COMMENT
Chapter 112
Irene’s POV)
I felt an unexpected sense of comfort.m as I was sitting across from Noah in the cozy corner of the café. Being with someone who was completely unaware of my chaotic life felt surreal, almost like a dream. He was delightfully unique, with a subtle charm to his humor that felt light and carefree, just what I was looking for at the moment.
We had been chatting on and off since our chance meeting in the elevator, running into each other several times in the hotel lobby or at breakfast, and today, after bumping into each other yet again, we’d finally agreed to have coffee together. I had maintained surfaced level discussions, making sure not to reveal too much. In the end, I was still trying to comprehend all that had happened to me. However, his effortless smile continued to attract me, and I appreciated feeling truly at ease with someone once again.
“So, Irene.” Noah greeted with a smile while sipping his coffee. “What brought you to this little corner in our world? Running from something or running toward it?”
The question made me laugh, though it struck a little close to home. “Maybe a bit of both. I replied, avoiding the full truth. “But let’s just say a little escape felt necessary. Some time to myself, a bit of quiet.”
He nodded with a thoughtful expression. “Sometimes quiet is all you need to find a bit of clarity. I get it. He reclined in his seat, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “If you’re trying to escape, I should give you a heads up you’re not exactly concealing yourself in the most discreet location”
I raised my brows, caught off guard. “And why’s that?”
“Because this is my place.” He laughed, gesturing around. “Well, hot this café, but the hotel. It’s one of my family’s properties. I run a few of them.”
“Wait, you are the owner?” I blinked in surprise, taking in this new revelation.
“Technically, I am,” he said, a lilt of pride in his voice, “I manage our hotel line. It has been passed down through a few generationz in the family, but I love it. I have the chance to be a part of people’s stories for a little while. Weddings, honeymoons, big life events. sometimes even new starts.” While speaking, he fixed his eyes on me and there was a warmth in his gaze that surprised me.
“That’s… incredible, Noah.” I gave him a genuine smile. “And here I thought you were just some charming stranger passing through”
Sshaking his head, he chuckled. “Nope, I’m here to stay. If anyone’s the mysterious stranger here, it’s you.” He leaned forward, his voice softening. “So, Irene.. I take it that you’re in between things? Just based on your ‘escape‘ comment, I
mean.”
I nodded slowly, keeping my answer vague. “You could say that. My life’s a bit… complicated at the moment. So, here I am, taking a break from it all”
“Everyone needs a break sometimes. His voice was understanding, without a hint of judgment. “And what do you do whne life is not, you know, complicated?”
“Actually, I’m a chef,” I replied with a shrug. I enjoy cooking. Expressing myself has always been my method.
He lifted his eyebrows, showing he was clearly impressed. “A chef? That’s impressive. I have a huge respect for anyone who can create something magical in the kitchen. Ever worked in a hotel before?”
“Once or twice,” I lied, smiling. “But I tend to stay in local, smaller kitchens. More family–style. That’s where I feel the most at home” The fact that he didn’t know I was connected to Damien, that I am that popular caterer, well, I’ll be leaving that part out until he finds out himself.
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Chapter 112
I don’t want to faint this break with what I had left behind. I do want to have to start explaining myself.
He nodded thoughtfully, a faint smile playing at his lips. “You know we’ve been looking for someone with a culinary vision. someone who can bring a bit of heart to the restaurant here. Hold Chef, to be precise. Interested?”
The offer caught me off guard, and I hesitated. “Noah.. I mean, appreciate it, but… you barely know me.” Plus he doesn’t know who I truly am. But I’m curious to to see where this leads.
Meeting him doesn’t feel coincidental
He shrugged, unfazed. “I know you’re passionate about food, you have a good sense of humor, and you’re taking a leap for yourself right now. Honestly, that’s enough. The technical stuff, that’s easy. I can see you’ve got what matters.” His gaze held mine for a beat longer than necessary, and I could feel an undertone I wasn’t quite sure how to interpret.
I laughed, deflecting his intensity with a light tone. “You might regret that offer if I say yes. I’m not exactly here to be anyone’s love interest, you know.”
He grinned, his tone equally playful. “I’m not asking for romance, Irene. Just a bit of culinary magic. No pressure.”
His contagious laughter lifted a slight burden from my shoulders. “Sure, I muttered while absentmindedly stirring my coffee. “I guess I could be convinced to think about it. However, do not hold me responsible if I accidentally set fire to your kitchen.”
“I will risk it,” he answered, his smile growing wider.
We both took a relaxed break while enjoying our coffee. The idea of working here was unexpectedly appealing–a fresh start, a distraction, something that was solely mine to focus on. Noah’s easy laughter and warm gaze brought comfort to my unprocessed wounds.
“What caused you to develop a fondness for cooking?” “Noah inquired, his authentic tone pulling me away from my thoughts.”
I pondered the question briefly, looking out of the cafe’s window to find the appropriate words. “It’s… a method to create something lovely, something that can bring joy to people. It’s similar to a language, don’t you think? I’ve always found it’s simpler to convey my thoughts through food instead of words.
He nodded, appearing deep in thought. “That is logical. My mother worked as a chef. She used to believe that cooking, like, love, required a genuine feeling in order to do it correctly.”
As he talked, his eyes showed warmth and I could feel the genuineness in his words. This wasn’t mere chitchat; there was a vulnerability in him that mirrored my own, a comprehension that went beyond the superficial.
“Sure, I can’t guarantee I’ll bring romance to your restaurant, I joked, interrupting the sweet moment with a playful de but I can promise to cook with passion.”
“I only ask for that,” he chuckled. “No romance required.”
Despite his light tone, there was an unmistakable flicker of something more in his gaze. I ignored it, though, keeping the conversation in safe territory. I wasn’t here to find romance, and I was in no position to entertain those kinds of feelings. I did not come here looking for romance, and I was in no position to consider those kinds of romantic emotions. However… the bond between us was unmistakable, even though I hadn’t intended to pursue it.
Laughter and relaxed conversation filled the space between us as the afternoon passed by, He shared stories about growing in a family that ran a hotel empire, tales of lavish events and the kind of guests who left an impression for better or
up
I responded with stories of my own, humorous kitchen accidents and significant events from my professional life.
As the sun started to
moey closer to the horizon. I was struck by an unexpected feeling of sadness as our time together was coming to an end. The emptiness I had been feeling recently was gone for noww and I was surprised by the unexpected feeling of warmth. I missed this. The simple companionship, joy, and solace from someone that was not involved in my
Fri, Nov
Chapter 112
complex life. It was a significant realization.
“Appreciate it, Noah,” I expressed as we completed our coffees. “Tor… today. I really needed it
70%
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His smile was soft, genuine. “Anytime, Irene. I mean it. You’re welcome here as long as you need.” He paused, then added, almost shyly, “And if you do decide to take that job, the offer’s on the table.”
I hesitated, but nodded. “I will consider it.”
We returned to the hotel in a peaceful silence, each step becoming easier than the previous one. Upon arrival at the elevator, he pushed the button on my behalf, keeping the‘ door open with a grand gesture.
“Ladies first,” he stated with a smile.
“Well, thank you, sir,” I replied with a laugh while entering. The doors closed, and I briefly experienced a unique sense of excitement. It wasn’t love it wasn’t any specific type of relationship. However, it was a genuine experience that made me feel noticed in a way that I hadn’t experienced in a while.
On my way back to my room, I started thinking about the job offer in a serious manner for the first time. It could mark–a fresh start, a way to break free from the turmoil in one’s hometown. And perhaps it was precisely what I required to regain my sense of self.
As I reached my door, I looked at my reflection in the mirror briefly, with a faint smile still on my face.
This break was truly
