Chapter 7 - Five star chef

The aroma of peppery beef stew and a hint of steaming white rice hit Avan the moment he got back to the mansion. The aroma was rich, savory and impossible to ignore. He stopped in the foyer. ‘When did I hire a five star chef.’

Drawn by the mouthwatering aroma, he traced it down to the kitchen, that’s when he saw her.

The soft fabric of her dress draped over her like a second skin, tracing her well defined curves with every stitch as she glided around the table top humming to a melody only her could hear. For a moment there, Avan forgot how to breathe. He found himself staring, the more he tried to look away the more his eyes kept dragging back to her.

“Mm…”, Kate tasted the stew that sizzled hot from the fire. “That taste,” she paused and savored it before smacking her lips. “Almost perfect, just one more thing.”

She grabbed another ingredient from the top shelf. “Ah, there you are.” A grin spread across her face. She stirred it in and tasted the stew again. “Perfect, mmm it’s really good, too bad Mr. Iceberg won’t be getting a taste.”

“I’m not eating out today.” His deep voice detonated through the kitchen vibrating off the walls. 

Kate’s breath tore from her throat as she spun around, the spoon clattering to the floor as her eyes crashed into him standing at the kitchen door.

“What?! “W-When did you get back?”

“Couple of minutes ago.” He shrugged.

“How long have you been standing there?”

 He didn’t respond but rather walked closer to her holding her gaze. He bent and picked up the spoon from the floor and dropped it beside her hand on the slab with a soft clink. His breath brushed her skin hot, Kate flinched, the hairs on her skin snapping taut and she suddenly became self conscious.

“Mr. Iceberg, huh? Be careful Kate. Icebergs sink ships.”

She gulped.

Avan strode forward and dropped a black folder onto the kitchen counter with a hard slap.

The sound made her fret. “What’s this?”

“Your invitation.”

She opened it stealthily. “The Onyx Gala! When does it hold?” She said eyes gleaming bright.

“Everything you need to know is inside there.” He responded flatly as he walked out.

Moments later, they were seated at the dining table.

Silence brewed between them, only the scrape of cutlery could be heard against the plate. The silence was getting under her skin. Almost everyone who tastes her meal always testify of how delicious it is. But him, he’s just going on eating without any comment. At least if he gave a bad comment she would understand that he has bad taste buds but he’s not even saying anything at all. 

“Well how is it?” She finally broke the lingering silence.

“Not bad.” Avan said as he mixed a portion of rice with the beef stew.

“Not bad.” Kate dropped her spoon on the edge of the plate which gave off a clink. “Not bad and you’re rushing it like someone who hasn’t eaten for the past three days!” she retorted.

Avan tries to say something but then hold back his words. He hadn’t had a proper home cooked meal and this tasted really good but he wasn’t going to express that to her. He rather continued eating.

Kate scooped a huge chunk of the rice onto her spoon out of frustration not realizing how much she had taken. “You shouldn’t have eaten when you wouldn’t..” She coughed, then broke into a hard wracking cough.

Avan handed her the glass of water by her side which she struggled to take while coughing.

“Thank you,” she said reluctantly when she became stabilized.

“You shouldn’t talk while eating.” Avan said bluntly continuing his meal.

Kate scoffed and stared at him, a part of her wanted to be angry but she didn’t have a choice.

After the dinner, they both retired to their separate rooms. She lay on the bed facing upwards reminiscing of what her life had become. A thought crossed her mind and she picked up her phone to text her mom. Then she dropped it back in frustration. She couldn’t, her mom’s phone was being tapped in case she receives any call from the supposed miscreants. She wasn’t going to ruin her plans. 

“The missing bride.” Kate said out loud and scoffed before the soft invite of the bed had her at a deep sleep. 

“What’s the commotion out there this early morning.” Mrs. Delaney said as she got out of the house, still squinting her eyes against the morning sunlight.

“Good morning Ma.” Fiona said as Mrs. Delaney approached the gate.

“Fiona, what are you doing here, it’s just seven in the morning.” She said as she spotted her. 

“I tried to come in but the security stopped me.” She protested.

“You can let her in.” She waved to the guards at the gate.

Fiona shot a scoff at the guards as she passed through.

“What with all these protocols?” 

“Oh, that’s just for extra protection.”

”Extra protection?” She inquired 

“You know since my daughter was kidnapped and all that.”

“Ohh, I understand.” She said taking her seat on the sofa in the living room.

“Why are you here?” 

Fiona’s pupils dilated as she became startled by the question. Mrs. Delaney didn’t bother but still fixed her gaze on her as if studying her deepest intent. 

“I-I wanted to know how are you coping?” She said feigning sympathy. “Her number is not still going through. I’m getting really scared at this point.” Fiona continued.

Scared, as if you’re not the reason for this unfortunate situation.