In a quiet little town, there stood an old restaurant called "Cahaya Senja." It was famous for its delicious Peranakan cuisine and warm atmosphere. The owner of the restaurant, Mrs. Liem, was an elegant lady who always wore kebaya gracefully. In her younger days, Mrs. Liem was known as one of the most beautiful women in the city. However, not many knew about her unforgettable love story with a young chef named Brian.Years ago, when Mrs. Liem was still known as Liem Suyin, she had just graduated from high school. Suyin was a feisty girl, with big dreams of becoming a successful entrepreneur. Her family owned a small food stall, and Suyin aspired to grow it into a big restaurant.One day, while Suyin was helping in the kitchen, a handsome young man came to apply for a job. The young man was Brian, a chef who had just finished training at a famous culinary school in Singapore. Brian had a great interest in Peranakan cuisine and wanted to learn more at Suyin's family food stall.Suyin
After the wedding between Brian and Suyin, their lives were filled with happiness and hard work at their restaurant, "Twilight Light." The wedding was simple yet meaningful, attended by their close family and closest friends. The two of them made a promise to always be together, both in joy and sorrow, and that day became the beginning of a long journey they would take together.Brian and Suyin make a great couple, not only in love but also in work. In the kitchen, they worked like two complementary sides. Brian with his expertise in creating new dishes, and Suyin with her meticulousness in maintaining quality and taste. They often experimented together, creating new dishes that always managed to captivate customers.However, after a few years of marriage, they began to feel pressure from various directions. Their restaurant was growing in popularity, and with that fame came greater responsibility. The customers were more numerous, and their expectations were higher. Brian often fe
"So you'd rather run the nightlife business?" chef Brian said, glaring at his wife, Mrs. Liem. For some reason, Mrs. Liem made an indifferent face. "I'm really surprised at you. Don't you feel sorry for your daughter," chef Brian pointed at his young daughter."I want a bigger business, Brian. Am I wrong? I want to enjoy my life more. Not like this!" Mrs. Liem glared, not even caring if her daughter was by her side."Nonsense! You're not like this! I'm sure you're attracted to other men, aren't you? You're jealous of your friends who have rich husbands, aren't you?" Chef Brian intimidated Mrs. Liem."Yes! So what?" retorted Mrs. Liem by shouting loudly in front of Chef Brian. Her face turned bright red, then with a single stomp she turned around and left Chef Brian.Chef Brian clenched his fists tightly. If it wasn't for his daughter by his side, Brian would have taught Mrs. Liem a lesson long ago."Mom! Mom, don't leave me. I don't want you to leave." Their daughter wailed loudly. B
After months of trying to mend an increasingly frayed relationship, Brian and Suyin finally had to face the harsh reality: their once-strong love had now been eroded by the pressures of life and unbridgeable differences. Whenever they try to talk, the conversation always ends in disappointment and misunderstanding. Nothing could bring back the warmth they once felt.One night, when the atmosphere at home was too tense to ignore, Suyin took a very heavy step. After their children, Mei Ling and Han, were asleep, she found Brian in his study. Brian was sitting at the desk, immersed in work, as usual. But this time, there was something different in Suyin's gaze-a decision she had been considering for a long time."Brian, we can't go on like this," Suyin said in a soft but firm voice. "I think we both know that we are no longer making each other happy."Brian stopped his work and looked at his wife. Their eyes met, and there was weariness, despair, and deep sadness. They both knew that t
After the divorce, loneliness became an inevitable companion for Chef Brian. Although he tried to fill his time with work, travel, and teaching, there was an emptiness that lurked underneath it all. Every time he came home to his quiet apartment, the loneliness became more piercing.Brian, who was so used to the routine of family life, now had to adjust to a new reality. No more Suyin's voice greeting him when he came home, no more warm conversations about their day, and no more presence of his children to bring joy to the house. Silence was the only thing that greeted her every time she opened the door to her apartment.The nights were the most difficult time for her. When the bustle of the daytime subsided, Brian's mind began to be haunted by memories of the good times with Suyin. He often sat on the sofa, staring blankly out the window, contemplating how everything could have changed so quickly. Despite knowing that the divorce was the right decision for both of them, he couldn
One day, after returning from one of the culinary trips he had taken in search of inspiration, Brian decided to visit their old home. The house now belonged to Suyin, and despite his reservations, the urge to see it once again was too strong to ignore. Brian stood in front of the house, feeling a wave of nostalgia and sadness. The courtyard that was once full of their children's laughter now seemed quieter, yet still well-maintained. Brian took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Shortly after, Suyin opened the door, surprised to see Brian standing there."Brian," Suyin said, his voice filled with astonishment. "What brings you here?"Brian smiled weakly. "I just... wanted to see this place again. The place where we once built so many memories."Suyin invited him in, and they sat in the living room, a place that was once full of their togetherness. They talked about many things-about the children, the restaurant, and their lives now. Although the conversation was light, there w
After years of living separate lives, fate brought Chef Brian and Suyin together in an unexpected situation. Suyin, who now runs a luxurious nightlife venue called "Lunar Lounge," decided to expand his business by adding an exclusive restaurant within the venue. The restaurant is designed to serve high-quality dishes, with an elegant ambience that combines live music and a unique dining experience.When thinking about who would be the perfect head chef for his new restaurant, Brian's name immediately came to Suyin's mind. Despite their long separation, Suyin knew that Brian was a very talented chef and had a culinary vision that was in line with what he envisioned for his restaurant. Moreover, Suyin felt that working with Brian again, albeit in a professional capacity, could be a way to maintain a good relationship between them.Suyin decided to contact Brian and invite him to meet at the "Lunar Lounge." Brian, although surprised by the invitation, decided to come, driven by curi
They were still chatting in the hospital cafeteria. Chef Brian and Mrs. Liem's relationship still left Sira in disbelief. She almost turned her brain over because she couldn't believe what she was seeing. Only then did Sira believe it when she clearly knew chef Brian's own story."But how can your daughter experience the same thing in such a short time. Isn't allergy a known cause?" asked Sira who was now looking at Chef Brian seriously."That's the problem," muttered chef Brian. He seemed to be thinking but his gaze was blank staring ahead of him. Sira frowned, "Was it intentional by chef Brian's son?" she wondered to herself. She couldn't just guess, she could be wrong and offend Chef Brian."I know my daughter had a hard time when Liem and I decided to separate. The older she grew, the more I felt her heart was lonely. But her face remained strong and didn't show me anything," said chef Brian, starting to tell the story of how his daughter developed an allergic disease."Isn't my