Chapter 0181
Abby
I walk into my restaurant the next morning, the scent of fresh coffee and baked bread filling the air. The
morning sun casts long beams of light through the windows, but the atmosphere inside feels oddly
electric, tense yet filled with a strange and unexpected kind of exhration.
It’s the day afterst night’s events, and I’m running on a blend of excitement and worry, my thoughts a
toss-up between optimism and that gnawing feeling in the pit of my stomach.
Did I make a mistake with Anton? Was it all an borate con for free food and a hotel room, or perhaps
even a bizarre dream? Most importantly, what if he never actually shows?
As I head toward the kitchen, though, it quickly bes apparent that something is off. My staff are
gathered around the kitchen door, oohing, aahing, and giggling at something going on inside.
“Ethan, what’s going on?” I ask as I see my restaurant manager limping his way towards me, his face a
mixture of concern and bewilderment.
“Abby, who is this strange French man you’ve brought into the kitchen? The staff are all worked up,”
Ethan mutters, leaning against the counter and rubbing his forehead as if trying to make sense of it all.
My eyes light up, my heart racing at the realization. “Yes, Ethan, that’s Anton. He’s our new temporary
hire. A trial run to see how he fits in. Maybe he’ll stay for good.”
Please check at N/?vel(D)rama.Org.
Ethan gives me a wary look but doesn’t press further. He knows me too well to question my instincts
outright, at least not until we’re in hot water.
Brushing past Ethan, I make my way through the maze of excited staff. I reach the kitchen doors and
push them open, and that’s when the tantalizing aroma of something sweet and creamy fills my
senses.
And then I hear itughter. Real, genuineughter echoing through the air, and I can’t help but smile.
“Ah, John, I told you, if your batter has more lumps than a teenager’s face, your cheesecake will turn
out as uneven as a poorlyid tile floor.”
There it is. Anton’s thick French ent, which sounds even more delightful in the light of day.
John’s almost abrasiveughter booms across the room. “Anton, you have a way with words, man. But
watch me—this will be the best damn cheesecake you’ve ever seen!”
Slipping into the room, my eyes light up. There’s Anton, standing near the counter with John while all of
the servers watch in awe. They’re like aedy duo, like two puzzle pieces that fit perfectly.
Anton’s eyes meet mine, and his face lights up in a brilliant smile. I almost don’t even recognize him at
first because he’s shaved his beard, showered, and someone has given him new clothes, but it’s him
alright. “Abby! I bet you thought I wouldn’t show, hm?”
I can’t help but grin back. “It may have crossed my mind, but I’ve never been more d to be wrong.”
Anton looks back at the mixing bowl, his hands gracefully twirling the wooden spoon through the batter.
“So, are you ready to be dazzled by my culinary expertise? Or should I say, continue to be dazzled?”
I chuckle, thoroughly enjoying the spectacle before me. “Go on, dazzle away.”
In the midst of all this, I nce over to see Karl standing against the stainless steel counter, his arms
folded. His expression is a blend of skepticism and wonder, but I can detect the slightest curl at the
corners of his mouth—an almost smile. And that’s enough for me.
“John, how’re you holding up?” I call out, deliberately raising my voice to break Karl’s reverie.
Anton interjects, “Pedestrian isn’t bad, John. It just means you’ve got room to stroll into something
extraordinary.”
As Anton returns to his lesson, emphasizing the importance of a perfectly textured cream cheese, I feel
the doubts and uncertainties ofst night melting away. I took a gamble on Anton, yes, but the man is
already getting along here in ways I hadn’t even imagined. New ch?pter av?ble o? NovelDrama.Org
But his probation isn’t over yet. His performance and loyalty over theing weeks will be the true
test.
…