Chapter 0201
Chapter 0201
I swallow. So this is it: the article. They had said it would be a surprise last night, and I didn’t know what
that meant at the time. I couldn’t be there for the interview because of the fire, so I have no idea how it
went.
“Go on,” Ethan says. “Read it.” Material © of NôvelDrama.Org.
My heart hammers in my chest as I pick up the paper. Unfolding it, my eyes lock onto the headline:
“Rising Star Chef Abby Reinvents Culinary Arts.” Below it is a picture of me in the kitchen, captured
mid-laugh, looking genuinely happy.
“Hey,” I laugh, holding it up. “Who took this picture?”
“Oh, I did,” Daisy says, checking her nails nonchalantly. “Snuck it a couple weeks ago, actually.”
“Why?” I ask, laughing.
Daisy shrugs. “Ethan asked me to take some pictures for the website. Turns out this one had a better
use here.”
I scan through the paragraphs, my eyes soaking in each word. The journalist has painted a vivid
picture, not just of me, but of my entire team and how we work together to create something special.
There are quotes from Leah about my leadership, and from John about my innovative dishes. Chloe’s
snarky wit is captured in print too, adding humor and liveliness to the narrative.
Finally, the article comes to a close with a final line that sets my heart on fire.
“All in all, Abby’s restaurant—La Belle Vie Bistro—is more than just a restaurant. It’s home.”
As I finish reading, I feel tears brimming in my eyes. It’s better than I could’ve ever hoped for. My eyes
lift to meet my team, and I’m shocked to see that more have gathered: John, Anton, and yes, even
Karl. They’re all standing around me, expectant looks on their faces.
“Oh my god, guys, this is incredible,” I say, my voice wavering. “Did you all really say these things
about me?”
Chloe shrugs, a soft smile on her lips. “Well, someone had to tell the world how amazing you are.”
John adds, “And it’s all true, Abby. We couldn’t let those lies that those other ‘journalists’ wrote be the
only thing that people see about you. They should see the truth.”
“We all chipped in,” Ethan chimes in. “Little things. Tidying up, making sure the kitchen looked extra
clean, giving the journalist the best food we’ve ever made. We wanted this to be perfect for you.”
I can’t help myself. I stand up and hold my arms out, tears streaming down my cheeks unabashedly.
Everyone piles in for a big group hug, and in this moment, I feel my heart do a flip. “I don’t know what to
say. I’m just so grateful to have all of you in my life. Thank you for making this so special.”
When we all pull apart, I wipe the tears from my eyes. When I lift my gaze again, I’m met with Karl—
he’s standing there, his hands in his pockets, a soft look in his brown eyes. I feel like I could melt, and I
have to quickly look away to hide the blush creeping into my cheeks.
“Really, guys,” I say, addressing the group. “Thank you. You know what? Free meals on me tonight. We
can all go out. My treat.”
My announcement is met with cheers. In this moment, I feel so light, like I could float away.
Stepping into my office, I answer it.
“Mr. Thompson,” I breathe, clutching my necklace with one hand. “How are you?”
“Abby, I just read the article. Fantastic, just fantastic!” Mr. Thompson’s voice booms over the line.
I feel my shoulders relax instantly. “Thank you, sir. I’m thrilled about it, too,” I reply, still floating on a
cloud of happiness. Content of Drаmąոovels.cоm
“Excellent,” he says. “I knew I could count on you. Prepare yourself; this is only the beginning.”