The Fateful Reunion

Chapter 2

As I entered the staff room, a weary yawn escaped my lips before I could suppress it.

"Didn't get much sleep last night, huh?" Aya observed. She was already inside changing into our uniform.

"Seems like it," I replied.

The events of the previous day kept replaying in my mind; I hadn't realized it was already three in the morning, leaving me with only a few hours of sleep. Surprisingly, I managed to make it to work on time, given the circumstances.

"You're staying up for someone now?" Aya teased. "Is it Chris?"

"He's just a friend," I clarified.

As we were getting dressed, the door suddenly swung open, and Shane entered with a frown on her face.

"You guys are so noisy!" she scolded.

"You barged in suddenly! What did the door ever do to you?" Aya retorted.

"I'm not in the mood," Shane replied, and we all knew that this was his way of expressing his frustration with his boyfriend after an argument. "Let's hurry up and get dressed; Ma'am Rufa is calling us all."

Ma'am Rufa is our manager here at the restaurant. "Why?"

"There's an announcement."

Not wanting to get scolded, we quickly prepared and went to the dining area where the rest of our coworkers were already gathered.

"Is everyone here?" Ma'am Rufa asked, getting our attention. "Mr. Angelo Derianc is visiting us today."

The dining area buzzed with excitement at the mention of Angelo Derianc, a renowned chef and the owner of 12 restaurants across the world, including the one where we worked – Stillsky's Restaurant.

"I wish you'd informed us about this much earlier," our head chef, Sir Will, expressing his surprise.

"I was taken aback as well. I just received a call from him this morning," Ma'am Rufa explained. "He might arrive around noon, so I expect all of you to step up your game," she added before dismissing us to resume our preparations.

"I'm still in shock," Aya was still in disbelief.

"Me too!" I replied, echoing her sentiment.

"My hair is standing on end," Shane expressed, causing a collective chuckle. The anticipation and excitement were palpable as we eagerly awaited the arrival of Angelo Derianc.

A few hours later, there was a sudden shift in the atmosphere as the door swung open and an older gentleman made his entrance. At that moment, we all instantly recognized him. Despite his simple attire, his presence exuded an undeniable confidence. Our manager swiftly approached him, and I and the other available staff lined up as a sign of respect.

"Welcome Sir Angelo," Ma'am Rufa greeted with respect.

"Rufa, you look even more radiant," he replied, offering a gracious compliment in return.

As he made his way towards us, we instinctively bowed. "Welcome to Stillsky's Restaurant," we chimed in unison. We were relieved when he smiled in response.

As Ma'am Rufa led him to the kitchen, we couldn't contain our excitement.

"I'm starting to sweat," Aya mentioned, prompting laughter from the group.

"I feel like my heart is going to burst from all this excitement."

It was the very first time we had the opportunity to see Sir Angelo in person. It was a momentous occasion for all of us. While we were thrilled to have him here, I couldn't shake the feeling of nervousness and excitement.

I must do my best!

I was in the middle of wiping the counter when Shane approached me with a troubled expression.

"He's here again," she whispered, gesturing towards the dining area.

I followed her gaze and saw Nathan seated at a table, our eyes meeting briefly before I looked away. My heart suddenly became uneasy.

"He was asking for you."

"I'm busy," I brushed off.

"I told him the same thing," Shane added.

As we noticed Ma'am Rufa coming out of the kitchen, our attention returned to work. They walked towards the dining area, and my eyes widened when I saw Sir Angelo sit across from Nathan. Watching them engage in conversation, my heart raced, and I couldn't help but wonder about their connection.

I meet eyes with Shane, she was just as confused as I am.

As we continued to speculate, Ma'am Rufa signaled for a server, and I realized that they were about to place an order. Aya urged Shane to attend to their table, and I was quickly reminded of Ma'am Rufa's earlier instructions to focus on work in the owner's presence.

Just as I was absorbed in taking orders from the new arrivals, Aya called out,

"Bella, they're calling for you," pointing towards Ma'am Rufa's table. I couldn't help but freeze in place.

"Why?" I pondered aloud.

"Dunno, just go," she nudge me from behind.

As I contemplated the reason for being summoned, I took a deep breath and reluctantly made my way to their table. Nathan's gaze met mine as I approached, and I greeted them with a smile. "How can I help you?"

Sir Angelo cast a brief glance in my direction before redirecting his attention to Nathan. "Is she the one you were talking about earlier?"

"Yes," Nathan answered while I was left confused.

Turning back to me, Sir Angelo flashed a warm smile. "I had no idea you two were together," he remarked.

His assumption caught me off guard. "Pardon?"

"Mr. Villamor has helped me a lot. I'm surprised to find out that his girlriend works here," Sir Angelo said with a wide smile.

Everything was amiss. We had been separated for a long time. I exchanged looks with Ma'am Rufa, who seemed equally taken aback. She doesn't know about my past relationship. I felt a strong urge to set the record straight and tell them the truth.

"We've been separated for a long time," Nathan spoke, his voice breaking the silence.

Sir Angelo's previous smile morphed into surprise. "I'm sorry, is that so?"

"I'm currently trying to win her back," Nathan added, his words hanging in the air.

My heart skipped a beat. I glanced at Nathan, his intense gaze leaving me flustered. I couldn't discern if he was jesting or not.

"Sweet young love. I feel so old," Sir Angelo chuckled before finally giving an oder,"Three apple cinnamon tarts."

I noted down the order and made my way back to the counter, relief washed over me. No one else seemed to have overheard Nathan's statement. I saw Aya approaching me so I turned around to face her.

"Who was that?" she asked, but I don't to whom she was referring. Getting a hint from my confusion, she continued, "The guy Sir Angelo is talking with."

"We've known each other for a long time," I replied.

"I noticed he kept taking a glance at you— yesterday also, he was here."

Aya has always been naturally curious. I'm actually impressed how she noticed all of that.

"Let’s talk later; focus on work first," Shane gently pushed Aya away from the counter.

"Just a moment!"

"Do you want Ma'am Rufa to scold you?" Shane continued pushing Aya towards the dining area.

Silently thanking Shane inside my head, I also made a mental note to disclose the truth to Aya and the others eventually, especially Aya, who would undoubtedly persist until she unraveled the whole story.

When the time comes, I’ll tell them.

Following the delivery of their orders, I wasn’t summoned to their table again. Their conversation continued for hours until they eventually departed the restaurant together.

Time went by and it was night time.

"I'll head out first," I informed Shane and Aya.

"Be careful!" Shane waved.

"See you tomorrow," I added. Aya had refrained from interrogating me since afternoon, but I knew her inquisitive nature wouldn't allow her to stay silent for long.

As I exited the restaurant, I spotted a figure in the distance. To my surprise, it was Nathan, his eyes fixed on me.

His earlier words to Sir Angelo flooded my mind. I swiftly pushed the thought aside.

Every fiber of my being urged me to take a different path, but I resisted. He had no claim over my chosen trajectory. Straightening my posture, I continued forward.

"Bella, let's talk," he called out before I could pass him.

The sound of his voice stirred a mixture of nostalgia and irritation within me. "What do we need to talk about? I'm tired."

I attempted to maintain a neutral tone, concealing my exasperation.

He pressed on, insisting, "This will be quick."

"I don't see why I would have business with you," I said. "I'm a busy person."

I continued walking, adamant about avoiding any interaction with him. It was also through, there where some things I have to finish at home.

"Years have passed, but you’re still a brat," he remarked, causing me to halt and whirl around to face him.

"Excuse me?!" My voice quivered with anger.

"It's the truth," he asserted, meeting my gaze unwaveringly.

"Who do you think you are?!"

I narrowed the gap between us. He promptly gripped my hand before it could make contact with his face. A surge of frustration coursed through me, a desire to retaliate for the anguish he had caused. I didn’t deserve that.

"I just wanted to talk."

"Do you genuinely believe anyone would want to converse with you after you insulted them?!" I strained against his firm grasp. "Release me!"

"Are you still affected that I left you?" His inquiry left me momentarily numb.

His self-assured demeanor was baffling. "Do you genuinely think you're so irresistible that I still desire you?"

A sly smirk crept across his face. "I didn’t insinuate anything."

I leveled a withering glare at him. "Years have elapsed, Nathan."

"Then why avoid engaging in a conversation with me?"

His persistence grated on my nerves. Did I require a reason? Wasn't it obvious why I shunned him? He inflicted immense pain upon me and nearly plunged me into turmoil. Wasn't that reason enough?

"Why should I converse with you? Who do you believe you are?!"

"You're transparent."

"Transparent about what?"

"You're affected."

Releasing a deep exhalation, I wrested my hand from his grasp and strode away. Our interaction was leading nowhere. I refused to linger, fearing I might lose control and lash out at him. He had hurt me once, and I vowed not to allow him to inflict that pain a second time.