At the Restaurant

Mia absentmindedly tapped the table with her fingertips while the chef continued to stare at her, eyes wide, looking troubled.

Annoyed, she sighed before snapping in a sharp voice:

— Are you done?

The chef blinked as if coming out of a trance, then shook his head slightly before lowering his eyes, embarrassed.

— I… Please forgive me, he murmured.

Mia held his gaze without flinching.

— Don't let it happen again.

Her icy tone sent a shiver down Cid's spine. He cast a glance at the chef, who quickly nodded before regaining his professionalism, taking their order, and walking away in silence.

Cid crossed his arms, watching Mia from the corner of his eye, intrigued by her reaction. He knew her to be a reserved person, but he had never seen her this cold before.

A few minutes later, the chef returned with their dishes, placing the plates before them with particular care. He shot Mia a brief glance before straightening up.

— I hope everything will be to your liking, he said humbly.

Mia picked up her cutlery and took a bite, chewing slowly. For a moment, she remained silent. Then, she set down her utensils and fixed the chef with an implacable coldness.

— It's bland, flavorless, and the texture is unpleasant. The fish is overcooked, the sauce lacks depth, and the plating is unremarkable.

Cid's eyes widened in shock.

The chef, meanwhile, remained frozen, his expression crumbling with every word Mia spoke. Finally, he lowered his head and murmured a simple:

— I'm sorry.

Without another word, he withdrew, visibly devastated.

Cid set his utensils down forcefully and turned to Mia, his gaze dark.

— That was cruel, he said sharply.

Mia did not respond.

— That poor guy works hard, and you crush him as if he's worthless? he continued, furious. How can you be so arrogant and heartless?

Mia felt a dull ache in her chest. Cid's words pierced her heart, but her face remained impassive. After a brief silence, she gave a bitter smile.

— Please excuse me, she murmured before standing up.

Without waiting for his reply, she headed to the restroom.

Once inside, she shut the door behind her and leaned against the wall, her eyes fixed on the floor. A single tear rolled down her cheek. She quickly wiped it away before stepping toward the sink.

She turned on the faucet, letting the cool water run through her fingers before splashing her face.

Cid's words still echoed in her mind.

Arrogant and heartless…

She clenched her fists, her lips trembling slightly.

— You know nothing about me… she murmured.

Then, lifting her head, she repeated more firmly:

— You know nothing about me.

Just as she was about to leave, a firm grip suddenly seized her and shoved her against the wall.

Her breath caught. She lifted her eyes… and met the chef's furious gaze.

A cold shiver ran down her spine.

She was afraid.

But her face remained impassive, frozen in its usual coldness.