" Mon Coeur! Darling! Élise wake up!" Élise's Mum,Amélie called out. " I know you must be very tired but you have to get up and prepare for work" .
" Thanks Maman"She responded sluggishly.Her hair was very messy.
The smell of fresh bread wafted its way into their apartment like always. Not theirs, of course—the tiny apartment above the bakery hadn't seen warm Brioche or buttered crescent pastries in months.But every morning,the scent drifted up the stairway, teasing Élise like a cruel reminder of everything she didn't have.
She looked around the little room.Her mum was singing and preparing meals. Her brother, Julien, is having breakfast. His shirt, a little bit torn, was pressed with care last night. His shoes worn out begging to be free from its master's clutches.
"I'm full Maman.I want to go to school now Maman" He said cutely.
" Here's your lunch Ma Princé.Be a good boy for Maman,ok" She said, brushing his curls with her hand.
" Yes Maman" He said,then dashed out. Not without kissing his Mum and Sister goodbye. "Goodbye Lili"
" Goodbye Mon chérie" She bade with a little smile tugging at the corner of her lips.
She entered the tiny bathroom, took her bath and did other business. She pulled out a grey straight gown, the design already fading out and wore. She brushed her red hair and tied it into a messy bun. No makeup.
I am better looking natural
She always thought. Élise always looked breathtaking with or without makeup.
She put on her shoes, slid her handbag.She checked if everything was intact including her knives in its leather roll.
I am not forgetting anything,right? She asked herself to be sure.
" Are you going to work today maman?"
" Yes, Mon Coeur. It's my duty to provide for you and your brother" She replied dishing out Macarons for Élise's breakfast.
" Don't forget your meds, Maman" She said, picking out two Macarons from the plate and kissed her Mum Goodbye.
" You should eat properly for once," She said painfully with concern.
" I'm okay.I don't want to be late Maman!" She shouted,already at the stairs.The door creaked.
" I made her Favourite meal, she looks so thin, now look…" Amelie lamented bitterly to herself.
She cleaned up and went to prepare for work.
Outside the dusty one-storey building, Cobblestones slick from last night's rain. Paris greeted her with its usual contradiction. The rich smell of roasted coffee curling out from a café where businessmen already sipped their morning espressos. Delivery trucks rattling by, car rides splashing through puddles.
The air was damp, cold enough to sting her cheeks, but it woke her nerves in the best way. Across the Seine, the Eiffel Tower loomed in the mist like a warning, or a promise.
" Good morning Margot" She greeted one of her kindest neighbours who smiled and greeted back.
" Morning,Ma cherie"
As she walked,heads turned to look as she walked down the tarred road.They were really mesmerised by her beauty and height.
" Hey Belle" A slanky guy came out from nowhere, dressed exactly like a thug, bumped her shoulder.
He winked at her with a goofy smile.
" What do you say about tonight,huh?" He said, even blocking her way.
Élise's jaw tightened,anger slowly rising.
She glared hard at him,if only her eyes could really rip him apart.She was really late for work.
Who does this idiot think he is ?
"Get out of my way, you fool" She said,
teeth clenched.
"Uuuhh I like fierce and sexy"A mixed stench of alcohol and cigarette from him.
"You are the—
"Hugo! go fix that car,you destroyed it !" His mechanic Boss thundered at him. "Fix it! You fool!" He fired again.
Hugo scurried off like a drenched cat.
"Go on Élise" He assured.
"Merci Monsieur," she said.
She got to the bus station.
✨
She stared at the restaurant.
Chloé cooks boldly written on it.The moment she stepped inside, the warm, inviting atmosphere enveloped her . Soft jazz music floats through the air, and the scent of freshly baked baguettes wafts from the kitchen.
I can never get used to this. She thought.
The interior is tastefully decorated with vintage French posters, rustic wooden accents, and plush red banquettes. The lighting is dim and intimate. A beautifully crafted wooden bar stands at the back, adorned with an array of French wines and artisanal cheese.
Waiters roaming around trying to collect orders from customers.The bustling Kitchen full of chefs cooking and stirring like they are in a war contest with the pots and pans.
I wished I owned this restaurant
She thought again as she drifted into wonderland.
She doesn't want luxury for herself— she wants respect and a chance to prove her worth.
"You're late.Chef Élise" The head chef jolted her from her dream land.
"Am sorry sir, It won't happen again.
I promise" She pleaded, composing herself.
" You know the restaurant's policy, it will be deducted from your salary" He said with an unreadable expression.
" No sir. please! You know I need the salary" She pleaded almost kneeling.
No he shouldn't, Not when I still have plenty of Father's debt to pay.
She thought exasperately.
" Hmmm…I'll cover up for you because of your delicious Macarons.But there won't be a next time,dear" He warned.
" Yes sir, thank you very much sir" She smiled happily.
"Hey beautiful" Her colleague,John greeted. His sexy American accent dripped.
" Hey handsome" Élise flirted back.
" You're good? Why don't you prepare this customer's order,yeah?" He said,his eyes still focused on the shrimps on fire.
" Sure,"she replied.
She glanced at the orders displayed on the screen of the tablet.
Coq au Vin and crème Brûlée
Okay let the cooking begin!
She said to no one in particular as she wore her cap and ties her Apron properly.
Chef Élise is a whirlwind of culinary magic.
With swift movements,she seasons a chicken breast, then sears it in a hot skillet. She adds a dash of cognac, igniting a brief flame that caramelizes the sauce. Next, she adds mushrooms, onions, and bacon, finishing with a sprinkle of fresh thyme. The aroma of rich, red wine sauce fills the air as she plates the dish.
Meanwhile, she whips up a creamy custard base, expertly tempering eggs, sugar, and cream. She pours the mixture into ramekins and bakes them to a silky perfection. With a flourish, she caramelizes a layer of sugar on top of each ramekin, creating a golden-brown crust that adds a satisfying texture.
In that remarkably short time,she presents the dishes to the waiting servers, who eagerly whisk it away to the delighted diner.
Just in,her phone rang, BESTIE displayed on the screen.
She excused herself to the Ladies room.
" I've told you to stop calling me during working hours." She cautioned Sophie,her voice very low.
" Oh Babe, you know I never listen" She grinned.
" Mmm I know, so wassup"She asked, knowing how crazy Sophie can be with gists.
" I'm going out on a date with my Professor!!!" She squeaked, almost blocking her ears through the phone.
" Oh no", Élise said, terrified. knowing the hell of a trouble maker she is .
" Oh yes," she giggled." And by the way, thanks for helping out with my project. Thanks for being a brainac,you made me land on a date with the hottest professor on campus!"
" Glad I could help," she replied with sarcasm.
"You're gonna make it to my graduation, right?" She asked.
"Won't miss it for anything in the world"She said reassuringly even when she was sceptical about it.
" Can't wait!"
✨
Élise returned to the kitchen and prepared more meals.Soon it was break time.She scrolled through her phone.
Something caught her attention— An advert for the recruitment of a private chef for Antonio . With these words;
Only 15 Applicants.Salary might cost you a fortune if you miss this opportunity now! .Deadline—*Aug 15*.
What's today's date?
Oh my god, It's today!.
She panicked a little. She straightened up and clicked the link. She sends her bold message: " …Give me one chance and you'll never forget". She heaved a sigh and scrolled up.
Only then did she see the face behind the advert ... Antonio Moreau.