The restaurant kitchen was silent that morning — too silent.
No laughter, no clatter of pans, no teasing comments from the team.
Everyone could feel the tension between Maya and Adrian.
They were still working together for the partnership project, but now… every conversation felt like walking on broken glass.
Maya focused on her station, slicing vegetables with precision sharp enough to cut through her thoughts.
Across the counter, Adrian typed on his laptop, sending emails, giving quiet instructions.
Their eyes never met.During lunch, Daniel entered the kitchen.
The moment his shoes clicked against the floor, Maya's jaw tightened.
"Chef Maya," he said smoothly, "I must say, your passion is impressive. Investors are already asking about your restaurant concept."
She didn't look up. "Good. Then we won't need you much longer."
He smirked. "Oh, but you will. After all, your contract says all profits go through my firm. You signed it."
Her knife stopped mid-air.
"What?"
Adrian's head snapped up. "Daniel—what are you talking about?"
Daniel shrugged casually. "Clause 7.3 — she didn't read the fine print. Joint ownership of all brand extensions under this project."Maya's voice shook. "You tricked me?"
Daniel leaned closer, lowering his tone. "Not tricked, Maya. Partnered. Don't forget, I can make or break your dream."
---
When Daniel left, the air felt colder.
Adrian turned to Maya.
"Maya… I swear, I didn't know."
She laughed bitterly. "You didn't know? Or you didn't want to know?"
He took a step forward. "You think I'd let him do that to you on purpose?"
Her eyes glistened. "I don't know what to think anymore, Adrian. You keep saying you're on my side, but somehow… everything always ends up hurting me."
Her voice cracked, and before he could reach her — she tore off her apron and walked out.
---That evening, Maya sat alone at the river café — the same one where they'd once shared pastries and laughter.
The lights reflected in the water, blurred by her tears.
She scrolled through her phone, looking at their old photos — him smiling behind her, flour on his cheek; her laughing, carefree.
It all felt like another lifetime.
Just then, her phone buzzed.
An email.
> From: Paris Culinary Institute
Subject: Invitation – Global Fusion Project in Tokyo
Her eyes widened.
They wanted her — a position as guesthead chef for a year-long collaboration.
It was her dream offer.
But it meant leaving everything — Adrian, the restaurant, Paris.
She closed her eyes.
Maybe it was time to choose herself.
---
Meanwhile, Adrian was in Daniel's office — anger radiating off him like fire.
"You manipulated her," Adrian hissed.
Daniel only smirked. "She should've read the contract. I just played smarter."
Adrian grabbed his collar. "Cancel it."
"Or what?" Daniel sneered. "You'll walk away? Don't forget, I own shares in your restaurant, too."
Adrian's grip loosened — reality sinking in.
He couldn't fight him without losing everything.That night, Maya sent Adrian a message:
> "I'm leaving Paris for a while. Please don't look for me.
Some dreams are meant to be chased alone.
He read it twice. Three times.
And then — just like that — she was gone.
---
The next morning, the café where she used to work was silent.
Her apron hung neatly on a hook.
And beside it, a small note:
> "For the memories — both sweet and bitter.
—M"
Adrian pressed the note to his chest, eyes closed.
He'd never realized how much noise a goodbye could make in silence.