Chapter 20 2

Past

The spring break was going on but this time to rejoice was not doing any good to me. It was another deal to deal with my issues, but with Serena, it was all together with a different experience; because as time progressed, Serena started to get paranoid regarding her excellence in the hospitality industry.

And today was no exception. She woke up with a bad dream of having failed the exam. She cried in my arms like a child while I consoled her like a mature man reminding her of her positive points. One part of my heart was in deep guilt for hiding my insomnia issues from her, but I thought it was too soon. It has just been one and half months since she shifted to my place. Throwing my troubles at her all of a sudden wasn't very sensible in my opinion.

"Where are we going?" Serena who sat frustrated beside me in the car inquired finally. I planned to remove her worries a little by making her do something which she loves. Thus, this surprise will remain a mystery to her till the time we reach there.

After a quite curious ride, I halted the car at The Rogers, one of the top hotels of New York situated on Madison Avenue.

Her eyes popped out of her sockets as she gaped at the board that was welcoming all the students of Hotel management specializing in Food and Beverage Management; providing a chance to highlight their talents in flavor earning them a prestigious opportunity to intern with The Rogers.

"You are not kidding me, right?" She turned to gape at me, her voice was revealing her thrill and excitement.

"Of course not, Darling." Her face fell suddenly. I wasn't able to comprehend the reason behind her sadness but then she threw herself in my arms removing her seat belt, taking me by surprise completely.

"No one has ever valued my wishes; not even my parents. Thank you so much. You know you are the best of best boyfriend ever". Her confession took me by absolute surprise because I always thought that she might be her parents' favorite. And it was a kind of revelation for me that she wanted someone to value her.

"I am here to value your wishes always, Serena. I love you". Pulling back from me, she gave me a long-wet kiss on both cheeks sending me in a state of electrical ecstasy of her love. Grinning, she got down while I followed her league.

Once the introductions were done, the instructors began explaining to them the requirements of internships, along with other details necessary for the cooking challenge. It was a ninety-minute cooking challenge, and they had to present the best innovative dish, which will be up to the absolute level of precision like that of Masters of Cookery.

I stood there in the waiting area along with other family members of the contestants, while my eyes were fixated on Serena, through the glass wall. She went behind her bench, and as the timer began, she started her work.

From where I could see, I think she was going to do something with the lamb. The idea seems tempting because of course meat was quite a trend in this hotel.

An hour passed in a jiffy while all the contestants, were busy completing their tasks but to my disbelief, Serena was burning holes in the girl who was next to her.

I could see them arguing like they wanted to rip each other's soul out. I was petrified about the consequences of Serena being eliminated halfway only. Oh no, this girl!

"Shit!!" Cursing I ran straight to the main area. Till now the instructors have gathered already, and I was sure from their looks that they were not incredibly pleased with Serena's behavior.

"Serena!!" I held her through her elbow pulling her back from the blonde girl, but my girl was literally pulling her hair out. Surely, the girl will need hair therapy now.

"What the hell is wrong?" I yelped gaining her attention finally. She turned to look at me with a horror-struck look and then angrily, spat at the girl.

"You bitch! See, because of you now my boyfriend is angry with me."

"Ms. Waldorf, mind your language please. Mr. Price will you please mind taking your girlfriend out. She is wasting her and our time. We can't have so much immature people in our hotel." One of the instructors said, leaving me in utter shock. Gosh, I so didn't want this.

You are in trouble now, Waldorf.

"Sir, please can we sort this out. I am sure she has a valid reason for this fight. Please can we sort it. She is a great cook. Please don't let this jeopardize her career." I pleaded with all my heart. Though I hated explaining to people for her betterment, I was ready to do it.

"Fine, we will put the timer on hold, and you can sort this. But it's just for five minutes. Mind you. And Ms. Waldorf, you have a nice man by your side, at least for him, be decent.”

The tall man declared and left giving the girls a glare while my eyes were stuck at Serena who was glaring at the blonde.

Before she can kill the girl, I held her wrist and dragged it out, but not before warning the blonde, " Don't think that you won, Ms. I will see to your end well.”

With one final look, I dragged Serena away to a secluded corner and demanded in a stern and angry tone, "Are you crazy? What was it about? Did you even realize that you got yourself insulted in thousands of people?"

"So, what is a big deal? The world is mad. They see and believe what they want to, not what might be the truth so why should I bother about stupid opinions. And if that bitch will talk to me about stealing you then what do you expect me to do? Give her a sweet smile in appreciation and say: - Oh my gorgeous, why don't you try your luck on my boyfriend whom you were assuming to be my elder brother". She taunted me sarcastically folding her arms on her chest.

Her eyes were glaring at me with so much intensity that I was sure if we were home, she would have slaughtered me only.

But what surprised me is the fact, that she did it for me. And the thought itself was enough to bring a smile to my lips.

"She was asking me to help her in order to woo you. Bitch wanted you in her bed while she was giving dreamy looks to that young instructor. Two timer bitch!" She added disgusted at the mere thought of that blonde around me.

"You will put your reputation at stake for me?" The question was out before I could even realize it. Her angry eyes softened listening to my soft voice.

Stepping closer to me, she wrapped herself in my arms. My arms automatically draped around her slim figure. We held onto each other tightly showing our fondness and possessiveness to the other.

A few seconds later I felt her kissing on my heart above my T-shirt, while her determined tone echoed in my ears; "You have no idea to what extent I might just go for you. I love you so much Daniel.”

The words were simple but held so many promises that my insides were exploding with passion for her. And there I knew that she wasn't going to back off from me ever.

She will rip Everything apart that will come between us.

But then my mature mind questioned me: Will she rip Carolina apart from your mind?

Present

The next day morning as I sat on the breakfast table watching Nathan and Serena, cracking jokes together, I realized that she is exactly doing what I wanted her to do. Rip Carolina apart from my soul. I haven't conversed with her after our unexpected hug, because my mind was traveling in her memories as well as of my past.

Ever understanding like always, she didn't question me much but gave all the attention to Nathan. For once I was actually pleased with this, but my rational mind was even worried about what she was up to today.

"Mommy, what are we going to do now?" Nathan asked excitedly. It was his weekend off and he was all the happier that he only had to wake up early for a day in the week. How amusing!

"We are going to play a game in your Dad's restaurant today."

"What???" As soon as I heard her reply, my first word was my questioning Yelp, followed by me standing shooting daggers at her. Game in the Price Inns. Has she gone mad?

"Well according to today's plan, I selected Letter E which means Experiment with your heart. So, your heart lies in the restaurant, so we are going to play the game there. Now no more queries, Danny baby. Follow me". She explained me and before I knew it, giving Nathan a piggyback ride, she strode out of the door leaving me all exasperated.

I am going to become bankrupt definitely!

I have never felt like banging my head on the wheel so much as I felt today, hearing Serena and Nathan decide the game they wanted to play in the diners.

Think Price Think. Every single thing costs crores over there, are you willing to risk it?

OH Jesus, why did you take my mind away when I was falling in love? You should have at least seen that the girl won't put me in a mess like this from where I can't even come out?

But let's think, what games can they play? Table tennis!

OH, God!! The big dining is the target. Mommy! I am going to be a beggar.

Musical Chairs!

If one of them falls on the tiled floor, the tiles are at risk and with that the entire area. Ohh, Lord!

I know now that she is revenging me for breaking my office.

But my office doesn't have expensive stuff for a reason.

Hell! I am not allowing them to play in the main area.

"Have you become deaf or what?" I heard Serena yelling at me and that is when I realized that I was standing at the entrance like a zombie. But when did we reached?

Probably, when you were calculating the losses you are going to incur now.

"Ahh...what??" Coming back to the place where I still stood transfixed, she stomped her foot on mine like it was nothing.

Holy Lord. My feet!

I held my leg with one hand, glaring at her. I can hear Nathan giggling like a schoolgirl while his mother was showing her strength to his father.

Traitor! Wait till the time you need stuff from me; then I will see what your mother does.

I heard the whispering of the staff and seeing my murderous glares, all zip-locked their mouth.

"Now shall we move, or do you want to dream more about your Angelina Jolie?"

"Huh??"

"Why will I dream about Jolie that too in daytime?" My poor mouth did the mistake of asking the question making all eyes look at me without even blinking. What did I do now?

"Daniel!" Serena yelled angrily giving me a straight punch on my stomach.

"What wrong did I say?" I was still confused at her behavior.

OH shit!! Who says that you will dream about Jolie in the daytime?

Asshole, she is thinking about night and doesn't forget through twisted fate, she is your girlfriend.

I definitely ate a wrong breakfast today.

"Now follow me before I bring this entire restaurant down." She declared walking towards the kitchen while I simply followed her with my heart on my sleeves.

Kitchen in trouble!!

"Nathan babies choose one dessert from these!" She said giving a magazine to Nathan while I along with all the chefs looked at her in fear. Of course, we were afraid of the tsunami, that she can bring here. If she can make the Daniel Price puddle of her fingers, then what is this Price Inns?

I was dreading what was to come, so were the others but Serena wasn't. In fact, she was helping Nathan to decide.

"Okay so Price we want to eat, Napoleon's. You have two hours’ time. Cook and serve us, but today your chefs won't help you, instead you are going to make this dessert all alone for the special menu of the noon." She ordered like she was the owner while I was working under her.

What??

"Dammit, are you mad?"

"Yes, now start working or you will lose the opportunity to make me agree to your any terms; which is the consolation prize of this whole challenge." She added making my jaw hang on my sides. I turned to look at the ten master chefs of my kitchen who have attained expertise in different cuisines.

"What are you staring at me you duffers? Start working." I ordered frustrated running my fingers in my hairs.

"She knows martial arts, Sir. Sorry we can't help you. We have to cook the meals. The dessert is on you". The Australian cuisine head stated, and I felt my head spinning. Of course, she would have threatened them. That drama queen.

"Come on Dad. Your time starts now!" Nathan said looking at his watch. Gritting my teeth, I snatched the magazine from Serena wanting to study the ingredients. Surely, I know how to cook but cooking the French pastry that too which is such a delicate piece of art, I felt my head twisting in knots.

I decided to go with a four-layer pastry since Napoleon means a thousand layers in French. It was certainly a risky task since I wasn't aware of any of the element's exact location.

"Come on baby. Your image is at stake. If the dessert doesn't go out on time, just think your repo in times square is gonna go down!" Serena commented and I just realized that she was thinking of herself to be like one of those anchors of the MasterChef seasons.

I grabbed the bowls, pans, blenders, ingredients, and everything else which I certainly didn't know but read in the magazine. How cool! My mind was blank.

Twenty minutes already passed with searching elements, and now I was on the run to prepare the dough of the puff pastry which is like the most important task of the dish.

Arghh!!

"Come on Dad. Rock it". Nathan cheered for me while I gave him a tight smile giving a side glare to Serena who was controlling her laughter.

But the main question was: What will she achieve by this?

Shrug it off Price!! Your image is what you need to achieve now!

"Need some help lover boy!" I could sense her mock after several minutes. I continued my task of whipping the cream and then I even have to add other stuff.

"You will be needing help from me Waldorf. That too in night. Just wait and watch!" Smirking, I turned my head towards her to see blush creeping up her cheeks. Looking behind for once, I stole a kiss from her lips shocking her, and then proceeded with my task as nothing happened.

I worked like a mad bull becoming the prey of my own ploy. I was struggling to get this done while my chefs have already sent the meals out.

"5 minutes to go, Price!"

Where did the time go?

"Ohh God!!" I took out the puff pastry from the oven and they looked delicious. I started applying the cream as per the instructions, ready to serve.

It was hot yet delicate but something I could say that was, it was full of flavors. My dedication was pouring out in the dish and I just hope customers love it.

"50 seconds to go, Dad. Hurry up!" Nathan concluded as I struggled to get the plates glaring at the staff who were controlling their laughter.

I finally served and garnished it on the plates. Checking the outcome, I was actually stunned with my plating. It was quite nice.

"We will take this out!" The waiters took out the plates out while I passed one to Nathan and Serena who dug in like they were hungry for ages. My poor babies.

"It's yum yum, Dad. You are the best". Nathan jumped in my arms, giving me a tight hug and a wet sloppy kiss on my cheeks. I looked at Serena who was smiling at me knowingly. There was some relief on her face.

The waiters came inside with happy faces nodding at me, that people loved the dish while I signaled others to carry on the task further. Putting Nathan on his feet who immediately ran to his seat to dug on his pastry again, I turned to look at Serena who was eyeing me curiously.

Cocking my head to one side, I asked in a challenging tone, "What did you got by all this?"

I took the support of the bench, while she moved her face near mine and whispered huskily, "Since the time I told you about playing game here till now, how many times did you recall your past?"

Past!!

My past!!

I don't remember!!

I looked at her clueless. I didn't remember it even one time because throughout I was busy counting the damage and then making my dish. It will be like three hours since I dwelled on anything related to my past.

Pecking my lips, she grinned.

"Your silence is the answer that you forgot about it." She added with a mischievous look plastered on her face while l looked at her in amazement. A genuine smile crossed my lips, and gaining my attitude back, I called the intercom instructing my manager, "Max I want you to prepare a one-year contract on Serena Waldorf's name as one of the dessert chefs in the Price Inns."

Serena's eyes went wide with a totally perplexed look, while her smile kept on growing bigger and bigger.

"For now the deal will be of a year but after that if she thinks us worthy enough of her services, we will make it permanent. Is that clear?" I kept my eyes glued to hers while she was beaming at me in unexplainable emotions. I always knew she wanted to work with me, and I would have offered it earlier only but then our breakup happened, and the rest is, of course, a history.

Keeping the intercom, I turned my attention to her. She was about to say something, but I cut her off, "I will do what you will say for five days, but if in those five days you don't succeed, then that very moment, there will be no treatment for me. No talks about getting rid of my past whilst you will only be a professional acquaintance for me and nothing more. You will move on in your life and will stay happy."

I challenged her with an explicit stubborn yet sincere tone. She was grasping my words as if she was not able to believe that I will do something like this, but I had to do it.

I wasn't sure whether I'll open up or not, but I didn't want her to ruin her life for my sake. I can give her anything but for her to feel the happiness of becoming a mother is something I can't give her because I can't get intimate with her to that level.

I was waiting for her to fight and accept it because I knew she can win over anything and this time I wanted her to win me.

"Challenge Accepted, Price. The game is on!" Flipping her hair, she went back to Nathan while I stood there taking in her every feature with an evil smile on my lips.

Break the Shell Waldorf, and Price is yours till eternity!!