CHAPTER 22

IVO’S POV

“We will have a new co-chef and she will come later. She and I will be busy in the kitchen, but she won’t be here for long. We will also have new things to add to our menu,” I said, seriously talking to the restaurant’s staff. They were bowing while listening to what I was saying.

It was two o’clock in the morning and they were feeling very tired. They are also done cleaning inside and out. The things that need to be cleaned have been cleaned.

“I will expect you to respect our new chef,” I added. I made that decision suddenly because Almira requested to work at my restaurant. She is the daughter of a business partner of mine in another business and I couldn’t refuse. The only thing we talked about is that she won’t work here for that long because I don’t want a partner when it comes to my restaurant.

“Yes, chef!” they said in unison.

“Alright. Lock what needs to be locked and go upstairs. I’ll go first.” That’s all I said, and I made my way to the stairs, but I was stopped when Dakota called me. I looked at her.

I wanted to approach her when I saw the tiredness of the day on her face, but I stopped myself. “Why?” I avoided looking at her.

“Chef, maybe I can talk to you about Akihiro?” There was fear on her face. Is she afraid of me? But she’s not afraid of Liam?

I said simply. I faced her. “If Aki has nowhere else to go and if he’s not causing any trouble, it’s okay for him to stay here.”

I could clearly see how Dakota’s face lit up, as well as her other friends. I don’t know why they seem to be celebrating.

“T-thank you so much, Chef.” Her face shows the great joy she feels. I noticed that her eyes sparkled.

I just nodded before continuing to go upstairs. Maybe it’s because I can’t stop myself and go closer to Dakota for a hug. I immediately put that thing out of my mind. This is wrong. I shouldn’t be feeling this way because I can’t. I can’t have special feelings for someone whose whole personality I don’t know.

DAKOTA’S POV

“Chef is terrible. He’s not in the mood for the entire day. He adds pressure. There are already so many customers and the heat is on,” said Wendy, grumbling as she took off the apron she was wearing. Because he was one of the ones who always received complain from Chef and we noticed that.

“Yes. Willow and I didn’t even survive when they saw us talking for a while because we couldn’t understand what a customer was saying. What’s his problem?” said Kurt, sitting at a table. Next to him was Willow, who was stunned.

“Let’s just leave it because maybe he was just tired.” That’s all I said. Even though I was very tired during the day, I will admit that it was lessened because of Chef Ivo’s consent for Akihiro to stay here first. I am happy because the boy will not leave this restaurant.

But earlier I still felt the pain of the part of my body that hit the table. When I checked earlier, I noticed that my skin now is swollen. I sat in an empty chair and bowed my head. I think I need to take pain medicine again.

“Does it still hurt?” I was surprised when someone spoke behind me—it’s Liam.

“H-huh? A-a bit, but not like before.” I lied to him.

“Do you want to go upstairs? Come on, so you can rest,” said Willow. “We have already cleaned up and will go up again.

“Willow is right. Go upstairs to rest. Take some medicine to make you feel better,” Liam said.

I just shook my head and snorted. I pointed to Shane and Wendy, who were still busy washing the equipment inside the washing area.

“We still have to wait for them, Willow. It would be a shame if we were first.”

Willow looked that way. “Wait, I’ll help them. Liam, stay with Dakota here, okay? I think Ashton and Kurt have already gone up.”

He nodded and Liam pulled into a nearby chair and sat next to me. “I’ll take care of her.” He looked back at me as Willow left. “You can rest later because you feel bad.”

“I can still endure. We will all go up later.”

He just looked at me as if he was assessing my body. I couldn’t help but feel that Liam thought of me. “What are you, Liam? I’m fine. Don’t look at me like that.” I patted his shoulder.

“Because I’m worried about you. You’re stubborn.” I just smiled at him because of what he said. “But it’s really good that Chef Ivo agreed to Akihiro’s stat here with us. Either way, you can be reassured.”

I smiled widely. “Yes. I was very nervous when I said that because I thought he wouldn’t agree. It’s just that Chef Ivo is really good and kind.”

“Chef Ivo is really kind. He has helped me and my family so much, that’s why I work hard here at the restaurant to at least make it up to him.”

A few minutes later, Wendy, Shane and Willow came out of the washing area. “It was so tiring! Come on, Dakota. Oh, why are you still here, Liam?” Shane asked as he pointed at Liam.

“I went with Dakota because Kurt and Ashton had gone upstairs. She didn’t have anyone with her, so I volunteered myself.” It even raises a hand that is proud of what it has done. I laughed because of that.

“Wow! You’re so kind. Let’s go upstairs.” We all went up to our rooms. When we got to the room, we found Aki sleeping. I couldn’t help but feel so happy that Chef Ivo didn’t fire him. I am very grateful to Chef because he granted me my request.