#The media above is how I imagine the hotel. The picture does not belong to me. The credit goes to the original owner.

"Calm down! It's going to be okay," My best friend Skylar reassures me 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 to me. Securing this contract is crucial for the future of the restaurant." I run my hand through my hair in frustration.

"And it is absolutely vital for the future of this establishment. Otherwise, everything we have built over the years, all the hard work and dedication that I have, my team has put in, will be in vain. If I don't secure this contract, I might have to go back home, and you know I can't do that, not after what happened the last time," I confide, my voice faltering towards the end.

"I know and I understand! But getting all worked up will not help you." she exclaims, pulling out a chair and firmly pushing me into it. She pins me with a determined look when I try to get up. "Drink." She hands me a glass of water from my desk. "And take deep breaths. You're going to nail it, you own one of the finest restaurants in New York. And even if this doesn't work out, you will find another way because that's who you are."

"But-"

"Shh, it's going to be fine. Trust me," Skylar affirms, giving my shoulder a reassuring squeeze.

I sigh. "I guess you're 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 a crush on her boss.

"Shut up! Its nothing like that." she retorts, her cheeks and neck betraying her with a subtle blush, silently confirming what she wants to deny.

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

Her eyes narrowing in response, she sticks her tongue out. Slipping her red Gucci bag over her shoulder, she looks at me with concern. "I'll see you later. Are you going to be alright?"

"Go!" I mouth.

Giving me a quick hug but reassuring hug, she walks out hurriedly.

In an attempt to divert my thoughts, I step into the bustling kitchen where the aroma of sizzling ingredients fills the air. The restaurant, a testament to my unwavering commitment and five years of relentless effort, stands as a proud symbol of my culinary journey. Smiling at the dedicated team diligently preparing today's menu, I join their ranks and embark on crafting my signature dish, Cozze Alla Marinara. As I delicately garnish the steaming dish with fresh basil leaves, my phone abruptly interrupts the rhythmic dance of flavors. Balancing the phone between my ear and shoulder, I answer with a curious "Hello?" while effortlessly completing the final touch to the dish.

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

Good afternoon," I reply, recognizing the distinct brogue accent. "Yes, this is Hayley Preston from La Fiorenza. How can I assist you?" My heart skips a beat, hoping that it's the call I've been anxiously awaiting. My fingers crossed.

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

"Yes! I'll definitely be there," I squeal, unable to contain my excitement. The lady lets out a chuckle in response. Expressing my gratitude, I end the call with a smile.

I choose a sleek black pencil skirt and pair it with a delicate peach top from the extra pairs that I keep in my office. Not being too fond of heavy makeup, I only apply my mascara and eyeliner to enhance my forest green eyes. I reapply my Dior lip gloss for a touch of color. Running the brush through my brown waist-length hair, I tie it up into a pony tail. Completing the outfit with black heels, I take a final glance in the mirror, satisfied with my appearance, before heading out.

As I approach the grand hotel, a gasp escapes my lips upon beholding its sheer size and splendor. The architecture, reminiscent of Saracenic Revival Style, gives the building an air of majestic opulence, more akin to a grand palace than a mere hotel. Lush green gardens spread over a large area, adding to its allure. The hotel exudes an aura of both luxury and warmth, it does justice to its name. No wonder it has hosted many prominent personalities of the United States. Glancing at the time, I note that I have 15 minutes to spare.

In time. Good.

Understanding the value of punctuality, I hand over the keys to my Mustang to the attentive valet. Stepping into the meticulously adorned lobby, my eyes are immediately drawn to the breathtaking beauty that surrounds me. The marbled walls, adorned with intricate artwork and precious stones, create a sense of timeless elegance. A magnificent golden chandelier hangs gracefully from the high ceiling, casting a warm glow over the exquisite reception area, amplifying its allure.

Approaching the reception desk with a poised demeanor, I greet the lady with a warm smile. "Good afternoon, I have a scheduled meeting with Ms. Jennifer Black," I introduce myself courteously, ensuring my tone exudes professionalism.

The receptionist glances at her computer screen and asks, "May I know your name, please?"

"Hayley Preston from La Fiorenza."

After confirming my identity, she leads me down the hallway, the soft carpet cushioning our steps and adding to the sense of luxury. The doors on either side are marked with room numbers, hinting at the countless guests who have stayed in this prestigious hotel. As we near the end of the hallway, the atmosphere grows more serene and exclusive.

The lady opens a large glass door, inviting me to step inside. As I enter the room, my eyes immediately settle on a woman who exudes confidence and sophistication. With her fiery red hair cascading around her shoulders and her poised posture, she commands attention. Her professional demeanor is softened by a warm smile as she acknowledges my presence.

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

"Good afternoon, Ms. Preston. Please, take a seat," she says, gesturing towards the chair opposite her.

"Let's begin by discussing the contract details, and then we can proceed to our specific requirements," she starts.

After spending hours in that room, discussing and meticulously noting down every major and minor detail, my meeting with her finally concluded.

"I expect you to handle everything with utmost precision and professionalism. This gala holds immense importance to Mr. Lorde, and he has no tolerance for incompetence. We have always entrusted this catering contract to renowned restaurants that we know will deliver flawless results year after year.

But this time, we have made a decision to give your restaurant an opportunity, considering the rapid success it has been achieving in this market. With your excellent service and unique taste, we believe you have the capability to meet our exacting standards.

By entering into this contract with you, we are taking a significant risk. I trust that you comprehend the weight of the responsibility you are about to shoulder," Ms. Black asserts, her gaze unwavering, her demeanor resolute and stern.

"I assure you that everything will go according to plan. We will leave no room for error, and we will not let you down," I assert confidently, offering my promise of commitment.

"Very well,"

With a firm handshake, I bid farewell and exit the conference room, a mix of excitement and determination filling my heart.

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. Everyone has a past, and it is often the events and trials they have faced that shape their present character. Nicholas Lorde's journey, no doubt, has been marked by challenges, triumphs, and sacrifices. The road to success is rarely a smooth one, and it is possible that he has encountered his fair share of obstacles along the way. While the media may portray him as a ruthless and formidable force, I remind myself not to hastily judge a person based solely on their public persona.

My thoughts suddenly going back to the mysterious man. It's been two weeks since that eventful day. He hadn't come again. I had expected Lisa Hadley to unleash a scathing review of my restaurant after the altercation. However, to my surprise, I heard nothing. The silence was both perplexing and intriguing.

Maybe he had something to do with it. He did save me that day, after all.

But why did he bother? 

So many questions linger in my mind, unanswered. Yet, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude towards him, if indeed he is the reason behind the absence of any negative publicity.

Am I waiting for him to come again?  

Maybe. 

But Why?

********

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SGnGigi