Chapter 1

Ava's pov

I killed the engine as I exited my car and got into the restaurant that was dressed in the outskirts of England. Stopping by at the kitchen to do a full sweep and see how the chefs are faring, my phone dings and I glance at the sender. Colton.

Colton's my housemate, my best friend and the only person that understands me. Sometimes i don't even have to use a notepad while conversing with him. He's a model, a sexy one at that. He makes a whole lot of money from just showcasing his body. 

Colton

This people are making me work my ass off, tired, wanna have lunch? 

I roll my eyes for the hundredth time today and type into my phone. 

Ava

Young man, I just got here, the restaurant is a pack house and I'm trying to keep everything under control, you know how Saturdays usually are at the restaurant. 

Buying the biggest restaurant in the block, business wasn't always easy, with trying to balance with my disability challenge and fighting to retain my fading position as the best restaurant in the block and beyond, I was a stress reck, especially if the chefs are demanding a higher pay. 

Just then I hear another ding as I groan audibly, glancing at my screen

Colton

You will pay for ditching me Ava

I chuckle and type into my phone. 

Ava

I would love to see how, now would you stop bothering me, I have work to do, Ciao. 

I proceed with my kitchen sweep as I examine each pastry or snack a chef is making. I stroll over to our top chef Maria, who was making today's special of crunchy honeycombs. Examining the whole kitchen, I conclude everything was in good place as I return to my small office room, which isn't to far from the kitchen, neither to far from the main restaurant. 

Usually I'd just seat in my office watching food video, waiting for a commotion in the restaurant or pick up the smell of burning food. While on most days, I spend my whole day in the kitchen, cooking for pleasure. 

My door slowly creaks open to reveal the inviting face of madam P, she flashes her whitened teeth as I reach in for the table, showing her an already written welcoming note. 

Good day ma'am, welcome. 

Madam P is my favorite customer, wife of the mayor, who is in her early fifties. One of my most classic elite customers, who understands me well. A lively lady with dark blond hair and a well defined physique.

"I know Ava, how are you?"

I nod my head with my broad smile indicating that I'm fine. I gesture for her to sit down and she does. 

"As usual I am here with a massive food proposal," she chuckles lightly gesturing her hand to form a big space. 

I smile brightly. 

Madam P is a party lady, attended more parties than a princess, either she throws the parties or she's attending one, so every week she comes to request for a buttload of food that'd be served at the party, i have the chefs make them before the party date and then we send everything to the party venue. It was a weekly routine I had gotten used to, but making a large amount of different types of foreign snacks cost a fortune, but madam P pays more than a fortune, so I see no problem there. 

"I need 4 dozens of oven baked chip, 2 dozens of veggie pizza, 3 dozens of cheesy breadsticks and 4 dozens of mozzarella sticks, I'd have that ready before Wednesday," she ended smiling as she shifts an already written paper of her orders down. 

I grab my notebook and write down. 

"It's no problem ma, I'd have it whipped up and ready on Tuesday night,"

She brings out her wallet and tear away a check slip. She writes down a certain amount of money and hands it to me. I smile brightly at her. 

"I will see you later Ava " she gives me a hug and leaves as her driver has arrived. I give her a small wave and smile to myself. 

She's just like the mother I never had. 

------- 

I run a 9pm curfew, so the restaurant closes by 8:30 and the cleaners get an extra thirty minutes to clean up the mess, while the chefs leave. Ready to leave, I pack my bags and leave the rest for the security and cleaners to handle. 

I get home to see Colton already sitted and chatting with whoever that's making him chuckle. 

I would say Colton's a Casanova, because he keeps so many girls. I wouldn't say he keeps them though, he drops anyone who messes up easily and in less than a week, he's got himself a new catch.

"And she's back, I swear I'll kill you if you didn't bring dinner," he grunts teasingly pointing his hands at me. 

I roll my eyes and grin. Throwing a paper bag of Chicken & Veggie Pan Roast. 

"Don't forget to microwave, it's cold," 

"I can't believe you Ava, you brought home cold food for your one and only beloved?" He said feigning fake hurt. 

"I could think of better people to spend the night with,"

I write on my notepad then show it to him sticking out my tongue for him. He holds his heart in fake hurt 

"That hurt my soul Ava". I give him the 'awwwww' look. 

His eyes brightens up as he holds my hands. "You won't believe it, guess what? "

Trust me, I can totally  believe whatever he's about to say. And I know its this new girl. I take the notepad and write again.. 

"Spare me the details, i need to take a shower,"

I stand up and give him the sorry look. He nods his head and says after me. 

"Please Ava, just this once,"

I nod my head and head inside. 

I come out the shower and begin to dry my blonde long hair. Colton enters with a worried face. 

"Ava please I have a favour to ask" I give him the 'awwww' look. I nod my head gesturing him to speak up. 

"There is this girl I'm meeting..." he blabs 

I roll my eyes, I was expecting it, if I could talk I would've finished the sentence for him. Infact it was "there is this girl I'm meeting, and since you are a girl, maybe you could give me a little advice on what to do to impress her, I really like this one pleaseeeee," finish it up in my mind. 

"I really like this one pleaseeeee," he finishes and I laugh. 

I pick up my notepad i write... 

"You know I've mastered that line right?"

I show it to him and he chuckles still giving me that pleading look. 

Oh Colton darling, I so love him. So fucking hot and adorable. Only his smile is able to send girls flying... Girls except me. 

Girls usually give me that death glare whenever we are together, no matter the amount of girlfriends Colton has, he values me much more. 

I nod my head in approval and he jumps up and down before wrapping me in a huge hug. 

"Thanks Ava.. I love you" I hold him and wish I could tell him same but he knows I love him too. 

"Stop thinking, I know you love me too" he blurts out while pulling away. I give him a weak smile and he pecks me before i head to bed while he leaves for his own room.

My eyes shut close as I settle in for a sleep. Few hours later, I'm crying muffled cries as my dream displays a past memory of my childhood, the most painful of them all. 

I open my eyes in pain and agony and realize it was just a dream. I begin to cry and run to Colton's room as I remember that scene clearly.  Colton wakes up to see me crying in the middle of the night. 

"Its one of  your nightmares right? " I nod my head.

"Come here sweetie" I go towards him on the bed and he wraps me in a hug. I always feel same in his arms

"Its okay Ava, I'm right here. Everything is gonna be just fine okay? " I nod my head and hug him back. 

Only if.

_____

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