Chapter 26: Approaching the Plan

I gazed at the luxurious restaurant in front of me. The building consisted of three floors, and each floor had rooms with different functions and atmospheres.

The first floor was used as a kitchen and a dining area with a youthful vibe.

The second floor was dedicated as a family room, creating a relaxed and warm atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the third floor featured an exclusive space with a luxurious interior arrangement. This floor was intended for professionals who wished to entertain business partners or hold internal company meetings, with a room capacity of more than fifty people.

Even though I had come here several times, my reaction never changed. I was always left in awe. It felt extraordinary, difficult to describe in words.

I still remembered my first visit to this place, a very embarrassing experience. At that time, I came wearing flip-flops and a plain T-shirt, with my hair in a mess, truly looking like someone who had just escaped from a mental hospital. Of course, I was not allowed to enter easily.

One of the requirements to enter this restaurant was the prohibition against wearing flip-flops. Even without that rule, anyone should have known better before entering a restaurant as large and prestigious as this.

If it had not been for my emotions overflowing toward Tomi at that time, I would never have been willing to humiliate myself. I screamed hysterically, calling his name, becoming a spectacle for many people, until two security guards came out to restrain me. I could only kick the air while hurling curses as my body was dragged away by two burly men.

If Tomi had not come out and stopped them, I might have been thrown out disrespectfully, like a bundle of rotten rice with no use.

Ah, never mind. All of that was in the past.

Two waiters in black-and-white uniforms stood on both sides of the door, smiling warmly as they welcomed us.

“Welcome, Dara. Welcome, Frel. You are expected on the third floor, the central room,” one of them said while opening the door for us.

We nodded and returned the smile.

All the employees here already knew us, so there was no need for excessive formal greetings every time we came. Except for Tomi, who always insisted on being called young master, especially in front of his admirers. He truly loved to show off.

As soon as the door opened, the noisy chatter of customers greeted us. The restaurant looked crowded tonight, with almost every table occupied. The waitstaff moved back and forth, busy with their respective tasks.

I never grew tired of enjoying the view inside this restaurant. The atmosphere always felt relaxed yet comfortable. The interior design was elegant and modern. The combination of wood tones with black, white, and touches of red looked harmonious. Several sections of the walls and ceiling were decorated with striking wallpaper patterns that Tomi referred to as London Art Wallpaper, giving a unique and refined impression.

The lamps, enclosed in black metal frames, were left hanging above each table. Large glass windows stretched along the sides of the room, paired with various green plants in the corners. Everything created a fresh and soothing atmosphere, making visitors want to linger.

Dara and I walked inside toward the second floor, passing through the open kitchen area. Several employees greeted us and waved in our direction.

As usual, the kitchen looked busy. Some were preparing dishes, arranging food presentations, while others were cooking using the flambe technique, an attraction that always managed to catch my attention.

I saw Chef Indra lift his pan, and suddenly flames shot up, as if a small fire had broken out. With skillful movements, he shook the pan until the flames slowly died down.

It was truly amazing.

I began to wonder if this was one of the reasons the kitchen was designed to be open. Besides allowing guests to see how the food was prepared, they could also enjoy the chefs’ performances up close. Perhaps that was indeed the case.

After that, we continued on to the second floor. The atmosphere there was no less lively. This space was perfect for spending time with family. Tables were neatly arranged along large glass windows that stood wide open, offering an expansive view outside. The dominance of white tones, comfortable sofas, and greenery surrounding the room added to the sense of comfort.

Laughter and cheerful chatter filled every corner.

I briefly noticed a middle-aged man telling a story enthusiastically in front of his children and his wife. The story seemed so amusing that it made them burst into laughter. Happiness was clearly reflected on their faces. The wife then gently stroked their children’s hair, hugged her husband, and fetched him a glass of water.

I stopped walking. I stared at them for a few moments, then smiled bitterly.

That was the kind of family I had always longed for. A complete and harmonious family. The dream of every child, including me.

I bit my lower lip. Was I still allowed to hope?

Imagining something impossible was nothing but foolishness.

My smile turned bitter. I shook my head slowly. Feelings like this should not surface again. Had I not buried them long ago?

“Frel?”

Dara’s voice snapped me back to reality. She took my hand and smiled warmly. “Come on.”

I took a deep breath. Today was an important day for Dara. I could not ruin it.

I put my cheerful expression back on, returned her grip, and we went up to the third floor.

Dara’s smile widened. Anyone could tell she was truly happy. I smiled as well, even though I had to force myself.

On the third floor, there are three enclosed rooms lined up at the end of the hallway, each separated by soundproof walls. These rooms were intended for those who wanted complete privacy.

In addition, there was an open area with dozens of tables covered in smooth white silk tablecloths, illuminated by crystal chandeliers. Glass windows stretched along both sides, a distinctive feature of this restaurant that allowed visitors to enjoy the outside view from every floor.

A waiter who looked unfamiliar stepped out of the central room and closed the door behind him. Perhaps he was new.

With a friendly smile, he greeted us. “Young master Tomi is waiting inside.”

We nodded.

In front of the door, Dara began pacing back and forth while rubbing her hands together.

She looked nervous.

Seeing her behavior, I was certain she would not open that door no matter how much time passed. Eventually, I took the initiative to step forward.

My hand had just touched the doorknob when Dara’s shout stopped me.

“Wait!”

I raised one eyebrow.

“Let me open it,” Dara continued.

I pulled my hand back. However, instead of opening the door, Dara opened her bag, took out some powder, and began touching up her face. She reapplied her red lipstick.

“Done,” she said enthusiastically.

A few seconds later, she rummaged through her bag again, took out a small mirror, and fixed her hair. I could only shake my head and tap my forehead.

Completely over the top.

Dara merely chuckled at my expression, which looked like it was about to explode.

At last, she stepped closer to the door. Her right hand reached for the doorknob. She licked her lips, glanced at me briefly, then took a deep breath.

I tensed up as well, without realizing it.

Dara raised her fingers and counted slowly.

One. Two. She drew in a long breath. Three.

Click.

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

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