The Faded Rose

Chapter 1

"Calm down! It's going to be okay," My best friend Skylar says as she watches me check my phone for the hundredth time.

"It's been two hours Sky! Two hours! You know how important this deal is for me. Getting this contract means securing the continuity of this restaurant. This contract will help it rise considerably above the breakeven point." I run my hand through my hair in frustration.

"And it is very essential for the future of this place. Else everything may go to waste, all these years, all the efforts that I have, my team has put in. Everything. If I don't get it, I may have to go back home and I can't do that, you know, not after what happened the last time," I continue, my voice faltering in the end.

"I know and I understand! But stressing out will not help you." She exclaims, pulling out a chair and pushing me on it. Pinning me with a look when I try to get up. "Drink." Handing me the glass of water kept on my desk. "And take deep breaths in. You're going to get it, you own one of the finest restaurants in New York. And even if you don't, you will find some other way because that is who you are."

"But-"

"Shshhh It will be fine. Trust me." Skylar affirms. Squeezing my shoulder slightly in reassurance.

I sigh. "I guess you are right."

"I am always right." She winks, earning a chuckle from me.

"Don't you have a meeting in an hour? Go! You don't want to make your stringent boss upset, now do you?" I tease her knowing that she has hots for her boss.

"Shut up! Its nothing like that." She is quick to deny, her cheeks and neck reddening, giving her away.

Laughing, "Whatever you say!" I poke at her.

Her eyes narrowing in response, she sticks her tongue out. Throwing her red Gucci bag over her shoulders, "I will see you later. Are you going to be fine?" she asks concerned.

"Go!" I mouth.

Giving me a quick hug, she walks out hurriedly.

I decide to distract myself in the kitchen. On entering, I see everyone working on today's menu. This restaurant is my pride and the product of my hard work, putting in five years of my undivided dedication to get where I am today. I greet everyone and start preparing my speciality, Cozze Alla Marinara. I was just about to top it off with basil leaves when I hear my phone ring. "Hello?" I answer, tucking the phone between my ear and shoulder as I add the last ingredient to the dish.

"Good afternoon, is this Hayley Preston from La Fiorenza?" A lady with a brogue accent answers.

Dropping the basil leaves, I quickly hold the phone in my hand. "Yes, may I know who is speaking?" I ask slowly, crossing my fingers.

"This is Jennifer Black from Lorde Group of Hotels speaking. Can you make it to Hotel Lorde Palace at 3P.M. to further discuss the catering contract for The Gala?"

"Yes! I will be there," I squealed, not being able to contain my excitement. The lady chuckled in response. Thanking her, I hung up.

I wore a black pencil skirt and match it with a peach top. Not being too fond of heavy makeup, I only apply my mascara and eyeliner to enhance my forest green eyes and reapply my Dior lipgloss. Running the brush through my brown waist length hair, I tie it up into a pony tail. I match my outfit with black heels. Satisfied with my look, I leave after throwing a last glance at the mirror.

Letting out a gasp at the sheer size of the majestic hotel, I pull over my white Mustang in front of it. The construction is Saracenic Revival Style which made it look more like a grand palace than a hotel. Lush green gardens spread over a large area. The hotel looks very luxurious yet very welcoming, it does justice to its name. No wonder it has hosted many prominent personalities of the United States. Checking the time, I see that I have 15 minutes to spare.

In time. Good.

I believe if you don't respect someone else's time then it's wrong to expect someone else to respect yours. Handing over my keys over to the valet, I enter the beautifully decorated lobby. Exquisite marbled walls are highlighted with delicate art work and precious stones. A magnificent golden chandelier hung from the high ceiling, enhancing the beauty of the stunning reception area.

I make my way towards the reception desk. "Good afternoon, I am here for a meeting with Ms. Jennifer Black," I politely introduce myself to the lady behind the desk.

"Who should I say you are?"

"Hayley Preston from La Fiorenza."

She picks up the phone and speaks on it for a few seconds. "This way ma'am." She walks towards the elevator with me following. Taking the elevator to the seventh floor, I walk out, my heels digging into the lush red carpet covering the floor of the hallway making it look royal and elegant. We Walk until we reach the end of the hallway, passing by multiple doors on either side.

The lady opens a large glass door, gesturing me to go inside. Walking in, I notice a woman, she seemed to be in her late 40's. Dressed elegantly, her fiery red hair ending at her shoulders. Sitting in the chair with a professional look on her face. On seeing me enter, she warmly smiles at me.

Returning her smile, "Good afternoon Ms. Black," I greet her.

"Good afternoon Ms. Preston. Please have a seat." She gestures towards the chair on the opposite end of the table.

"Lets talk about the contract first and then move on to our requirements from you," She starts.

Sitting in that room for hours straight, discussing, jotting about every major and minor detail, my meeting with her finally concluded.

"I expect you get everything done smoothly because this gala is very important to Mr. Lorde. He hates incompetent people. Every year, we give this catering contract to the most renowned restaurants who we know will deliver everything perfectly.

But this time we have decided to give your restaurant a chance as it has been gaining success rapidly in this market. With your excellent service and unique taste, we believe you will be able to deliver the service that we require.

By signing this contract with you, we are taking a huge risk. So I hope you understand the responsibility you are about to to undertake," Ms. Black looks straight at me, her tone firm, face unsmiling and serious.

"Everything will go as planned. There will be no mistake, we won't disappoint you." I promise.

"Very well,"

And with a brief handshake, I leave the conference room.

Nicholas Lorde is one of the richest men in New York. He never gives any interviews and keeps his personal life strictly private. People only knew that he became very successful at a very young age and is ruthless in businessman who spares no one. He is known to be a Devil of the business world. No one in the right mind would want to mess with a man like him. What must this man have gone through to make him the way he is now, I wonder. I don't want to judge him on the basis of what goes around in the media as everyone has a past and a reason for who they are now.

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SGnGigi