She's just gonna live.

(ARIELLE'S POV)

"You will be fine, won't you? And hey, promise me you won't overwhelm yourself," Ashley said, concern perched on her face.

We were parked in the restaurant's parking lot. It was Monday, and I was resuming work. Ashley had driven me as she wouldn't let me board a cab or Uber.

"I promise."

"Good. Have a nice day at work today," she said and hugged me tightly.

"Thank you. You too," I said, returning the hug. After we disengaged, I grabbed my bag and alighted, waving.

As I walked towards the restaurant's entrance, a feeling of nostalgia hit me. It had been weeks since I'd been away, but it felt like months. I took a deep breath, excited about my return.

Suddenly, someone threw their weight around me, nearly knocking me off balance. "Goodness, it's so good to have you back!" Rebecca exclaimed.

"I know, right? It's good to be back, and I missed you," I said, laughing and hugging her back.

She giggled and grabbed my hand. "Let's go in. I'm sure Mr Stone will be excited to see you."

I nodded and fell into step with her. The familiar aroma of food enveloped me, a gentle reminder that I was back to where I belonged. The waiters and other workers all welcomed me with warm smiles and open arms. I was almost moved to tears by their kindness. After exchanging pleasantries with everyone, I made my way to my office. I was surprised and pleased to find it had been redesigned. A welcome-back card on my desk caught my eye.

I picked it up, reading the heartwarming message. "Welcome back, head chef. We've missed you." I smiled and tucked the card away safely, feeling grateful. Afterward, I left my office and headed to Mr. Stone's office.

on the door. He bade me to enter. I turned the

said,

papers on his desk, a broad smile spreading on

good to be back," I

are you?" He asked, his brows furrowing in concern. "Are you sure you're

fine, sir," I assured him. "I've had enough

right. Rebecca can fill you in on all the changes we've made while you were away. We've acquired some new appliances, and the workflow

I said. "I'll take

me. "Arielle, before you go, I want to know if you've made up your mind about the study

myself, wash over me as I turned to face Mr Stone. How could I have forgotten about the study scholarship and my promise to give him an answer? I mentally slapped myself. "I'm sorry, sir,"

to understanding, but I caught a hint of disappointment. "It's fine," he said. "I'm sure you know it's until three years again before the

nodded, feeling regretful. "I know,

right. I'm sure

of his office. As I returned to my office, I couldn't help the feeling of uncertainty that crawled under my skin. Was Losing a lifetime opportunity, or was it the

aside. Time will tell. For now, I'm not going to let anything bother

starting my career as a chef and getting married, my social life has suffered a decline. It's not like

to make time for myself. And so during weekends, I engaged in activities I had longed to do but never had the chance: baking, morning

Within a few weeks it seemed I had begun to move on from my failed marriage, and the numbers on

saddening happened one day when I visited the park. While admiring the beautiful landscape and

four

happened that she visited the park with her mum but had wandered off and lost her way, and

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