Chapter 35

Jenny POV

I walked into the kitchen, the aroma of freshly cooked food enveloping me. I went to eat the remaining food, savoring the flavors, and then threw away the leftover of Lydian's own meal, feeling a sense of satisfaction at having rid myself of her presence.

After that, I headed to work, the bell above the door jingling as I entered. I saw customers seated and eating, the clinking of utensils and hum of conversation filling the air. I went to the kitchen, where Dad was cooking, the sizzle of vegetables in the pan filling my senses.

"Tyla passed me the chopped veggies," he said, his eyes fixed on the sizzling pan as he expertly stirred the ingredients with a spatula, his focus solely on the culinary creation unfolding before him.

I saw Tyla carrying the veggies and went to meet her, taking them from her.

"Let me take it from here," I said, my hands closing around the container.

I gave the veggies to Dad, who looked up from the stove, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "Oh dear, you're back already. Did she come?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern.

"Yes, but it was not Annie, but someome else," I said, shaking my head. "She wanted me to sign some stupid documents and stay away from Alex, the man I told you about."

Dad's expression turned thoughtful. "I see. But are you and Alex dating?" he asked, his brow furrowed.

"No, Dad," I said, shaking my head. "We're just strangers, and he has a girlfriend already, which is the lady who came today."

Dad nodded, understanding. "No wonder she wanted you to stay away from him, because she's dating that man. Jen, dear, I don't want you getting into any trouble, so please stay away from him. You know the rich have power, and they could do anything, okay?"

I nodded, feeling a surge of love for my protective father. "Okay, Dad," I said, smiling.

As the day went on, I learned the intricacies of preparing the dishes Dad made, and other skills too. The staff were warm and welcoming, and we quickly bonded over our shared passion for food. I was washing the plates, the warm water and soap suds soothing my hands, while the others were busy with various cleaning tasks.

Tyla, one of the staff, approached me, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "This might sound strange to you, but if I may ask, how did you know Alex?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. "I'm really a huge fan of him, and as a fan, I want to know everything about him."

I smiled, remembering the chance encounter. "Tasha, second," I mumbled, trying to recall the details.

"We met at a restaurant by chance," I said, the memory flooding back.

"What restaurant were you at?" Tasha asked, her eyes wide with excitement.

"I worked at Macos restaurant, and I met him there," I replied, the aroma of Macos' signature dishes wafting through my mind.

Tasha's eyes widened in surprise. "Wow, I know Macos restaurant! It's really popular. You must know how to make the fine dishes like Foie Gras with Fruit Compote paired with a sweet and tangy fruit compote like fig or apple, Truffle Risotto, and the rest."

I nodded, feeling a sense of pride in my culinary skills. "Yes, I do, and I can teach you if you want."

Tyla's face lit up with excitement. "Really, that would be great! So, about Alex, did he talk to you?"

I smiled, recalling the conversation. "Well, yes, for some reason or else he wouldn't have," I said, my mind wandering back to the encounter.

As I finished washing the last plate, I felt a sense of accomplishment. My job was done, and I said goodbye to the staff, exchanging warm smiles and promises to meet again soon. I left with Dad, the evening sun casting a warm glow over us as we walked home.

....

I sat on the bed in my moderate but comfortable room at the Daris hotel in Flake Town, thinking deeply. What could I possibly do? No, Lydian, you're getting this wrong. She said she has no business with him, and besides, she's living here, and Alex doesn't know, so there's nothing I should worry about. My focus now is making Alex fall for me.

Meanwhile, in another scene, Alex was savoring the delicious flavors of Mexico's finest dishes. The aroma of Mole Poblano, Chiles en Nogada, Tamales, and Birria filled the air, making his stomach growl with anticipation. He took a bite, and the explosion of flavors on his tongue was heavenly. "It's been long since I had these," he said, closing his eyes in appreciation.

Mrs. Grande smiled, pleased to see her son enjoying the meal. "Eat more, Alex. Have some more Mole Poblano." But then, the conversation took a turn. "Son, we called you home because your father and I are thinking of having another child.

What! Dad, aren't you satisfied with Annie and me?" Alex asked, shocked.

His father cleared his throat. "I am, but it seems someone won't get married and give us grandkids, so we have no option but to make babies ourselves."

Alex looked at his mother, waiting for her to intervene, but she nodded in agreement. "Your father is right, Alex. We need grandkids. We want to carry them, take care of them. You're turning 27 this year, and you haven't settled down. Do you want us to get very old before you give us what we want?"

Alex frowned, feeling frustrated. "You all know I can't love right," he said, pushing his plate away. But his mother encouraged him to try again, to forget the past and move on. "There is someone good out there, so take a chance," she said. His father added, "You have one week to bring a woman home, or else you'll have to step down from the CEO position."

Alex felt his appetite disappear. He forced himself to finish the meal, then left the dining room and went straight to his room. He lay down on the bed, feeling defeated.

How could he possibly love again after those past experiences that left a wounded heart? And where could he find a woman to call his fiancée in just seven days? "Love is not for me," he said, punching the pillow in frustration.