Chasing His Kickass Luna Back by Jane Above Story

#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

I shake my head m entally. Now’s not

breath, I roll up my sleeves.

to annoyance. “Just… be more

have no idea, I think grimly. But all I

the mess—both the literal one in the kitchen

mind

To Karl.

spot I clean, every dish I wash, feels like an echo of his presence. The

the

a mistake. An indiscretion borne out

I shouldn’t be thinking

the more I try to erase not just the stains of food but the remnants

The longing.

I’m lost in my thoughts, cleaning

the kitchen is spotless—gleaming counters and organized

sort out my emotions.

counter, the same one where Karl and

feelings raw. But this is neither

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

and the promises I made to

is a new day, and I need to focus on the present, not get lost

…

through the half-drawn blinds, casting soft golden

a particular rhythm to

activity outside my office gently

there’s a knock, crisp

expecting to see Ethan or

reveal a tall, commanding figure

a sharp charcoal suit, with an air of unquestionable authority, the stranger’s

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

restaurant?”

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

smiles.

to greet him, I shake his offered hand, slightly taken aback by the unexpected visit.

believe we had an

begins, “I represent the Alpha Gathering Committee. I understand

a surprise, but your restaurant has garnered quite

Alpha gathering. It’s where

and fine

where I promised to go on that date with Karl, since I

mind races, trying to grasp why a representative

modest office.

his tone steady, “Among countless establishments

among the four finalists we’re considering to cater for