door.

Adonis hesitated for a moment before scrambling to catch up. Outside, he grabbed her hand just before she could reach the car.

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