CHAPTER EIGHTEEN:EVERYTHING IS BETTER WITH FOOD.

DAlway

As the heavy trolleys of food were expertly wheeled into the room by a team of professional chefs, Lisa followed closely behind them, her demeanor a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Dominique, observing the scene with a subtle smile playing on his lips, couldn't help but admire how his assistant had outdone herself once again.

The petite brunette, always eager to please her boss and avoid his disapproval, was a picture of professionalism and efficiency in her role. However, as she glanced over at Kalina, Dominique's fiancée, she couldn't miss the look of apprehension etched on the woman's face.

"Are you planning to throw a banquet?" Kalina's voice was tinged with a high pitch, sending a shiver down Lisa's spine as she feared displeasing her boss's future wife.

"I am so sorry, ma'am. Is everything not to your liking?" Lisa's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her eyes wide with dread.

Kalina, sensing the tension and realizing her unintentional effect on Lisa, quickly softened her expression. "Not at all, Lisa. Everything looks wonderful." She offered the woman a reassuring smile, prompting Lisa to release a relieved breath.

"It's just that you took the word 'heavy' to another level," Kalina added teasingly, lightening the mood and eliciting chuckles from Lisa and the chefs alike.

Kalina's genuine smile of relief mirrored Lisa's own, as the tension dissipated in the room. Meanwhile, Dominique watched the exchange with keen interest, noting Kalina's pure heart and kindness, as well as her respectful demeanor.

At that moment, Liam entered the room, brandishing Kalina's new phone, followed by Andrew and Jake. The atmosphere shifted as the group joined the gathering.

Kalina's face lit up with genuine delight as she spotted Liam, a familiar face she genuinely liked amidst the professional atmosphere. Despite Liam appearing a bit disheveled, she couldn't help but recall their shared moment of camaraderie when she hauled profanities at his boss earlier on their way to the office and Liam letting out subtle chuckles in response, instantly declaring him her newest favorite person.

"Liam!!You're just on time!" she exclaimed, her voice laced with warmth as she approached Liam, effortlessly pulling him towards the trolley laden with food.

"Don't just stand there, come over here," she beckoned, casting a glance over her shoulder at Andrew and Jake. The two men exchanged nervous looks, their gaze darting towards their boss, who observed the scene with a mixture of curiosity and amusement, wondering what his spirited fiancée was up to.

With a subtle nod of approval from Dominique, the imposing bodyguards reluctantly followed Kalina's lead, their curiosity piqued by her unexpected invitation. Each step they took towards her was filled with a sense of apprehension, unsure of what to expect from the scene unfolding before them.

Once the group was assembled, Kalina's excitement spilled over as she addressed them all, her voice brimming with enthusiasm.

"Now that you all are here, this banquet is complete! Everyone pick up something of your choice, you four included," she said with excitement gesturing to Lisa and the three chefs.

But instead of complying, the group's reactions ranged from excuses to outright deflection.

"I have a document to print," Lisa suddenly said, her voice trembling slightly.

"Well, I need to make sure the press are all gone," Liam chimed in, all business.

"Me too," Andrew said quickly, echoing Liam's sentiment.

"Same," Jake followed suit, looking for an escape route.

The chefs attempted to divert attention by suggesting the need to prepare more food, but Kalina wasn't having any of it. With a sudden burst of frustration, she halted their attempts at escape with a resounding "Stop!" Her hands firmly planted on her hips, she fixed her gaze on Dominique, determined to assert herself.

"If they don't pick something from this trolley," she declared stubbornly, her voice unwavering, "then the chef should roll it out the same way they rolled it in."

Dominique's gaze turned cold as he stared at Kalina, a silent warning not to push the matter further. But Kalina stood her ground, determined not to let her efforts go to waste.

Dominique remained stoic, his expression unreadable as he met Kalina's defiant gaze. His cold stare sent a silent threat to the group, conveying his displeasure at the whole ordeal.

"If they don't pick something, then Lisa's effort would be in vain," Kalina, undeterred, continued to stand her ground, her voice tinged with frustration as she glanced briefly at Lisa, unaware of the spotlight now on Lisa, whose discomfort was palpable under her boss's brief scrutiny.

For Dominique, it wasn't about Lisa's efforts, he could care less about that, it was about ensuring Kalina was taken care of. Despite his indifference towards her, he held firm to the principle ingrained in him since childhood: to provide for and nourish his woman. And in that moment, regardless of their unconventional circumstances, Kalina was his woman.

The tension in the room was palpable as the group awaited Dominique's response, their discomfort evident as they silently wished to be anywhere but there, caught in the crossfire of Dominique and Kalina's power play.

After what felt like an eternity of tense silence, Dominique finally relented, his expression softening as he addressed the group with a resigned tone.

"Pick something from the trolley and get out," he commanded, his voice carrying a mixture of authority and weariness.

Kalina couldn't suppress the victorious smile that spread across her face at Dominique's concession. Her eyes sparkled with triumph as she watched him give in to her insistence.

The group wasted no time in complying with Dominique's directive. With a sense of urgency, they quickly grabbed items from the trolley as if fleeing a burning building. Their movements were swift and efficient, eager to escape the uncomfortable atmosphere that had settled over the room.

Liam lingered for a moment, the last to leave. With a respectful nod towards his boss, he carefully placed Kalina's new phone on the glass table before making his exit. His gesture was a silent acknowledgment of Dominique's authority and a sign of respect towards Kalina.

As the room emptied, Kalina happily selected a few items from the trolley and settled back into the sofa, her excitement evident as she prepared to indulge in the feast before her.

Dominique's gaze remained fixed on Kalina as she ate, his expression a mixture of admiration and bewilderment. He couldn't help but marvel at her stubborn determination and fiery spirit. In all his years, he had never encountered anyone quite like her.

Despite the challenges she brought into his life, Dominique couldn't deny the excitement and unpredictability that Kalina added. As he watched her enjoy her meal, he realized that life with her could never be dull or monotonous. And in that moment, he knew that he wouldn't trade their tumultuous relationship for anything else.