Chapter 2

Did I hear right? Did he just say I would take out a man that is proving to be even a greater evil than he himself? I am not a trained assassin, this is an impossible mission.

As if reading my thoughts, Sir Bruno continued.

"My usual methods have failed, I want to try something different with you Annabelle. You are very beautiful, I don’t think any man would be able to resist your beauty, not even Gerrard. I'll get you into his empire, I need you to get close to Gerrard and take him down from within." He explained.

A suicide mission. That is what this was. Even if I somehow succeeded, there was no way I’d come out alive.

"I… I know I said I would do anything to save my father,’ I stammered. “But not this, I can do any other thing you want. I am an excellent cook, I could work in your kitchen, an unpaid labour until I repay my father’s debt. But not this. There’s no way I can take out this man. This is suicide.”

He smiled, as he continue eating his food. He seemed oddly intrigued. “An excellent cook huh? Just like your father.” He chuckled, “Aren’t you just perfect Annabelle? You fit just right into my plan.”

I blinked confused.

“From my sources, I gathered that Gerrard is hiring a new chef.” He looked into my eyes. “You will take that Position."

'But.. but sir, I am not qualified! I did not go to any great culinary school, there's no way they'd give me that position." I asked, trying to make him reconsider.

"That's no problem at all, we can forge the credentials, and make you look legit on paper. All you have to do is pass the cooking test. With your skills and your beautiful face, I am confident that you’ll be hired on the spot." he grinned widely, impress by his own well thought of plan, but to me, it’s bullshit. They are taking a risk, and it is my head that was on the line.

Before I could protest further, he stood up abruptly. "Get ready. You leave in the next two days." Before leaving, he turned to me, "Remember, your father's life is still in my hands. Fail, and he dies. Succeed, and you both go free."

And just like that, my fate was sealed.

---

Back home, the house was empty, my Dad was still being held hostage with the Santorini syndicate as an insurance, and I alone can save him. I crumpled to the floor and wept.

My phone buzzed, it was a text message from Sammie. I have had more than 30 missed calls from him.

Annabelle, I don't know where you’ve gone. I’ve been looking everywhere for you. I leave for Germany tomorrow. Please call me, I need to see you and know you are okay before I leave.

Tears streamed down my face because I knew what I had to do. I can’t involve Sammie in this nightmare. I would have to let him go.

----

As I boarded the Private Jet to Naples. My heart ached with regret.

I had left a break up letter for Sammie, I just couldn't do it in person.

Earlier. I was also allowed a brief goodbye with my father in the filthy cell they kept him hostage. His health was deteriorating. I had to lie to him to reassure him, “I just needed to do a very small thing for the syndicate, and we would both be free.”

"You need to pull yourself together for this mission, I can't have you crying like a baby". Sir Bruno’s voice snapped me out of my thought. I quickly wiped my face.

"Here" he handed me an ipad. "Learn all these information, this will be your new identity."

As I went through it, I was to take the identity of a successful young chef. Her name is Lily Lunardez, from Columbia, she went to the Le Cordon Bleu culinary school in France. My heart kept racing. How was I supposed to pull this off?

----

The following week was challenging. I was drilled on how to make different intercontinental cuisines, how to embody the elegance of a world-class chef.

To my shock, I passed the preliminary screening and was shortlisted for the next stage of the recruitment process, which was the cooking test.

-------

It was the day of the cooking test, the day I would meet the target, Gerrard Bellarico, a man known for his ruthlessness. He would judge the cooking test and choose the chef. I knew I had to pass for my dad's sake.

I remember Sir Bruno’s warning, "Remember, your life and your father's life depends on getting this job, so do everything to pass the test."

At the venue, a big grand hall with five cooking stalls. I was assigned to the fifth kitchen workspace. The other candidates stood by their assigned workspace. They looked like they knew what they were doing, unlike me. My palm was sweaty as I tried to keep my composure.

"He is here." someone whispered.

The atmosphere shifted as the doors opened, revealing Gerrard Bellarico. He was a very tall, and even more handsome in person than the pictures I’ve seen. He exude confidence and power. He was led to his special seat with the other judges, his expression was blank and unreadable.

Gerrard gestured to us to begin. Everyone sprang into action. I prepared an intricate intercontinental dish that I just learnt, and hoped for the best.

It was time for the tasting, Gerrard and the other judges moved down the line. I was the last on the line, and when Gerrard approach me, he tasted my food, and then stared at me for a bit. I was tensed at his gaze. His expression did not give away his thoughts though, I couldn’t tell whether he was impressed or not. He whispered something to the other judge beside him, and left. I didn’t know what to make of this. I was filled with so much anxiety.

After a while of deliberation. Gerrard stood up and left the room. He probably had other important things that demanded his attention.

One of the judges, the one he had whispered to earlier, addressed us.

“You all performed exceptionally well. I must commend you all. However, Mr. Bellarico has not found the right fit for the position.” He said, the room was filled with murmurs, and the disappointment was evident on everyone’s faces. “Not to worry, you’ll all get compensated for your efforts.”

My stomach dropped. This couldn’t be happening. I can’t fail, Sir Bruno would not spare me and my father.

"Miss Lunardez, please wait behind" the man added.

I was shocked and confused, but I complied, I was not in a rush to face Sir Bruno wrath anyway.

After everyone had left, I was escorted to a private office, where a man sat, his back was turn to me.

I cleared my throat nervously. “You wanted to see me?”

He turned in his chair to face me, it was Gerrard Bellarico, he looked even more intimidating up close.

"I'll get straight to the point Miss Lunardez, I want you for the night" he said simply.