15

15

"Xavier, I... I don't know what to say," she whispered, her voice choked with emotion. A single tear slipped down her cheek, and she quickly brushed it away, a radiant smile breaking through the shock. "Thank you. I can't believe this... it's everything I've ever dreamed of."

She looked around the restaurant with new eyes, realizing that it was no longer just a beautiful space—it was now a reflection of her passion, her hard work, and the faith Xavier had in her.

*****

On the morning of her first day at work in her very own restaurant, Anna awoke with a mixture of excitement and nerves buzzing through her. The sunlight streamed through her bedroom window, casting a warm glow over the room, but her mind was already focused on the tasks ahead. This was the day she had dreamed about for so long, and now it was finally here.

After getting dressed in a crisp white chef's jacket, she decided to call Jessica, her best friend, for a bit of moral support and some extra hands to help with the morning prep. Jessica, always reliable and eager to help, arrived soon after, ready to dive into the work with her usual cheerful energy.

Together, they moved to the kitchen, which was still quiet and calm before the day's rush began. The stainless steel counters gleamed under the bright lights, and the scent of fresh herbs and vegetables filled the air. Anna felt a sense of pride and ownership as she stood in the kitchen, her kitchen, where everything was precisely where it should be.

"Why is Xavier being so nice to me? I don't even get it Jessie." Anna said. "Like, I'd never I will own my restaurant. Everything is so surprising to me." She added.

"Well, I can only think of one reason. Because he has a big crush on you." Jessica responded and Anna laughed out.

"No…I'm not sure if that because I'm his brother's ex-wife. Why would a young handsome guy like that waste his time on old me?" Anna said nonchalantly. "Hey girl! Stop calling yourself old. Okay, maybe at first you picked the wrong brother to get married to." Jessica suggested with a shrug.

"What the hell are you talking about? Even still, I can't date Xavier." Anna persisted. "Alright. You're overthinking it, just trust your instincts…. okay?" Jessica said and she nodded. They worked side by side, washing and chopping a large batch of vegetables, they chatted more. Jessica's laughter helping to ease Anna's lingering nerves. 

Suddenly, the sound of the door knob clicked. "We're not open yet." Anna shouted, both women looked up and saw Maureen and Xavier coming in.

Anna's hands paused mid-wash, and she exchanged a quick glance with Jessica, sensing the tension that immediately filled the room. 

Maureen's eyes swept over the kitchen, her expression unreadable, but there was a hint of something—perhaps annoyance or disbelief—flickering in her gaze. 

"Good morning," Xavier greeted, his voice breaking the silence. "How's everything going? I couldn't find you when I woke up."

Anna took a deep breath, quickly composing herself. "Good morning, Xavier. Everything's going well, just getting things ready for the day."

Maureen remained by the door, her arms crossed over her chest, her gaze fixed on Anna with a slight smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. It was clear she wasn't thrilled to see Anna in this position of authority, but Anna refused to let her presence rattle her.

"Hi Maureen." Anna managed to say, forcing a smile.

"Hmmm, cute please. Not something I would have invested in. But, I'm just not the boss!" Maureen said looking around the place in disgust. Anna's face fell in disgrace as she tried not to let Maureen's words get to her.

"This place looks amazing, Anna." Xavier smiled patting her hair. He gave Anna a warm, encouraging smile as he walked over to her.

"I'm sorry but I brought her over here to take a look. We will win her over eventually." Xavier smiled. "Can't wait." Anna responded.

"Ugh, I can hardly get a raise and you get a whole big and fancy restaurant. What a charmed life you have." Maureen rolled her eyes. "Well, I get to get back to the office Xavier. I can't stand her !" She scoffed and left. Xavier hugged Anna tightly. Jessica, ever the supportive friend, stepped closer to Anna, subtly signaling her solidarity. 

***

Maureen stormed into her office, her heels echoing sharply against the floor as she slammed the door behind her. Her anger was palpable, radiating off her in waves as she began to pace back and forth, her mind racing with frustration and resentment. Each step was quick and purposeful, her normally calm demeanor completely shattered by the events of the morning.

Her hands clenched into fists, and her jaw was tightly set as she tried to contain the storm of emotions swirling inside her. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest, her thoughts consumed by the image of Anna standing confidently in the restaurant that Maureen felt should have been hers. It was a betrayal she couldn't shake, and the more she thought about it, the angrier she became.

She paused for a moment, gripping the back of her chair so tightly that her knuckles turned white. How could Xavier do this to her? How could he choose Anna over everything Maureen had done? The questions echoed in her mind, fueling the fire that was already burning out of control.

Just as she was about to resume her pacing, the door to her office creaked open, and Maureen turned sharply, her eyes blazing. Sophie, her close friend, stepped inside, immediately sensing the tension in the room.

"Maureen?" Sophie asked gently, her eyes widening as she took in Maureen's furious expression. 

"Sophie! It's so good to see you!" Maureen said happily and hugged her.

"I have a restaurant that I need you to review. Being the beautiful and elegant culinary journalist I know." Maureen laughed for the very first time.

"Okay, so why are you so pissed off about it?" Sophie asked confused.

Maureen let out a frustrated sigh, her anger bubbling over. "Everything!" she snapped, throwing her hands up in exasperation. "Xavier gave Anna the restaurant. My restaurant! Can you believe it?"

Sophie closed the door behind her and approached cautiously, her concern evident. "I can see why you're upset," she said, her voice soothing. "But pacing around like this isn't going to help. Let's sit down and talk about it. Before I forget, why didn't you tell me that Michael Rolland's ex-wife is now running her own restaurant?" Sophie asked.

Maureen hesitated for a moment, then finally relented and surprised. "You know her?" Maureen asked confused.

"Yes! I know her very well. But I know her ex-husband even better." Sophie bit her lips which got Maureen to laugh suspiciously.

"So she really is just a washed up ex-wife shacking up with the brother." Maureen laughed and Sophie nodded. "I saw the new of your pregnancy girl…what's up with it? And where is your baby bump?" Maureen asked.

"That's fake girl, I need it to get to Michael after all. I can't get pregnant…still balling you know!" Sophie smiled and they high fived.

"Right. I have an idea that will end this once and for all." Maureen said and Sophie's eyes brightened up.

"Come here!" Maureen said and Sophie walked to her, Maureen whispered something into her ears and Sophie smiled mischievously.

"It's surely going to work out!" Sophie smiled.

"I won't let this go, Sophie. I won't let her win." Maureen smirked. Sophie gave her a supportive smile.Maureen nodded again, feeling slightly more in control as she leaned back in her chair. With Sophie by her side, she knew she wasn't alone in this fight.