Chapter 7: The Double Life Begins
Evelyn carefully adjusted the white chef's uniform, tying her apron as she prepared for another shift in the culinary school's training restaurant.
She exhaled, steadying her nerves.
Tonight was an important night. The school had invited guest food critics, and she was determined to prove herself.
"Evelyn, you're on pastries," Chef Romano instructed. "Make them flawless."
She nodded. "Yes, Chef."
As the night went on, Evelyn lost herself in the rhythm of cooking—the delicate art of whipping cream to the perfect consistency, piping designs on tarts, balancing flavors.
For the first time in her life, she felt completely in control of her own destiny.
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At home, however, she kept her culinary studies a secret.
Her father, Richard Ravenshire, was supportive but still assumed she was only considering a culinary path. Her mother? She would be horrified if she knew Evelyn was seriously pursuing it.
So, Evelyn lived a double life.
During the day, she attended select business meetings with her parents. At night, she cooked until her hands ached.
And she had never felt happier.
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