#Chapter 53: A Mess To Clean
Abby

The sun’s barely peeking over the h o rizon as I pull open the door to the restaurant.

I can already feel the hustle of a new day, the potential for a fresh start. Walking in, I expect the familiar

comfort of an empty space, but I’m met instead with Ethan’s brooding form. His jaw is set tight, his

brow furrowed.

He doesn’t look up as I approach.

“Morning,” I greet cautiously, sensing the tension in the air.

He sighs heavily. “Abby… What the hell happened here last night?”

Confused, I follow his gaze. The kitchen. Oh no. My heart ski ps a beat as memories of last night flood

back. The cooking. The laughter. The… moment with Karl.

“What do you mean?” I manage to ask, feigning ignorance.

Ethan’s eyes fix on me, and I can see his irritation. “I’ll show you.” Without waiting for a reply, he leads

me into the disaster zone that is the kitchen.

Every counter is smeared with remnants of our late-night feast. Pots and pans are sc at tered

everywhere, some still containing leftover food. The sight makes my stomach churn with guilt. How

could I have been so careless?

I feel the heat rise to my cheeks. “I… I was working late last night. Got hungry and…” I trail off, trying to

find a good excuse, but words fail me.

Ethan just raises an eyebrow, his expression demanding more.

“And… I forgot to clean up,” I finish lamely, avoiding his gaze.

A beat of silence. Then, “Forgot?” His tone is sharp, filled with disbelief.

My mind races. If he even catches a hint of what transpired with Karl, rumors would spread like wildfire,

jeopardizing not only my reputation but potentially the restaurant’s as well.

“I was exhausted,” I murmur.

His eyes scan the kitchen, lingering on a particular spot on the counter, and my heart races. That’s

shake my

up my sleeves. “I’ll clean this

anger simmering down to annoyance. “Just…

think grimly. But

left with the mess—both the literal one

the counters, my mind can’t

To Karl.

an echo of

his laughter, the touch

stop this. Last night was a

I shouldn’t be thinking about him

not just the stains of food but the

The longing.

in my thoughts, cleaning up

the kitchen is spotless—gleaming counters and

sort out my emotions.

against the counter, the same one where Karl

still fresh, the feelings raw. But this is neither the time nor the place to

I push away from the counter, reminding myself of my responsibilities, the

restaurant, and the promises I

need to focus on the present, not

casting soft golden beams onto my

monthly earnings. There’s a particular

office gently soothes my usually anxious

there’s a knock, crisp

I call out, expecting to see

a tall, commanding figure that I don’t

suit, with an air of unquestionable authority,

a hand, introducing himself. “You’re Abby, correct?” he asks. “The

restaurant?”

my brow. I wasn’t expecting any health inspectors today. “Yes,” I

man smiles.

him, I shake his offered hand, slightly taken aback by the unexpected

we had an appointment. How

begins, “I represent the Alpha Gathering

surprise, but your restaurant has garnered quite

It’s where deals are struck and

and fine

to go on that date with Karl, since

races, trying to grasp why a representative

modest office.

countless establishments

among the four finalists we’re considering to cater for our

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255