Chapter 1: Chef Girl

***

~~ZARA~~

***

The aroma of sizzling butter and grilled fish filled the entire hall, mixing with the chatter and cheers of students.

The university’s annual cooking competition is always loud, messy, and fun. This year, I’m right in the middle of it.

I stood behind my counter, fixing the straps of my apron and focusing on the pan in front of me.

My spotless station had neatly arranged ingredients—just the way I liked it. If I pulled off my dish perfectly, it would stand out.

Raven strutted over in her usual “I own this place” attitude. She flipped her hair like she was walking on a runway, not into a cooking battle.

“Well, well, look who’s trying to play chef today,” she said, loud enough for people around to hear. “Don’t burn the building down, Zara.”

Typical Raven, the queen bee of college, notorious bully extraordinaire. She’d loved picking on me since freshman year. I gave her a tight smile. “Focus on your dish, Raven. I’ll handle mine.”

Her smirk widened. “We’ll see.”

The whistle blew, and the competition officially started. I grabbed my salmon and seasoned it with lemon zest, garlic, and herbs.

Around me, other students were rushing, pans were sizzling, and aromas were filling the hall.

My best friend Dahlia was in the front row, waving at me like an excited mom, shouting, “Go Zaraaa!”

I couldn’t help but grin and flash her a thumbs-up.

And then my heart did that annoying flutter thing when my gaze shifted to Adrian Wright.

My crush.

He was beside Dahlia, cheering too.

He gave me that easy smile that always made me shiver inside.

I turned back to the pan, trying not to blush and act cool, even though I felt like screaming inside.

“Zara! Eyes on the salmon!” Dahlia yelled. My hands moved fast, flipping the fish just in time.

The judges walked around watching us closely as the timer ticked down. The room was hot, intense, and filled with the sounds of chopping, sizzling, and clanging.

By the time the timer buzzed, my dish was ready—grilled salmon with lemon herb glaze, plated clean and simple.

“Hands up!” one of the judges shouted.

I stepped away from my table. My heart was racing, but I looked at my dish with pride.

My salmon looked perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and soft inside. The lemon-herb sauce gives it a shiny, delicious finish.

The hall erupted in loud cheers and applause as students rooted for their favourite contestants.

The judges started tasting from each station. I felt nervous with every step they took closer.

Then it happened. The hall’s atmosphere changed. The crowd erupted in excited gasps and whispers. One by one, heads turned as the door opened, and I looked up.

Dante Wright walked in—Adrian’s elder brother.

His presence alone grabbed the whole room’s attention like he was the main event.

He stepped through the doorway like someone had cued him in slow motion. Tall, broad shoulders, neat black hair, sharp brown eyes that looked around the hall like he owned it.

The murmurs started immediately from the crowd.

“Is that Dante?”

“He’s back?”

“He looks way hotter now.”

I froze.

There was no way I’d ever forget that handsome face—defined jawline, intense brown eyes with that melt-you-on-the-spot look, and lips that were annoyingly perfect.

Back in his senior year, he was popular before he went overseas to further his studies, and clearly, nothing had changed.

My chest tightened as I remembered how he used to call me “Chef girl” every time he caught me following Adrian around with snacks.

He teased me every single time like it was his full-time job. Damn, I hated him for that.

Dante stayed at the back of the hall, leaning casually against the wall. His gaze occasionally met mine, and each time it did, I felt annoyed… and strangely unsettled.

He was probably here for Adrian. Or something else. I really didn’t fucking care.

The judges finished, and the winner was announced.

Not me.

But I knew what I brought to the table. My dish was worth it. Next time, I’ll do better.

After the event, Dahlia and I walked outside toward the parking lot.

Adrian walked up to us smiling. “You did great there,” he said, looking right at me.

My cheeks warmed up. I opened my mouth to respond, then I heard my name.

“Zazzz.”

It was Dante.

There was something about the way he had always pronounced my name. Like he had his own private rhythm, making my heart skip a beat.

I scoffed, rolled my eyes and faced Adrian, forcing a smile.

Adrian glanced between us, clearly confused.

I thought he’d wait by the car for Adrian, but he came straight to me instead.

I wanted to tell Dahlia and Adrian we should leave, but that would’ve looked weird.

So I stood there, pretending nothing was wrong.

Dahlia’s eyes widened in surprise as Dante stopped right in front of me and leaned down slightly, whispering against my ear, “Chef girl.”

His mocking tone stung. Of course, he’d say that.

My body went stiff. I pretended to smile, but I seriously wanted to dump him in the nearest trash bin.

I could feel people’s eyes on us, whispering as they passed.

Then, just as he stepped back, I stepped hard on his foot.

“Ow—”

Except my balance betrayed me, and I tripped. The second my foot slipped, I knew I was going down.

Before I could fall, Dante grabbed my waist and yanked me toward him, my chest pressed firmly against his.

My breath suddenly caught for a moment, and I inhaled sharply. 

His scent—one of those smells that stubbornly clings to your clothing even after he’s gone—lingered in my nostrils, fresh, inviting, with subtle vanilla and lavender.

He lowered his head near my ear again and spoke in a low, teasing tone. “You still trip like a kid,” he whispered.

His arm locked around my waist, pulling me flush against him.

I tried not to notice how ticklish his breath was along my neck.

I looked up and met his eyes. Dante’s lips curved into that same infuriating half-smirk he always wore when he was about to mess with me.

“Chef girl, you keep falling into trouble… Maybe you like being caught.”

“L-Let me go,” I stammered, though my voice sounded weaker than I wanted.

He chuckled against my ear, a vibration that sent shivers down my spine. “Why would I? You look way too good like this… all flustered and helpless. Makes it hard to think straight.”

He bit his lip, then glanced at Adrian before looking at me again. “Relax. You’re shaking like you just saw your crush.”

I swallowed hard as heat rushed to my cheeks. “You’re so full of yourself,” I snapped.

He tilted his head. “Maybe. But tell me why your heartbeat’s giving you away?”

And damn it, he wasn’t lying. My pulse was all over the place. My mind screamed move, but my body didn't respond.

I hated the warmth spreading through me and the way he was looking at me like he already knew.

Over his shoulder, I saw Dahlia’s jaw literally hanging, and Adrian’s expression shifted from confusion to tight annoyance.

Everyone passing by slowed down, whispering. Dante Wright is holding me like this—total gossip bait.

“Hey bro,” Adrian finally cut in, stepping closer. “Nice catch. Let her go now.”

Dante’s gaze didn’t leave mine, a smug little smile tugging at his lips. He loosened his grip slowly, like he was enjoying every second of control, before finally letting me stand on my own.

“See you around… chef girl,” he murmured, straightening up and walking off like he didn’t just short-circuit my brain.

The fuck!!!