Michelin Five-star

"What's your name?", the manager inquired once we were both seated. He was positioned on a grand, imposing chair while I took a seat directly across from him, and there was an additional empty chair beside me. In that moment, I swiftly scanned the office and noticed that it was exceptionally well-equipped and beautifully furnished.

"My name is Ivory...Ivory Addams". I answered.

"I'm Mr Sebastian, the manager of this restaurant. So, I believe Tory must have briefed you before I arrived, right?". I raised an eyebrow at him wondering who he was talking about, until it suddenly clicked that he must have been referring to the secretary.

"Um..not really, she only told me to wait till you arrived". I smiled cheekily at him.

"Okay, Tory said you told her that you've worked as a waitress in a five-star restaurant before". He said as he opened the laptop in front of him.

"Yes", I answered simply.

"May I know the name?", he asked.

"The name is just Michelin Restaurant, it's quite similar to this restaurant", I looked up at him to see him smiling.

"That's because it is also owned by the CEO of this restaurant". My eyes immediately widened.

"Oh, wow... I've never met the CEO of my former workplace. I've always thought the manager there was the CEO, so you can't blame me that much". He smiled and nodded his head.

"The CEO doesn't just own these two restaurants, he also owns other enterprises like the popular Eko hotels". He said grinning from ear to ear.

"He must be very rich then". I said looking directly at him. The manager, in stark contrast to intimidating colleagues, appeared amicable. His jet black hair and mysterious eyes hinted at his handsome youthfulness. Presently, he exuded the aura of a man in his mid-fifties, yet there was something about him that suggested he may possess an underlying danger.

"You are hired miss Addams. Your official start date will be tomorrow, and Tory will be assigned to provide you with all the necessary details and information to effectively resume your work." I looked at him surprisingly, isn't he going to ask me more questions?

"Well, is that it?", he smiled making his deep dimples display on his cheeks.

"Yes, that's it, Miss Addams. I would love to interview you more but I have an urgent meeting to attend".

I immediately stood up and gave him a small bow.

"Thank you si....Mr Sebastian."

"You're welcome, Miss Addams'', I nodded and left his office.

Immediately after I exited Mr. Sebastian's office, the secretary swiftly made her way towards me, clutching a paper firmly in her hand.

"Here's a mapped out list on what you need to know, Miss...", she raised her eyebrows at me and tilted her head to the side a little bit as if to tell me to remind her my name.

"Ivory... Ivory Addams", I let out an awkward laugh.

"Whatever. These are just the basic things you need to know, it's been written simply so you could understand better", she said, handing the paper to me.

"You could have just said these things rather than writing them down on a piece of paper", I replied while glancing at the paper.

"I don't like wasting my breathe on things that aren't necessary." She looked me up and down again for the umpteenth time before she turned on her heels and walked away.

"What's her problem with me anyway?". I sighed deeply and made made my way out of the restaurant.

I exhaled deeply as the cool afternoon breeze whizzed across my face, making some loosed strands of my hair stick to my face, I gently tucked them behind my ear. I left the restaurant which I've come to know the name as 'The Marco's Michelin' few minutes ago. It was actually a luxurious restaurant and their food must be really expensive. My stomach suddenly grumbled and I recalled that I actually haven't eaten anything since morning.

To reach Ava's bakery, which is conveniently located just below our apartment, I eagerly hailed a passing taxi. It's worth noting that Ava's father generously established the bakery for her as a post-graduation gift. Despite her persistent offers to hire me and compensate me for my services, I politely declined. Ava has already done so much for me, and if I were to work for her, I would prefer not to accept any payment in return.

As soon as I stepped into the bakery, I greeted her with a warm smile because she was already standing by the entrance eagerly waiting for my arrival. Taking a glance around, my eyes captured the sight of a small group of customers leisurely seated at the opposite corner of the bakery.

"As much as I am eager to know how the interview went, but that'll have to wait because you look really, really famished", she said as she dragged me towards the kitchen. She served me cheese cakes and hamburgers and I feasted on it like a hungry lion.

"So, tell me. How'd it go?", she questioned while picking up my plate to drop in the sink.

"I didn't get the job", I looked down at my fingers making my voice sound as pitiful as possible.

"Aww, my baby...you know my offer for you to work for me still stands, right?".

"No, thank you and I actually got the job", I said giggling at her.

"Yeah, I know that." She playfully stuck out her tongue .

"I'll head up first, I need to freshen up and take a really good nap", I stated and I headed out of the bakery.

After a long day, I finally made it back to my room and closed the door forcefully behind me. Despite feeling relieved to have landed the job, I couldn't help but be grateful that I wouldn't be a burden to Ava anymore. Although she never complained, I didn't want to be a source of trouble for her any longer.

Exhausted, I collapsed onto the bed with a heavy sigh. As I lay there, my eyes wandered and caught sight of a picture sitting on my bedside table. It was a snapshot taken on my graduation day from high school, with my parents. They looked happy and proud of me. I really miss them so much. A solitary tear glides down my left cheek, emphasizing the harshness of death. It stripped me of my parents, leaving me bereft and alone in the world. Letting out a profound sigh, I delicately brush the tear away. The cherished memories we once shared as a family continuously replay in my mind, subconsciously causing me to drift into a slumber.