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chapter 57
Last Updated:
2025-04-17 07:22:41
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The chef and The charmer chapter 58
EvelynWaking up in Damien’s arms was… not part of the plan.And yet, here we were.Somewhere between my REM cycle and existential crisis, I’d apparently decided his chest was my new pillow. His arm was snug around my waist, and one of his legs—his legs, people—was tangled with mine.I blinked at the ceiling in silence.God, he smells good.No. Nope. Brain, don’t do this. We’re not doing this today. He’s my boss. A fake boyfriend. A relationship prop with very nice arms. That’s it.I carefully, very carefully, tried to wiggle away like some kind of stealthy ninja.Damien grumbled in his sleep and tightened his hold.I froze. My soul left my body. For a second, I thought he might kiss me in his sleep and I’d have to legally commit arson just to escape the situation.But after a beat, he relaxed again, and I used that window of mercy to scoot to the edge of the bed like it had grown lava.Freedom.I slipped into the bathroom, splashed cold water on my face, and gave myself a pep talk in
Last Updated : 2025-04-17The chef and The charmer chapter 59
Later that evening, the weight of the message still hung heavy in my chest.“E.”It was just a single letter, but it had shaken something loose inside me—a distant memory, a flicker of something unresolved. I kept trying to brush it off, tell myself it was nothing, maybe a prank or an old contact resurfacing with the worst timing imaginable. But deep down, I knew better.Still, I needed a moment to breathe. A break from pretending. From questions. From my spinning thoughts.So, I pushed the message out of my mind, tucked it into the mental box labeled ‘Do Not Open Unless Necessary’, and did what I should’ve done weeks ago—I called my dad.The phone rang twice before I heard his voice, gruff but familiar. “Evelyn?”“Hi, Dad,” I said, the word catching slightly in my throat. “It’s me.”There was a pause, long enough for guilt to twist inside my stomach. Then a heavy sigh came through the line. “Took you long enough.”“I know,” I whispered. “I’m sorry. I’ve been… all over the place latel
Last Updated : 2025-04-18The chef and The charmer chapter 60
After getting back from the bus station, I went straight to my room to start moving my things back from his. This back-and-forth has kept my mind occupied, stopping it from wandering to thoughts of who E really is. after finish rearranging my room,I sat on the edge of the bed, the afternoon sun light casting long shadows across the room. The message from “E” still lingered in my mind, a haunting echo that refused to fade. I picked up my phone again, staring at the screen. The message was there, but something was off—there was no number attached. Just the letter “E” and the cryptic words that had unsettled me.My heart dropped. No number meant no trace, no way to identify the sender. It was as if the message had materialized from thin air, a ghost from my past reaching out to remind me of things I’d rather forget.I scrolled through my old contacts, biting my lip as I searched for any “E” that could be the culprit. Emma? Eric? Both names stared back at me, each carrying its own set of
Last Updated : 2025-04-18The chef and The charmer chapter 61
Damien povI couldn’t sleep that night. Not with the sound of her voice echoing in my head—quiet, shaking, broken.“Go away, Damien.”I knew I’d screwed up the moment she slammed the bedroom door in my face.The sound echoed through the penthouse like a final sentence, and I stood there—palm against the wood—feeling like the world had tilted sideways. I’d accused her of orchestrating some elaborate scheme, dragging me into this mess just to escape her past. I even brought up Eric, that smug bastard from the fintech forum.God, what had I been thinking?I ran both hands through my hair, pacing the hallway like a man without a plan. I had to fix this. I wanted to fix this. But I couldn’t bulldoze my way in—I had to earn back her trust one small step at a time.And so I did. I walked away like she asked, but every cell in my body screamed at me to turn around. To pound on the door again. To make her listen. To explain.But she didn’t want explanations. She wanted space.I sat on the couc
Last Updated : 2025-04-19The chef and The charmer chapter 62
Evelyn povI’m not the type of person who easily lets others in. It’s been that way for as long as I can remember. After everything with Eric, I built walls so high that no one could see the real me, and I swore I’d never let myself feel that vulnerable again.But something about Damien… something about the way he’s been showing up these past few days has been shaking those walls, brick by brick. It scares the hell out of me.I’m not sure what to do with these feelings. I can’t even recognize them anymore. Every time I think I’ve gotten a grip on my emotions, every time I convince myself to keep him at arm’s length, he does something else—something small, something thoughtful—that pulls me closer.Like when he showed up unannounced last week with my coffee blend, leaving a note with just a simple, “For peace, and your heart. – D.”Or the way he’s been learning my recipes, helping me prep when I’ve been overwhelmed, or how he’s been asking about my business like he actually cares. I kn
Last Updated : 2025-04-19The chef and The charmer chapter 63
The kitchen was unusually quiet. Even the familiar hum of the refrigerator sounded louder than usual, filling the silence left behind by the conversations I didn’t want to have. I stood at the marble counter, carefully arranging the last of the mini pastries I’d baked for the catering contract Damien had helped me land.The client had been thrilled—effusive with praise and delighted by the presentation. She’d even mentioned wanting to recommend me to a few corporate clients. On any other day, I’d have been ecstatic. I should have been celebrating. But instead, a hollow ache curled itself around my ribs, tugging with every breath.I tried not to let it show. I busied myself by fixing a ribbon around one of the platters, smoothing out the creases like it was the only thing that needed fixing.Since that night, since the argument that left me emotionally shredded, Damien had been… different. Not cold exactly. Just restrained. His usual warmth, the sly glint in his eyes, the playful touch
Last Updated : 2025-04-21The chef and The charmer chapter 64
“This just came for Evelyn,” the man said, handing the bouquet over with a forced smile before leaving just as quickly.My stomach twisted. Damien reached for the envelope tucked among the stems and handed it to me wordlessly. I opened it with trembling fingers.The card was plain. No logo. No handwriting I recognized.Just three words, elegantly scripted in dark ink:From yours, beloved E.I stared at the words, a cold shiver running down my spine.“They know,” I whispered. “Whoever this is… they’re watching me. Us.”I expected Damien to explode. To start pacing or pointing fingers or getting angry all over again. But he didn’t. Not this time.Instead, he stepped closer and gently took the card from my hand. He looked at it once, jaw tight, then looked at me. But his eyes held something softer than fear.“I won’t let anything happen to you, Evelyn,” he said, voice steady. “Whoever this is—whatever they’re trying to do—we’ll face it together.”I blinked, surprised by the calm in his t
Last Updated : 2025-04-21The chef and The charmer chapter 65
(Damien’s POV)The Montgomery estate loomed ahead, a testament to centuries of wealth and power. Nestled amidst rolling vineyards and ancient oaks, the mansion was a harmonious blend of medieval fortitude and refined luxury. Its stone turrets reached skyward, while ivy-clad walls whispered tales of generations past. The estate’s grandeur was both awe-inspiring and suffocating—a perfect stage for the spectacle my mother had orchestrated.Evelyn sat beside me in the car, her gaze fixed on the winding driveway. She wore a navy-blue dress that complemented her complexion, but her posture was tense, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The recent anonymous messages had unsettled her, and the impending engagement announcement only added to her unease.As we stepped out, the estate’s staff lined the entrance, their expressions a practiced blend of warmth and deference. Leading the welcoming committee was Uncle Anthony, whose leering smile made my skin crawl. Beside him stood Cousin Miranda
Last Updated : 2025-04-23
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The chef and The charmer chapter 77
Evelyn povThe morning sun spilled into the penthouse, casting golden streaks across the hardwood floors as I zipped up my weekend bag. Damian’s shirt hung loosely off my shoulder, paired with biker shorts I’d found at the back of my drawer—comfort and borrowed masculinity. The faint hum of the city below was a distant murmur, like background music to the chaos in my head about what to pack.“Are you planning to move in somewhere I don’t know about?” Damian’s voice floated in from the doorway, a hint of amusement curling around the words.I turned to see him leaning casually against the frame, coffee in one hand, his eyes already undressing my over packed duffel.“Just being prepared,” I said, tossing in one more pair of shoes. “You said weekend getaway, not survival challenge. I don’t know if we’re hiking, wine tasting, or trespassing.”He smirked, stepping into the room to set the mug beside me. “Little bit of all three, maybe. You’ll love it.”“Define ‘love it,’” I muttered, alread
The chef and The charmer chapter 76
Evelyn povAfter pancakes and stolen kisses, I thought the day would melt into lounging in silk robes and playfully arguing over which movie to stream.But Damian had other plans.“Get dressed,” he said, standing in the doorway of the bathroom, towel slung low on his hips, hair still wet from the shower.I blinked up at him from the bed. “Why? This robe and I have a solid relationship.”He smirked. “Not as solid as ours. Now come on. I’m stealing you for the day.”I tilted my head. “Where are we going?”“It’s a surprise.”“Will I need heels or sneakers?”“Neither. Just bring your smile,” he said, before disappearing again.I threw a pillow at the door. “That is not helpful, Blackstone!”But I got up anyway, heart fluttering with the same giddy excitement I hadn’t felt since… maybe ever.—By the time we were in the car, I was in a sundress, soft pink and flowy, and he was in a crisp white linen shirt with the top buttons undone. Casual but devastating.The drive was scenic—Damian kept
The chef and The charmer chapter 75
evelyn povThe moment the elevator doors slid open, Damian didn’t wait. His hand found mine as he pulled me into the penthouse, the quiet click of the doors sealing us away from the world behind.The gala was hours behind us, but the emotions were still raw. The confrontation, the tension, the way I had stood my ground—and the way he had protected me and, All of it lingered between us like a spark begging to be lit.As soon as the door shut, he turned and kissed me.There was no pretense. No slow buildup.Just lips on lips, deep and consuming. His hands found my waist, guiding me backward until my back met the wall. He kissed like he needed to feel alive again—like I was the only thing anchoring him to the ground.I gasped softly as his mouth moved along my jawline, and my fingers tangled in his dark hair. Damian’s breath was warm and uneven, his words muttered against my skin.“You have no idea what tonight did to me.”His hands slid down to my hips, pulling me closer, and I smiled a
The chef and The charmer chapter 74
evelyn povDamian and I eventually reached the center of the room, where a small gathering of powerful figures stood, engaging in animated conversation. But I felt the heat of Eric’s gaze on me before I saw him move.And then, it happened.Eric’s eyes locked onto mine, and everything around me seemed to blur into a hazy, distant noise. My heart stopped for a beat, my breath caught in my throat.“You’re here,” he said, his voice tinged with disbelief as he approached us, completely disregarding the woman on his arm.Damian stepped in front of me, his posture protective but calm, a silent warning in his stance. “She doesn’t owe you anything, Eric,” he said, his tone even but firm.Eric shot Damian a look of disdain but didn’t say anything to him. Instead, his gaze stayed locked on me. “I thought I might get a word with you. You know, for old time’s sake.”I resisted the urge to recoil at the way he said it. His smile was still that charming one, the one that had once made my heart race,
The chef and The charmer chapter 73
evelyn povThe city lights shimmered through the tinted glass as the Rolls-Royce Phantom glided through Manhattan’s evening traffic. Rain had left the roads slick, reflecting bursts of gold, red, and sapphire from traffic signals and store signs. Inside the car, the world outside barely touched them. There was only the hush of leather seats, the faint hum of tires, and the palpable energy between us.Damian’s hand rested on my thigh, warm and grounding. He hadn’t spoken in a few minutes, just looked at me like he was memorizing everything—my curls cascading over my shoulders, the sheen on my collarbone, the curve of my lips still stained with his kiss from earlier.Then, as if unable to hold it in any longer, he turned slightly in his seat.“I have something for you.”I blinked, my heart hiccupping. “What is it?”He reached into the inner pocket of his tailored jacket and pulled out a small velvet box.My breath caught.He opened it slowly, revealing a ring so intricate it almost didn
The chef and The charmer chapter 72
(Evelyn’s POV)If someone had told me a few months ago that I would be wrapped up in a whirlwind with Damian Blackwell—the Damian Blackwell—I would’ve laughed them out of the room. Yet here we were. Caught in a strange kind of bubble, floating somewhere between reality and something that felt too good to be real.After that night with Eric, after the investigation plans and the rush of tension, something shifted between us. It was subtle, but it was there, threading through our days like silk ribbons. A look that lasted too long. A brush of fingers that lingered. A softness in Damian’s voice when he said my name.The next morning, I woke up to the smell of fresh coffee and cinnamon. For a moment, I thought I was dreaming.Then I walked into the kitchen and found Damian standing there—shirtless, wearing only a pair of soft gray sweatpants, his hair deliciously messy, stirring something in a pan like he’d done it a hundred times.He turned when he heard me, a boyish grin stretching acro
The chef and The charmer chapter 71
Damian stepped forward, his presence imposing as always. “I’m warning you, Eric. You don’t want to go down this path.”after I stood up then and walk toward Damien and now am face to face with Eric, my heart pounding in my chest. I wasn’t going to let Eric—my ex, the man who had betrayed me with my best friend—control the narrative of my life anymore. He didn’t get to decide what people knew about me, what I owed anyone. And certainly not after everything I had fought through to get here.“Damian, stop,” I said, my voice steady despite the rising tension. “I’ll handle this.”Damian looked at me, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I could see the conflict in his eyes—he wanted to protect me, but I knew this was something I had to face on my own. After everything I had been through, after all the ways I had been silenced, this was my fight now. And I was done being passive.“Eric,” I called out, stepping toward the door, my voice firm. “You’re not going to tell my story. I’m going
The chef and The charmer chapter 70
Evelyn povThe penthouse felt quieter tonight, the dim light from the chandelier casting soft shadows on the sleek walls. The city buzzed below, but up here, it felt like a world apart—one that was just mine and Damian’s. The kind of space where, for once, everything else could fade away. The soft clinking of glasses, the hum of the stove, and the sizzle of food in the pan were the only sounds filling the room, and even they felt like they were part of a private rhythm we’d only just begun to understand.I moved in a fluid motion as I sautéed the vegetables in olive oil, a simple but comforting dish that had come to be my way of showing Damian I cared. After everything that had happened, after the tension and misunderstandings, there was something about cooking for him that made me feel like I could finally breathe again. It was the first time in so long that I didn’t feel like I was just pretending to be something I wasn’t. Cooking for Damian was different. It was honest, like the fo
The chef and The charmer chapter 69
Evelyn povThe restaurant was one of those places you don’t find unless someone wants you to. Tucked between rows of elite boutiques and imported wine bars, it was all low lighting, pressed linens, and whispering waiters. I should’ve felt proud. Accomplished, even. Instead, my skin buzzed with an unease I couldn’t quite name.Damian had surprised me at the mentorship kitchen that evening, walking in like he belonged in every room—even the ones meant for me. I didn’t mind, not really. At first, I thought he came to support me. But over dinner, I started to wonder if he came to stake a claim.He’d been quiet since we sat down. Not in the way people are when they’re tired or content. It was the kind of silence that hangs off every movement. His eyes darted between me and my phone, lingered too long on my wrist where Chef Marcellus had also my complimented bracelet and of my dishes. Pride lingered in his gaze, but so did something sharper.I tried to laugh it off. “You’re quiet tonight. D
