16

16

"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.

***

Anna walked Jessica to the door, her friend's face creased with worry after receiving an urgent call from work. 

"Are you sure everything's okay?" Anna asked, concern lacing her voice as she placed a reassuring hand on Jessica's arm.

Jessica nodded, though her expression remained tense. "I think so, but I have to get back right away. I'm sorry I can't stay longer."

"Don't worry about it," Anna said with a comforting smile. "We'll catch up later. Just take care of whatever you need to."

They exchanged a quick hug before Jessica hurried out the door. Anna watched her go, then turned back into the restaurant, her mind shifting to the tasks at hand. She walked over to one of the tables and began arranging the place settings, making sure everything was perfect for the upcoming service. The soft clink of silverware and the smooth texture of the tablecloth beneath her fingers brought a sense of calm and focus.

Just as she was adjusting a napkin, the door to the restaurant creaked open, and Anna looked up to see an elderly man stepping inside. His face was lined with age, and he moved slowly, but there was a dignified air about him. He glanced around the restaurant, appearing slightly uncertain.

Anna immediately put down the napkin and moved toward him, a warm smile on her face. "Good afternoon," she greeted him gently. "Welcome to munchkin with chef Anna! How can I assist you today?"

The old man returned her smile, a hint of relief in his eyes as he nodded. "Good afternoon, young lady. I was hoping to get a bite to eat, if that's alright and sit down here for a while I'm hypoglycemic."

"Of course," Anna replied, her tone welcoming. "Please, let me show you to a table."

She led him to a cozy spot by the window, where the sunlight streamed in, casting a soft glow over the room. As the man settled into his seat, Anna handed him the menu and made sure he was comfortable, her attention focused entirely on making his experience pleasant.

"Take your time with the menu," she said kindly. "If you have any questions or need recommendations, just let me know."

The man nodded gratefully, his earlier uncertainty fading as he relaxed into the comfortable atmosphere Anna had created. She lingered for a moment, ensuring he was at ease before excusing herself to continue preparing the restaurant for the rest of the day.

"Can I just have a cup of Hot chocolate?" He asked and Anna nodded. "Sure here it is." She said and placed a cup of Hot chocolate in front of him.

"Thank you." The man responded. Just as the door slammed behind Maureen and Sophie, Anna allowed herself a moment to regain her composure, focusing on the elderly man who continued to enjoy his hot chocolate, seemingly unfazed by the drama. She had hoped the tension would dissipate with their departure, but a knot of anger still twisted in her chest.

Suddenly, the door creaked open once more. Anna's eyes widened in surprise as Sophie re-entered the restaurant, a smug look plastered on her face. Maureen followed closely behind, her expression just as cold and condescending as before.

Sophie strutted in, as if daring Anna to say something. The smugness in her gaze, the audacity of her return, triggered something deep within Anna. She placed the tray on the counter, her hands trembling slightly, before facing Sophie with an icy glare.

"What are you doing here?" Anna demanded, her voice sharp with disbelief. "After cheating with my ex-husband...you have no shame!" Her eyes burned with accusation, the hurt from the past bubbling up to the surface. 

Sophie's smirk faltered for a moment, but before she could respond, Maureen stepped forward, her face twisted in anger. "Don't you dare talk to my friend like that, Anna," she snapped, her voice filled with venom. "You don't get to play the victim here. Sophie did nothing wrong. You were never good enough for Michael anyway."

Anna's fists clenched at her sides, the urge to lash out almost overwhelming. But instead of responding, she drew in a deep breath, her gaze never wavering from Maureen's. The room seemed to hum with the tension between them, an invisible line drawn in the sand.

"Get out," Anna finally said, her voice low but firm. "Both of you. You're not welcome here."

Maureen opened her mouth to retort, but something in Anna's expression stopped her. With one last disdainful glance, she grabbed Sophie by the arm and yanked her toward the door. Sophie, who had lost her earlier bravado, followed without protest.

Maureen's face twisted into a look of disgust, her lips curling as if she had just smelled something foul. Sophie wasn't any better; her nose scrunched up, and she exchanged a glance with Maureen, her expression mirroring the same disdain.

"*This* is what you've been up to?" Maureen sneered, her voice loud and cutting as it echoed through the restaurant. She made a dramatic show of looking around, her eyes filled with contempt. "This place is... pathetic."

Sophie let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "I've seen better decorations at a garage sale," she added, her voice dripping with derision.

Anna, who had been trying to maintain her composure, felt a surge of anger rise within her. But she forced herself to stay calm, her grip tightening on the tray she was holding. She wasn't about to let them get under her skin.

The elderly man looked up, startled by the commotion, but Anna quickly gave him a reassuring smile. "I'm sorry about that," she said softly, her tone soothing despite the tension in the room.

Maureen, noticing that Anna was ignoring them, took a step forward, her voice rising in irritation. "What's the matter, Anna? Can't handle a little criticism?" She made a face as if the very air in the restaurant was offensive. "I can't imagine anyone actually enjoying a meal in a place like this."

Sophie nodded vigorously, her expression equally repulsed. "You should have stuck to something you're good at, Anna. But then again, maybe there isn't anything."

Anna's temper flared, but she kept her voice steady as she responded, "If you're not interested in dining here, I suggest you leave. There's no need to make a scene."

"Well, well, well…little bitch! This is Sophie, she is a famous food critic. She could end your restaurant just like that!" Maureen said flicking her fingers and laughed sarcastically. Anna fummed in anger.

"Now I understand…no wonder your husband dumbed you, you clearly have pretty tacky taste by evidence of this monstrosity of a restaurant! You know what? I'm here for review…so bring me your so-called signature dish first." Sophie said mischievously. Anna flinched Abit upon hearing that but the she maintained her steeze and composure.

"If there is a signature dish!" Sophie added and laughed sarcastically with Maureen in a mockery way.

"Sure, just a moment." Anna responded, she wore a polite smile like a professional and walked out. Sophie looked at Maureen shocked about her sudden confidence.

***

Sophie and Maureen sat down on the next round table near the old man who was resting. They waited for Anna to get the dish while they stared at the whole place in disgusting facial expressions.

"Here." Anna said and placed the food in front of them. Sophie flared up in irritation.

"Ewww! What is this garbage!?" She asked in disgust. She pushed the food aside.

"Ugh, it's our signature lasagna and it's made with special spices and double cheese." Anna responded confidently.

"Haha! So your restaurant is famous for such junk food? Yucky! Oh less I forget, you're an influencer, off course you can actually cook, but it's just so gross!" Sophie mocked and laughed with Maureen.

Anna's knuckles turned white as she gripped the edge of the counter, her signature dish—a beautifully crafted plate of creamy truffle risotto—sitting untouched in front of Sophie. The sharp tang of mockery in Sophie's voice cut through the soft hum of the restaurant, each word a pointed jab at Anna's pride.

"I mean, really, Anna," Sophie scoffed, swirling her wine glass with a smirk. "Is this what you've been bragging about? I expected more. It's just so... bland."

Maureen fidgeted beside her friend, casting nervous glances at Anna, who stood there in silence, her expression tight with restrained emotion. The restaurant seemed to shrink, the air thickening with the weight of Sophie's ridicule. Anna's chest tightened with a mix of anger and hurt, but she kept her composure, refusing to give Sophie the satisfaction of a reaction.

Just as Sophie was about to deliver another biting remark, the door to the restaurant swung open with a jarring clatter. All eyes turned toward the entrance as Xavier strode in, his presence commanding the room instantly. The jovial buzz of the other diners died down, replaced by a tense, suffocating silence.

Maureen and Sophie stiffened, their smug expressions evaporating as Xavier's gaze swept over the scene. His eyes darkened as he took in the sight of Anna standing defenseless against Sophie's onslaught. He didn't need to ask what had happened; the tension in the air told him everything.

"Is there a problem here?" Xavier's voice was low, dangerously calm, as he moved closer, his eyes never leaving Sophie's.

Sophie faltered, her confidence wavering under the weight of Xavier's presence. She opened her mouth to say something but quickly thought better of it, her previous bravado replaced with a nervous swallow.

Anna looked at Xavier, her bitterness simmering just below the surface, but she held his gaze, finding some solace in the silent support he offered. The atmosphere crackled with unspoken tension, the balance of power in the room shifting as Xavier stood protectively beside Anna, his mere presence a shield against Sophie's cruelty.

"What's going on here?" Xavier asked, furring his eyebrows and staring at each of them. They all stared back with their eyes and mouth wide open. They couldn't talk.