Maddison's jaw dropped. She looked around the restaurant, then back at Elias. Billionaires were truly different from regular folk. They could own one of the most coveted restaurants in the culinary world without batting an eye!
"How did that acquisition even happen?" She asked out of curiosity.
The Head Chef, Theo, was well-known in the culinary world for being passionate and a perfectionist. Maddison was surprised to learn that the King Family owned his restaurant.
"Theo never cared much for the business side of things. So the opportunity came up for us to manage it. So I agreed. It was a profitable partnership after all. And bonus, the food is delicious," Elias explained with a smile.
Just as he finished speaking, the appetizers were served. Elias had ordered a Greek onion soup and a small platter to share. He picked up a spoon full of soup, blew on it gently, and fed it to Maddison.
She didn't shy away nor question it. She opened her move to receive the warm spoonful of soup, not realizing what she had done until after. She was blushing with embarrassment as she swallowed slowly.
"You're a natural," Elias remarked with a grin.
Maddison played it off, "Well, we are a couple, are we not?"
She reached her hand over the table to hold Elias's. He didn't shy away either. The billionaire was confident in everything he did. Maddison put together a bite from the platter and fed it to Elias.
She made sure to blend in the sauces with the bite for a burst of flavor.
"Is it good?" She asked.
"Delicious, better than usual."
"Oh? Chef Theo must have brought his A-game today," Maddison chuckled.
"No, it's not that," Elias said as he shook his head.
"Then what is it?"
"It's because you're feeding it to me."
How shameless could he be! Maddison laughed a little, cheeks blushing as red as ever. It had been a while since someone flirted with her like this.
[Control yourself, Maddy!] She said to herself internally.
A part of her knew none of this was real. This was all part of the contract she had signed with Elias, to be his girlfriend and in three months, she would become his bride. But what if her heart was racing for real?
"Elias, how's the food this evening?" a gruff voice called out from behind, pulling Maddison out of her thoughts.
She recognized the voice from the programs she had watched. It was the Head Chef, Theo! Maddison was starstruck as he spoke candidly with Elias. The two of them looked like close friends catching up.
"Who's this beautiful lady you have with you this evening?" Theo asked as he glanced over at Maddison.
She hadn't realized it then but she had been staring at him since he came to the table! She quickly regained her composure as Elias introduced her to him.
"This is my girlfriend, Maddison Lane. She's a huge fan of yours."
Maddison shook Theo's hand. She could not believe it! She was so star-struck she was speechless.
"She's also a chef by trade," Elias added.
"Really? I hope my food is up to par today," Theo mused.
"It's delicious. I love everything!" Maddison blurted out.
Theo chuckled and so did Elias.
"Thank you, I'm so glad you're enjoying it," Theo replied kindly.
Before their conversation could continue, a waiter came over to speak to Theo.
"My apologies, the kitchen needs me. Please, enjoy your evening."
Theo left to return to the kitchen. Maddison covered her face with her hands. She was so embarrassed! She finally got to meet a chef she looked up to and she could barely speak to him.
"For what it's worth, I'm sure that isn't the worst interaction Theo had with a fan."
Maddison looked up at Elias in defeat, "Really?"
Elias nodded, "Really. He's had marriage proposals from fans before."
"What?" Maddison gasped.
Theo was handsome, wealthy, and famous. Any woman would be lucky to have him for a husband so she could see why. But to propose to him? That was crazy!
After finishing their appetizers, the main course was served. Despite having her fill of appetizers, Maddison was still hungry when the steak arrived. She looked over the table to see what Elias got. As it turned out, he ordered the same thing too.
The first bite of perfectly cooked steak with a dollop of truffle mashed potatoes was divine! Maddison was overwhelmed by the flavors that melded in her mouth. Elias watched her as she ate.
He could not help but smile when he saw how much she enjoyed the food. He mentally pats himself on the back for making the decision to invite her to the restaurant for dinner.
When they finished the main course, a dessert was brought to their table.
"The Head Chef sends his regards along with this dessert. He hopes that you both have a pleasant evening," Their waiter said as he placed it on the table.
It was a slice of baklava cheesecake. There were crushed pistachios and honey in between layers of filo pastry. That was just the top layer. The cheesecake below was light and aromatic, both parts perfectly complimented each other.
Elias and Maddison each took turns feeding each other a bite of it while chatting. They had a wonderful time together. When they were done with dessert, Elias called for the bill. He left a huge tip for the staff before leaving with Maddison.
Just as they stepped out of the restaurant, a middle-aged couple came up to Maddison. The middle-aged woman hugged her immediately in tears.
"We finally found you! After so many years, we finally found you! I can't believe this!" The woman exclaimed.
The man who was with her was in tears too. Maddison was confused by the scene before her. She looked to Elias who had an equally confused expression.
"Who are you? Do I know you?" Maddison asked.
"Have you already forgotten who we are, child? We're your parents, we've been searching for you ever since you went missing ten years ago!"