Maya’s POV
The kitchen had finally grown quiet.
For the first time since dawn, there were no orders being shouted across the counters, no clattering pots, and no footsteps echoing through the service hallway. I leaned against the stainless-steel counter and let out a long, exhausted breath.
My entire body ached. Working from before sunrise until late at night was exhausting.
My feet hurt. My back hurt.
Even lifting my arms felt like work.
I closed my eyes for a brief moment, hoping the silence would clear my mind.
Instead…
It only brought back the memory I had been trying so hard to forget.
Vanessa.
I could still see the sweet smile on her face.
“I’ve been wondering…”
“Have you finally learned not to be such a klutz?”
At first, I had thought she was trying to be civil.
I shou
