Days after the competition, Paris had grown quieter.
Maya had returned to her routine — teaching part-time at a local culinary school and working on her dream of opening her own restaurant.
Life felt calm again — until it didn't.
That morning, Adrian called.
> "I'm flying back to Paris today," he said, his tone steady but careful.
"Good," she replied cheerfully. "I have something to show you — the restaurant location I found!"
But what he didn't tell her was that he wasn't coming alone.
---
Later that evening, Maya waited at the café they loved — a bouquet of tulips beside her coffee cup.
When Adrian finally walked in, she stood to greet him — only for her smile to fade.
Behind him walked Daniel Moretti.Her rival.
The man who had mocked her dreams during the competition.
"Daniel?" she whispered.
Adrian smiled, unaware of the storm brewing. "Maya, meet our new investor. Daniel owns a luxury restaurant chain. He's partnering with my company to expand a high-end culinary project."
Maya blinked. "What?"
Daniel's smirk deepened. "Small world, isn't it, Sharma?"
Her chest tightened. "Very small."
---
The meeting was polite on the surface, but beneath it, tension simmered like an overboiling pot.
Maya sat stiffly while Adrian discussed the collaboration. Daniel's every word felt like a challenge.> "Of course," Daniel said smoothly, "we'll need a talented creative head. Someone who understands flavor and presentation."
His gaze slid to Maya. "Perhaps Maya could audition for it — if she's ready to play with the professionals."
Her fingers curled into fists under the table. "I'm already one, Mr. Moretti."
Adrian's smile faltered. He sensed it now — the bitterness, the history.
He tried to lighten the mood. "Daniel's just teasing. He respects your talent."
Daniel chuckled. "Respect is earned, not given."
Maya stood abruptly. "Then I guess I'll have to earn it again."
And she walked out before either of them could stop her.Outside, the Paris wind hit her face.
It wasn't just anger — it was hurt.
How could Adrian bring him of all people, without warning her?
Minutes later, Adrian found her near the bridge, staring at the river.
"Maya—"
She didn't turn. "You knew who he was."
"I didn't, not until yesterday. Daniel approached me for a deal, and it made business sense—"
"So you made the deal before even asking me?" she cut in, her voice trembling.
"Maya, it's just business."
She turned, eyes glistening. "No, Adrian. It's my world. My dream. You brought my worst critic into it — without even thinking how I'd feel."
He sighed, stepping closer. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you."But you did."
Silence. Only the sound of rain starting to fall between them.
"Maya," he said softly, "this partnership could open doors for you too. Don't let your pride get in the way."
Her jaw tightened. "My pride built me when no one else believed in me — not even you, back then."
The words struck deep.
He swallowed hard. "So that's what you think?"
"I don't know what to think anymore."
She turned and walked away, leaving him standing alone as the rain soaked through his coat.
---
That night, Adrian stared out of his hotel window, watching the city blur through raindrops.
He replayed her words over and over — the hurt, the disappointment.Meanwhile, Maya sat by her stove, staring at a pot of soup she'd forgotten to stir.
The taste of success suddenly felt bitter.
Because love, she realized, wasn't just about holding hands in the rain.
It was about trusting someone to walk beside you — even when dreams collided.