–Livana–
I tasted Chef Wally's new dish slowly, deliberately—letting the flavors bloom on my tongue like a well-rehearsed promise. Butter, herbs, something smoky beneath it all. Controlled. Refined. Just a few more days, and everything would be perfect. Precision was a language I spoke fluently.
My phone vibrated again. Lore. Persistent. Demanding that I take back the contract.
I sighed, the sound thin and restrained.
Lore had finally realized what I already knew—he was in love with Alyssa. Love, however, was not something I could command like troops or currency. It was Alyssa's choice. I would not rob her of that. Still, if Lore decided to propose, I could smooth the road, move pieces quietly into place. Influence, not force. Always.
"Yes, let's have this," I said to Chef Wally.
