Chapter 119
Irene’s POV
As I made my way to La Vanguardia Hotel, I could feel the thrill of anticipation resonating within me, mixed with the usual feeling that comes with starting a new chapter in life. The morning sun shone through the windshield, illuminating the road ahead with a warm light, yet my thoughts remained fixed on the conversation I had with Damien.
Why was he so adamant about me not taking this job? Even now as I approached the sleek and modern building of La Vanguardia, his strange objection echoed in my thoughts, tugging at the edge of my confidence.
Shaking it off, I focused on the day ahead. This opportunity allowed me to develop and pursue something based on my own interests and abilities rather than being limited by my family or marriage. Noah’s unexpected offer had sparked something within me, reigniting a forgotten spark.
The entrance to La Vanguardia lived up to my expectations in its grandeur. The lobby was illuminated by natural light from floor–to–ceiling glass windows, highlighting the modern décore. Minimalist art pieces decorated the walls, creating an atmosphere of sophistication in the hall. This hotel was not just any ordinary one; it was one of the top luxury hotels in the city, renowned for its exceptional service, prestigious clientele, and outstanding culinary options. Being connected to a place like this filled me with a feeling of pride.
Upon entering, the welcoming concierge guided me to Noah’s office on the executive level. I made my way there, appreciating the grace and meticulousness displayed at every corner. The hallways were adorned with clean marble and a subtle scent of newly bloomed lilies filled the air, creating an atmosphere of sophisticated coziness.
When I arrived at Noah’s office, he was already there, standing by the door with a welcoming smile. He appeared exactly as expected – charming, calm, and with a comforting presence. Looking into his eyes, I felt grateful to have crossed paths with him. He wasn’t only my superior; he was a person whom I had quickly grown to admire and rely on.
“Good morning, Irene,” he greeted, extending his hand. “Ready for your first day?”
“More than ready,” I replied, shaking his hand with a smile.
He led me inside his office, where a neatly organized pile of documents awaited on his desk. “We’ll just need a few signatures here,” he explained, handing me the employment papers. I scanned through the contract, feeling a small thrill as Isigned my name, making it official. Head Chef of La Vanguardia; the title wasn’t just a dream, but a validation of my dedication to years of hard work, spending countless hours in the kitchens, perfecting my skills, making mistakes, and achieving success. Noah showed me around the kitchen briefly, and I was amazed by everything I saw. The design was flawless; each piece of equipment appeared as if it was new, shining with perfection. Bright, spotless lights highlighted rows of stainless steel counters, and the scent of fresh ingredients permeated the air. Everything was carefully arranged with accuracy, crafted for optimal productivity and imagination. This kitchen was not simply for cooking; it was a space for producing art.
The morning flew by as new people were introduced and information was given. The kitchen staff welcomed me with respectful nods, but I detected some looks tinged with curiosity and perhaps a touch of doubt. I couldn’t fault them – assuming the position of head chef in a luxury hotel like this was a challenging task, and I could sense that some of them
disturbance. were curious to see if I would meet their expectations. I welcomed every individual with a strong handshake and a smile, aiming to demonstrate that I wanted to join their team, and not to cause any
Around mid–morning, I found myself fully engaged in my initial task: devising a lunch menu for a private function scheduled for later in the day. I sensed the increasing pressure, yet it felt familiar and somewhat reassuring. This was where I thrived, where I felt most alive. I sketched out a menu of classic Italian dishes with a modern twist: truffle risotto, eggplant parmesan bites, and a light lemon sorbet to cleanse the palate. As I organized the ingredients and instructed the sous–chefs, I felt a strange blend of exhilaration and calm, the kind that only came from doing what I loved.
The difference between this and my catering work was stark. At home, my options were restricted to the desires of my customers and the materials available. However, at this place, utilizing high–quality ingredients and a talented group of individuals, I had the freedom to craft dishes, discover new flavors, and conduct precise experiments that were previously limited. This represented an entirely novel degree of cooking autonomy, and I thoroughly enjoyed it./
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Throughout the day, I grew more confident and navigated the kirchen effortlessly, giving instructions, sampling, making adjustments, and serving dishes. As my team worked closely with me, as they witnessed my dedication and expertise. After finishing lunch service, I experienced a sense of pride and
contentment.
eir doubt slowly faded and turned into admiration
I rested against the counter, exhaling deeply as the adrenaline slowly faded away. I had accomplished it. My debut as head chef at La Vanguardia was successful, with everything going according to plan. I couldn’t help but smile slightly when I recalled Damien’s protests. I had shown myself that I was capable of managing this situation and succeeding in this position.
However, as I took off my apron and got ready to depart, Damien’s words continued to in my head, his unexplained defiance casting a shadow on my success.
reverbera
I wondered again why he was so against this, why he seemed almost… fearful of it. Was it jealousy? Was he threatened by my independence, my success? Or was there something more, something he hadn’t told me?
I shook off the thought as I gathered my things, determined not to let doubt spoil the satisfaction of the day. Noah caught up with me just as I was heading out, his easy smile once again putting me at ease.
“Great job today, Irene,” he said, his praise genuine. “The staff seemed really impressed, and I knew they would be. You’ve got a gift, and I’m glad to have you here.”
“Thank you, Noah,” I replied, feeling a warmth at his words. “I can’t tell you how much this opportunity means to me.”
www.
He gave a nod, his expression thoughtful. “We all need a fresh start sometimes, right? A place where we can be ourselves.” “Exactly,” I agreed, and I couldn’t help but wonder if he somehow sensed the things I hadn’t shared, the struggles I kept hidden. “Thank you for trusting me with this.”
“We should celebrate this new beginning one of these days, yeah?”
I nodded with a smile, “Sure, Noah.”
As I stepped out of the hotel, I exhaled deeply, reeling in the fulfillment of a productive day. Working at La Vanguardia was more than just a job for me; it was a space where I could create something meaningful and build a personal identity. And I needed that now more than ever.
But even as I walked to my car, the question lingered. Why was Damien so against me working here? It made no sense, not with the way he usually supported me, and encouraged me. Something about this felt… different, more complex than mere jealousy or possessiveness.
