Spiced By Destiny

Chapter One: A Dish Named Fate Olivia‘s kitchen was very small, and the sounds from food preparation, pots banging, and onions frying in hot oil made the surroundings so lively,with Olivia's favorite old song. For her, cooking was not a chore; It was a way of showing her creative nature. And also a way of showing her identity. It also made her feel useful. Olivia stood barefoot on the tiled floor. She changed the position of her scarf over her shoulder while she mixed her curry, which was parboiling on the stove. The turmeric needed to be just perfect! Her late mom always told her that"If you add too much, it’ll taste bitter , and if you add too little, it’ll taste earthy.” She remembered the happy moment and smiled. Her uncle was coughing in the living room, and that brought her mind back. She quickly put off the stove and ran to attend to him, cleaning her hands on her apron. “Uncle Pat, please take a break! I’ll get you your tea,” she said, gently placing the cushion behind him. He touched her hand. “Olivia, don’t worry. You have an important day ahead. Remember your audition?” Her stomach turned. Today was the first day of the biggest cooking reality show, "Chef’s Challenge." Many contestants came, but only one could win. Dominic, a billionaire hotel owner known for being arrogant and rude, was a guest judge. She had seen his face on many billboards in different places. His eyes looked sharp, and his mouth smiled mockingly as if he knew everything about everyone. She didn't like his prideful nature. But she needed that opportunity. Olivia wore her cute pink dress, packed her hair with a ribbon, and then she carried a metal lunchbox filled with her favorite meal—coriander rice with sauce. That food was her mother's recipe, the easy food she prepared anytime life became so tough. Outside, the city was filled with shops,vehicles,and busy traffic jams. But in her mind, another kind of storm came up. Olivia got to the audition hall, she became so fearful and her hands were shaking. The hall was packed with cameras, competitors, and stylists. Some wore chef coats with their names written on them. Some had cooking utensils, fancy knives, and supporters. Olivia held her lunch box closeThe hall was filled with cameras, contestants, and stylists. like a support. She was on the line, waiting for her turn. “What’s your name?”A kind hearted girl came to her and asked. “Olivia,” she replied. She looked at Olivia’s simple clothes and asked her, “Are you here for simple style cooking?” “Yes, I’m using my mother’s recipes.”Olivia said, The girl smiled politely “Good luck!” she said. Olivia cheerfully squeezed her face. She didn’t want to depend on luck; she believed her passion and a bit of her mother’s strong will would help her scale through The judging room environment was so quiet,cold and unbiased. The judges all seated behind a long table, then one of them caught her full attention. Dominic. He looked tall and dressed in a neat black suit, his hair slipped backward as if he had just come out of a magazine. He had a sharp jawline. His eyes looked at each contestant like they were account books, not human beings.He looked exactly how she thought in her mind She moved to the table,when it was her turn,her heart was beating so fast. She brought out her lunchbox and served the food on a white plate. The sweet aroma of her coriander rice and sauce filled the whole place. Dominic looked and said. “Pickled cheese?” He leaned forward, inhaling. “Simple style?” “Yes,” Olivia replied, trying to sound sure of herself. “This is a recipe from my late mother. I've been making it for her since I was a little girl.” He was quiet. Then he picked up his fork, took a bite, and swallowed carefully. He then stopped for a moment. The other judges smiled. One of them wrote “Well-balanced!” in her notes, while others smiled in approval. He was still When he finally tasted the food,he told her he felt related to the food because, it tasted like that of his grandmom's. She was happy when he said that. Then he said, “What I mean is, It tastes old and there is nothing new about it.” Her smile disappeared. He turned to the others.“We’re looking for the next trending culinary star. Not someone attached to family memories. “But sir,” Olivia said, “aren’t foods supposed to hold memories and feelings ?” “Memories would never earn you money,” he responded coldly. Dominic's words were more harsh than she expected. “Next,” he said, putting her food away without a second look. She stood still for a while, then picked up her lunch container, feeling hurt like a fresh wound, and left. Outside the hall, Olivia sat on a bench, feeling so unhappy. People were walking around her, but everywhere was so quiet and empty. There was no music playing, no indication of a second chance. Just silence. Then, someone approached her. “So sorry dear about what happened back there,” he said. Olivia looked up to see a friendly man carrying a clipboard. “Your food was good,” he said. “Honestly, I thought you had a good score. But Dominic can be very difficult, and harsh at times.” Olivia nodded, because her voice was shaking The man paused for a little while. “There’s another opportunity. The Cavendish Group is opening a new combination restaurant next month, and they’re quietly looking for new talent. I could recommend you for a trial.” Olivia looked up. “Why would he want to reconsider me after turning me down?” The man simply lifted his shoulders. “It’s about you being ready to take a chance and move forward.” and not about him, or what he wants” Her heart ran at the thought. She watched the lunchbox on her lap, the symbol of her roots, her story, her mother. She thought life might have other plans for her. That night,she stood in her kitchen corridor, and let her mind calm down. He had hurt her. He had insulted her. But he had tasted her cooking. He had noticed her. And that meant this was not the end This was just the beginning.