I missed her already, a gnawing ache in my chest, but I knew I had to pull myself together. As I stood in the silent manor, the system screen appeared before me, glowing softly.
[New Mission: Prepare a Special Lunch for Yura]
I sighed, feeling a mix of anticipation and anxiety. The reminder was timely; it gave me something tangible to focus on. Yura had been working so hard lately, and a thoughtful gesture like this might brighten her day.
I arrived at my restaurant, the bustling energy a stark contrast to the quiet of the manor. The aroma of freshly cooked dishes filled the air, and the clatter of pots and pans created a symphony of kitchen life. Chef Kang greeted me with his usual stern but friendly nod.
"Morning, Jiyeon. You look... distracted," he noted, his keen eyes missing nothing.
"I'm fine, Chef Kang. Just thinking about a special lunch I need to prepare," I replied, forcing a smile.
He raised an eyebrow but didn't press further. "Alright then. Let's get to work."
We moved seamlessly through the kitchen, each of us knowing our roles and responsibilities. The morning rush was just beginning, and I immersed myself in the flurry of activity, chopping vegetables, tasting sauces, and overseeing the plating of dishes. The familiar rhythm of the kitchen was soothing, a balm for my restless mind.
As the orders kept coming in, I found myself working next to one of our newer chefs, Minji. She was young but incredibly talented, her knife skills precise and quick. We exchanged a few words as we worked.
"Jiyeon, can you taste this sauce for me?" Minji asked, holding out a spoon.
I took a sip, letting the flavors roll over my tongue. "It's perfect, Minji. Just the right balance of sweet and spicy."
She smiled, a touch of pride in her eyes. "Thanks. I'm still getting the hang of the seasoning."
"You're doing great," I reassured her. "Keep it up."
Around mid-morning, I started gathering ingredients for Yura's lunch. I decided on her favorites: a delicate bibimbap with a variety of fresh vegetables, marinated beef, a perfectly fried egg, and a side of kimchi. For dessert, I prepared a batch of mochi filled with sweet red bean paste.
Chef Kang noticed my efforts. "Special occasion?" he asked, his tone casual but curious.
"Just wanted to do something nice for my wife," I said, focusing on slicing the beef thinly.
He nodded approvingly. "Good. She deserves it."
As I worked, the other chefs occasionally glanced my way, curious about the special lunch I was preparing. There was a sense of camaraderie in the kitchen, a shared understanding that we were all part of something bigger than ourselves.
"Jiyeon, those look amazing," Minji said, peeking over my shoulder as I arranged the vegetables in the bibimbap bowl.
"Thanks, Minji. It's for my wife, so it has to be perfect," I replied, adding the finishing touches.
Once everything was ready, I carefully packed the lunch into a traditional bento box, making sure it looked as beautiful as it tasted. The vibrant colors of the vegetables and the golden hue of the egg made for a stunning presentation.
With the lunch packed neatly, I left the restaurant and headed towards Yura's workplace. The journey felt longer than usual, my mind racing with thoughts of how she would react.
When I arrived at the company building, I was met with a bustling scene. Employees were coming and going, and the reception area was abuzz with activity. I approached the receptionist, a young woman with a friendly smile.
"Hello, I'm here to see Yura," I said.
"Of course. She's in her office on the top floor. You can take the elevator right over there," she replied, pointing towards a sleek, modern elevator.
As I stepped out of the elevator on the top floor, my eyes immediately landed on Yura. She was standing near her office, looking radiant as always, but she wasn't alone. An imposing Alpha woman was leaning close to her, speaking in a low, intimate tone.
The Alpha was striking, her presence demanding attention. She had a tall, athletic build, with broad shoulders and a confident stance. Her dark hair was pulled back into a sleek ponytail, highlighting her sharp, angular features. Her eyes, a piercing shade of green, flicked over me with a mix of curiosity and disdain. She was dressed in a tailored suit that accentuated her powerful frame, exuding an air of authority and dominance.
I felt a pang of jealousy twist in my chest.
I walked over, my footsteps echoing in the spacious corridor. The Alpha noticed me first, her gaze flicking over me with mild curiosity before returning to Yura. "And who is this?" she asked, her tone condescending.
Yura turned, her face lighting up when she saw me. "Jiyeon!" she exclaimed, stepping away from the Alpha and towards me. "What a surprise!"
I forced a smile, trying to keep my voice steady. "I brought you lunch."
The Alpha's eyes narrowed slightly. "How sweet. I was just about to ask Yura to join me for lunch."
Yura glanced between us, sensing the tension. "This is Jiyeon, my partner," she said firmly, taking my hand.
The Alpha raised an eyebrow. "Partner, huh? Interesting." She took a step closer, her presence almost overwhelming. "Yura, you deserve better. Someone who can match you in every way. Not... this."
Her words stung, but I kept my composure. "Yura's with me because she wants to be. Now, if you'll excuse us, we have lunch to enjoy."
The Alpha laughed, a low, mocking sound. "Is that so? What can you offer her that I can't? Power? Influence? Protection?"
Yura tightened her grip on my hand, her eyes flashing with anger. "Stop it, Karen. I've made my choice, and it's Jiyeon."
Karen's expression darkened. "You're making a mistake, Yura. When you realize it, I'll be waiting."
I stepped forward, my voice cold. "Yura's not interested. Leave her alone."
Karen smirked. "Or what? You think you can take me on?" She looked me up and down, her eyes full of disdain. "You're nothing compared to me."
That was the last straw. I moved before I could think, my fist connecting with Karen's jaw. The impact sent her staggering back, her eyes wide with shock.
"You'll regret that," she hissed, lunging at me.
We grappled, our movements quick and fierce. Karen was strong, but I fought with a determination fueled by love and protectiveness. We crashed into the desk, sending papers flying, but I didn't relent.
"Stop it! Both of you!" Yura's voice cut through the chaos, but we were too far gone to stop. Karen's punches were powerful, but I dodged and countered, landing blows of my own.
Finally, I managed to pin Karen to the ground, my knee pressing into her chest. "Stay away from Yura," I growled, my voice deadly calm. "This is your last warning."
Karen glared up at me, her pride wounded. "Fine," she spat, struggling to get up as I released her. "But this isn't over."