Annika and Kurt were still in the parking lot. It took time for Annika to process what Kurt wanted to do with their contract. She did not expect this outcome. Kurt can’t end this now, especially when my sister’s case is progressing. The salary from working in Noah’s bookstore was not enough to cover her sister’s lawyer fee. Her house was destroyed and she had nothing left, if they end this now, she wouldn’t have enough money left to pay for her food and rent. She took a deep breath. “I don’t want to end this, Kurt.” She looked him in the eye. Kurt sighed. “But you are changing yourself, Annika. You don’t have to do it.” “I didn’t want your plan to fail. I wanted to meet your mother’s standards so she would not suspect anything about our fake relationship.” She looked down, hold

“She got what she deserved.” Annika and Kate were both laughing as Annika shared with Kate what happened last night. The look from Kurt’s mother was priceless. Annika was more than ready to meet Kurt’s mother last night. Even though she thought Kurt’s mother was being sincere last night about the meeting but deep inside she knew there was something wrong.  “I don’t know what’s gonna happen next. Kurt talked back to his mother last night. He said he will not let her control his life anymore.” Kate was a bit surprised. Based on Annika’s stories, Kurt’s mother was a total monster and had been controlling Kurt’s life since he was a kid. But Annika and Kate were both amazed by Kurt’s courage to stand up for Annika. Well, technically, that was the right thing to do in the first place. 

Annika wanted to react but this is her first day in this work. This is a four-star restaurant. She needed to act professionally or else she would embarrass herself. She took a deep breath and composed herself. She put on a fake smile and pretended she didn’t know Kurt. “May I get your order?” Kurt recognized that smile. He knew it was fake. He wanted to pull Annika to the restroom and explain everything but he couldn't.  Ericka and Kurt were checking the menu. “See anything you like, Kurt?” her voice was friendly and cheerful. “Still checking it out.” Kurt sounded awkward. Annika was standing beside him. It was so awkward. “Well, I recommend you the beef wellington. It is one of our best sellers.” Ericka smiled. Annika’s self-esteem dropped down. Kurt’s date was also rich like him and the owner of this restaurant. She want

Annika gathered all her strength and courage to come back. Her heart was beating faster and faster as she came closer to Kurt. Kurt opened his arms, he looked like he wanted to hug Annika but Annika didn’t accept it. She was still embarrassed with her confession. Her face was still red. Kurt chuckled a bit. He held Annika’s hand and brought her to a garden. Annika was surprised to see all the decorations. There were lights and rose petals, a table set up for two with candles on the table. It looked magical. Then Kate appeared behind her, smiling. She was now confused. “What’s happening here?” she raised her eyebrow.  Kurt held her hand and brought her to the table. Kate wished Kurt good luck and went back to her room. “I set up this special table for us. I had planned this before the trip. Kate knew about it actually.” Annika was still confused.

After Annika ran away from Kurt’s business trip and had hurt him, because she thinks that she is not good enough for him and has doubts about his brother’s involvement in her sister’s case, things have been awkward since then. Annika awoke one morning and looked over to the other side of the bed, expecting to see Kurt, but he wasn't there. Even though it is still early, she feels unable to get out of bed since she is emotionally exhausted.But she still has things to do, so she got up and was hoping to find Kurt. Chef Joshua made breakfast for them and said, “Good morning Miss Annika. Please have a seat and have breakfast while the food is still hot.”Annika gave him a faint smile and immediately asked, “Good morning, Chef Joshua. By the way, have you seen Kurt? He wasn’t there when I woke up earlier. Did he go for a ru