Completely Obsessed

CHAPTER SIX

Nairobi’s POV

By the time I arrived home, my body felt completely exhausted. It had been a long day. I dropped my bag beside the door and let out a quiet sigh. All I wanted was a shower and a few hours of sleep. I headed straight to my room, grabbed a clean set of clothes, and went into the bathroom. The warm water helped ease some of the tension in my shoulders. As I washed my hair, my mind suddenly went back to the restaurant.

The customer.

The broken glasses.

Brianna and the other girls.

I finished showering, changed into my pajamas, and went to the dining area. Zara was already sitting at the table, waiting for me. “You're finally home,” she said. I smiled tiredly. “Yeah. Today was exhausting.” She pushed a plate toward me. “I saved you some dinner.” I looked at her and smile “You're the best.” she just smile at me and said “I know.” I laughed softly and sat down.

I ate while talking with her about our day. I didn't tell her everything that happened at the restaurant. After dinner, I collected the plates and carried them to the kitchen. Once everything was clean and put away, I returned to my room. I climbed into bed and pulled the blanket over myself. My eyes slowly closed. With that, I fell asleep.

The next morning, I arrived at The Crimson Table earlier than usual. The restaurant was already busy with employees preparing for the day. I changed into my uniform and headed toward the dining area. Not long after, Mr. Anderson called everyone together. “There will be a meeting shortly,” he announced. “Mr. Moretti will be here today.” My hands stopped for a moment.Mr. Moretti the CEO.

I quickly continued arranging the tables. A few minutes later, the employees gathered together. Then the doors opened.

He walked in Valerian Hawthorn Moretti. It was the second time I had seen him. He was dressed in another perfectly tailored suit, his expression cold and unreadable.

Mr. Anderson greeted him immediately. “Good morning, Mr. Moretti.” He gave a small nod. “Good morning.” That was all. Mr. Anderson began explaining the restaurant's daily operations. The CEO listened quietly. He asked questions about the staff, food preparation, customer service, and the overall management. I stayed near the back of the group, hoping not to draw attention to myself. But then I felt it.

Someone watching me. I looked up. His eyes were on me.I quickly looked away. Why was he staring at me? I tried to focus on what Mr. Anderson was saying, but I could feel his presence. Eventually, the meeting ended. Everyone returned to work. I went to the locker room to put away a few of my things. The moment I was alone, I leaned against one of the lockers. I couldn't stop thinking about him.

His eyes.

The way he looked at me.

The way he had watched everything during the meeting.

I frowned. Maybe he was simply inspecting the employees. That had to be it. He was the CEO. Of course he would observe the staff. There was no reason to think otherwise.

I shook my head. “Stop overthinking, Nairobi.” I grabbed my things and returned to work. The rest of the morning passed normally.

I served customers.

Cleaned tables.

Took orders.

Helped the other staff whenever I could.

Everything felt normal again. Until I noticed him. He wasn't in his office. Instead, he was standing near the dining area, watching the employees work. I immediately lowered my gaze. I tried to focus on the tray in my hands.

Don't look at him.

Don't look at him.

But curiosity got the better of me. I glanced up.His eyes were already on me. My heart skipped. I quickly looked away.

Maybe he wasn't actually looking at me. Maybe he was looking at someone behind me. I turned slightly. There was no one. I swallowed. Okay. That was strange. I continued working. A few minutes later, I noticed Mr. Moretti walking toward his office. Ethan followed closely behind him, carrying his tablet. Before disappearing into the office, Valerian glanced in my direction one last time. I froze, then the office door closed. I stared at it for a few seconds.

What was that supposed to mean? I shook my head and returned to work. Whatever the reason was, I didn't want to know. He was the CEO. I was just an employee. There was no reason for our lives to cross beyond the restaurant. Atleast, that's what I told myself. But somehow, I had a feeling that wasn't going to be true.