Abby

I'm still clutching my phone so tightly that my knuckles are probably turning white. I'm standing in the middle of the cold storeroom, my hands shaking slightly as I wait for Mr. Thompson's verdict. “I've called to inform you of the results from last night,” he says. “First of all, I hope you're doing well.”

"Y-Yeah, I'm doing good,” I manage, struggling and, quite frankly, failing to keep my voice steady. "And you?”

Mr. Thompson chuckles lightly. “I'm well, Abby,” he says, and I can hear the smile in his voice. I can picture him on the other end of the phone, probably smirking as he speaks. Is he enjoying toying with me? I need to hear the results!

My heart skips a beat, and 1 grip the phone even tighter. “Look, Mr. Thompson—" I begin, but he cuts me off.

"After careful consideration,” he interrupts, “the judges have decided...”

My heart feels as if it's about to stop. This is it. My career feels like it's hinging on this moment. Everything I've worked for, everything I've sacrificed, all comes to this. And Mr. Thompson, kind, sweet, compassionate Mr. Thompson, is taking his damn time with telling me. I want to scream. "You're going to cater the Alpha gathering.”

A rush of joy floods through me, and I can't contain my excitement. “Um.. ahem... excuse me,” I manage. Without waiting for a response, I put the phone down for a moment and just stand there. Then, I'm suddenly jumping up and down, squealing with delight. I clamp my hand over my mouth, trying in vain to hide the absurd sounds that are coming out of me.

This is it! This is the opportunity I've been waiting for. No, not just waiting for, working for. And despite my odds, I made it. Everything is going to change from here on out.

Mr. Thompson's voice crackles through the speaker then, breaking through my reverie. “Abby?” he calls out, his voice muffled by the distance. “Abby, are you there?”

I pick the phone up again, my voice breathless. “Mr. Thompson,” I breathe, “I can't believe it! Thank you so much! I promise I won't let you down.”

He laughs warmly. “I have no doubt about that, Abby. Your talent and passion shine through in your cooking. But that's not all.”

I quirk an eyebrow. “It's not?”

“No,” he replies. “Look, Abby, your story has captured the hearts of many. People are fascinated by your journey, and we believe it could be a great opportunity for your restaurant as well. I've scheduled a TV interview for you. It's tomorrow. Can you attend?”

I swallow, nodding even though I know he can’t see me. “O-Of course,” I say. “Of course, I could do that.”

But then, Mr. Thompson's tone turns more serious as he continues. “But there's one more thing I'd like to discuss. We've received numerous requests from viewers who are enamored with your mysterious sous chef, “Ken.’ He should appear on the show with you.”

My excitement falters for a moment. I hadn't anticipated this. Karl had played an integral part in all of this, but that was behind us now. He was back at home, focusing on his Alpha duties... and his new future Luna. He couldn't appear on television, not like this.

“I'm sorry, Mr. Thompson,” I say, my voice filled with regret. “But he won't be able to appear on TV anymore. In fact, he's no longer working with me to this capacity. It was only a temporary arrangement.”

There's a brief silence on the other end of the line. I can feel Mr. Thompson's disappointment through the phone. “I see,” he finally says. “That's unfortunate. But I understand.”

I can't help but feel a pang of sadness. Karl has been so supportive throughout this journey, and it hurts to think that I won't have him by my side for this next step. But I also know that it's for the best.

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