The Billionaire's Chef

Chapter 5

The days that followed Mr. Salvador's unexpected visit to the kitchen marked a significant shift in our relationship. The once-distant and demanding billionaire had now become a familiar presence in my life, seeking out opportunities to engage in conversations that went beyond the realm of culinary matters.

Mr. Salvador began to seek out opportunities to chat with me, no longer with the harshness of a demanding employer but with the curiosity of someone who genuinely wanted to know me. He would often appear in the kitchen during her late-night preparations for the next day's meals, a bottle of water in hand, and a genuine interest in my thoughts and dreams.

One evening, as I was meticulously prepping ingredient for the day's meal, Mr. Salvador strolled into the kitchen with an air of casualness. His presence was no longer a source of anxiety for me, but rather a welcomed change in the daily routine.

"Amelia," he began, his voice devoid of its previous harshness, "I wanted to talk to you about something."

I looked up from my task, “Of course, sir. What's on your mind?"

He cleared his throat and hesitated for a moment before continuing. "I owe you an apology," he admitted, his eyes meeting mine earnestly.

I blinked in astonishment. It wasn't every day that a man like Mr. Salvador admitted to his mistakes, let alone apologized. "An apology, sir?" I asked, trying to hide my surprise.

He nodded. "Yes, for the way I treated you when you first arrived here. I was... harsh and unforgiving, and for that, I am truly sorry."

"I realize now that I've been unreasonable and harsh with my criticisms," he admitted, his gaze sincere. "You've been working tirelessly to meet my standards, and I haven't given you the appreciation you deserve. And you are a great cook I must confess I have been lying all these while and it’s because I am mad at you.

Its really fine sir, understand, I am not a saint either, I fired back at you when we first met too I guess all that triggered you, I responded.

Really? He asked yes sir! I responded. Thank you Amelia and please enough of the sir thing, we are friends now so call me Marcus.

I cannot sir, you are my boss I responded but we are friends so I insist or maybe times when we are alone like this he said

I looked at him and nodded shyly, I couldn’t help but noticing how breath taken Marcus looked this evening. Marcus is indeed a very handsome gentle man I thought.

From that moment on, Marcus began to approach me differently. He would seek me out for conversation, asking about my culinary techniques, the flavours I enjoyed experimenting with, and the inspiration behind my dishes. Gone were the days of merely demanding perfection; now he wanted to understand the artistry behind my cooking.

As our conversations deepened, I found myself spending more time in the kitchen with Marcus especially when the whole house is asleep. Marcus would sit on one of the barstools, watching me with genuine interest as i moved gracefully around the kitchen, doing my thing. Sometimes I even go to the kitchen when I have nothing to do hoping he would show up. I was begging to get fond him.

As weeks turned into months, Marcus and I evolved beyond being employer and employee. We began to confide in each other, sharing their hopes, fears, and aspirations. It was as though the mansion had become a cocoon, shielding us from the outside world, allowing our connection to flourish. Sometimes we would also share funny jokes and we would laugh really loud that some of the domestic staff began to wonder what’s up. Even when we retire to bed, he still calls me on phone and we talk until one of us sleep off.

One cold night when the house was asleep. I and Marcus were talking on phone.

How did day go? He asked, it was fine I had to go to the mall to get groceries. How did yours go? I responded. Mine was fine, I had couple of meetings to attend. I thought about you all through the meetings. really? I asked blushing. Yes I miss you. Come open your door I am at your door. What? My door I asked I disbelieve. Yes I am at your door. I quickly put on a cardigan over my pyjamas and went to open the door. There he was Tall and confident, this man boasts striking blue eyes, chiselled features, and a well-groomed chestnut brown hair, he looked breath taken in his pyjamas standing with two cups of tea.

Hi Amelia! Here I made you tea. Oh! You didn’t have to. I said, its fine take it. He responded.

Please walk with me to the gardens he said taking my other hand. There was a moment of silence, as I gave him my hand I felt awkward. We sat on the carpet grasses watching the stars above in silence a share understanding that transcended words. It was in that moment that we both realized the undeniable truth - we were falling in love.

Let’s take a stroll he said. We both stood up and started to walk around the garden lost for words. Let me have your tea cup he said breaking the silence as I gave the cup to him, our eyes met.

My heart raced as I looked into Marcus's eyes, I felt my cheeks flushed with a mixture of anticipation and fear. "I think... I think I'm falling in love with you," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper.

My heart pounding, he reached out and gently caressed my cheek and looking into my eyes "Amelia," he said softly, "I don’t know how it happened. I can't deny it any longer." I love our late night conversations and how I can warm up to you. I find myself thinking about you even in the middle of work. It feels different and natural I haven’t felt like this for anyone before.

I was shocked, not in my wildest dream did imagine Marcus would say that to me, I felt a connection between us, I liked him, but I didn’t think he felt the same, I am only a poor cook who he despised some months back and what about Sarah I thought to myself as he hasn’t still told me what went wrong between as Sarah no longer visits the house.

I just stood gazing into Marcus’s eyes, wanting to say something but I was lost for words.