FORTY TWO

Delilah's pov

It was the big day, and I had barely sat down once.

From the moment I stepped into the building in the morning, it had been a whirlwind of to-do lists, last-minute changes, nervous laughter, and the kind of stress that keeps you on your feet regardless of how tired you feel.

But it was happening.

Outside, white drapery was wrapped elegantly around the columns like silk ribbons. Fresh florals — peonies, gardenias, lavender, white lilies, cream roses — spilled from tall vases and lined the entry steps, their scent mingling with the tempting aromas coming from the kitchen. Above the double oak doors, a marquee sign above the doorway glows proudly: Grand Opening. And under it, people are actually walking in.

Inside, the restaurant was a bubbling affair. Guests poured in, in all forms. Investors, influencers, their phones already out, capturing every artfully arranged delicacy. Food bloggers, journalists and surprisingly, employees from Calix Empire.

My hands were trembling a