"Gabriel, do not— I repeat, do not— finish the chocolate pudding I made!"
A warm, exasperated voice drifted through the small but cozy apartment, carrying an air of playful warning.
Sienna Wilson emerged from her bedroom, her thick brown hair tousled from sleep, cascading in loose waves down her shoulders.
Her hazel eyes— a striking blend of amber and green— held a mix of amusement and mock irritation as they landed on her best friend, who was already perched at the kitchen counter, spoon in hand, mid-bite.
She was a woman of curves, her body soft yet strong, a testament to her love for food and the life she poured into her craft.
Dressed in an oversized sweater and a pair of leggings, she padded barefoot across the wooden floor, her expression exasperated but affectionate.
Gabriel, an effortlessly charming man with sharp features and an easy smile, raised a brow as he scooped another bite of the rich dessert into his mouth.
"Oh, please, Sienna," he said around the spoon, unfazed. "You can always make more. I mean, that is why you went to culinary school, right?"
Sienna scoffed, crossing her arms. "That is not the point. The point is that I was saving that for later. And yet, here you are, inhaling it like it's your last meal on earth."
Gabriel grinned, his dark eyes gleaming with mischief. "What can I say? You're an artist in the kitchen, and I am but a humble admirer of your craft. Besides,"—he licked the spoon for emphasis—"your stress baking is my personal gain."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't hold back a small laugh. Their friendship had always been this way— effortless, filled with teasing banter that made even the heaviest days feel lighter.
"You stress-baked again, didn't you?" Gabriel prodded knowingly, setting the empty bowl aside. "What is it this time? Nerves about the event tonight?"
Sienna hesitated, glancing at the clock.
Tonight was the soft launch of her catering business— a project she had poured her heart and soul into. It was her first official event, a chance to prove herself, to step out of the cycle of instability that had defined so much of her past.
But before she could respond, the shrill ring of her phone interrupted.
She sighed as she glanced at the screen.
Hector.
She hesitated before answering.
"Hey," she greeted softly, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.
"Sienna," Hector's voice was calm, almost indifferent. "I wanted to let you know I won't be able to make it tonight."
A frown etched itself onto her face. "Wait— what? Hector, this is my night. My first real step toward building something for myself. I need you there."
"You need to try to understand—"
"Understand what?" Her grip on the phone tightened. "You're my boyfriend. You're supposed to be the one cheering me on."
There was a pause, and then a sigh.
"Please don't make this hard, Sienna."
A cold weight settled in her chest. She'd heard those words before— too many times to count. They were always spoken in the same dismissive tone, as if she was the problem. As if expecting the bare minimum was asking for too much.
She pressed her lips together, swallowed the bitterness rising in her throat, and then, without another word, she ended the call.
Gabriel, who had been listening quietly, leaned against the counter with a knowing expression. "Sienna," he drawled, arms crossed, "why do you keep dating the same man in a different body?"
She exhaled sharply. "You wouldn't understand."
Gabriel arched a brow but said nothing. Instead, he changed the subject.
"Anyway, Fernando is great. Wonderful, actually." His lips curled into a soft smile. "I think he might ask me to move in soon."
Sienna's frown melted into something warmer. "That's amazing, Gabriel." She reached for his hand, squeezing it gently.
"You deserve that. Someone who sees you, who actually shows up for you."
Gabriel held her gaze for a moment, a silent exchange of understanding passing between them. Then, as if to break the moment before it grew too serious, he smirked. "Obviously. I am a catch."
Before Sienna could respond, a knock sounded at the door.
She turned, walking toward it with a curious frown. When she pulled it open, the sight of the woman standing there filled her chest with warmth.
Luciana Varela.
With kind brown eyes and a graceful yet commanding presence, Luciana had been the closest thing to a mother Sienna had known since childhood. She stepped inside, her face lighting up with a soft smile.
"¿Cómo estás, mi niña?" (How are you my girl?). she asked in Spanish, her voice warm.
"I'm fine," Sienna replied automatically, though the weight in her tone suggested otherwise.
Luciana studied her for a beat before shaking her head knowingly. "Tengo buenas noticias para ti." (I have good news.) she said, switching to Spanish again.
Sienna blinked. "What?"
Luciana exhaled, placing her hands on her hips. "Dios mío, it is disheartening that after all these years, you still don't understand much Spanish."
Sienna snorted. "I do understand— just not as fast as you speak."
Luciana rolled her eyes but let it slide. "Remember those wealthy households I told you about? The ones looking for a private chef?"
Sienna nodded.
Luciana's lips curled into a triumphant smile. "Well, I secured you an opportunity. The selection process is happening this weekend, and I made sure your name was on the list."
For a moment, Sienna simply stared, her heart stuttering in her chest.
"You— you what?"
Luciana chuckled. "You heard me."
A slow, incredulous smile spread across Sienna's face. "Oh my God, Luciana. This is— this is huge."
Luciana reached out, cupping her face gently. "You have worked too hard for too long, mi niña. You deserve this chance."
Sienna's throat tightened with emotion. "I don't even know how to thank you."
Luciana waved a hand dismissively. "You can start by getting the job. That will be thanks enough."
From the kitchen, Gabriel's voice rang out. "Sienna! Do you have croissants? I suddenly have a craving."
Sienna turned toward him with a dramatic sigh. "Are you ever not eating?".
Luciana shook her head, amusement dancing in her eyes. "Is Gabriel here again?"
Sienna groaned. "Unfortunately."
Gabriel popped his head around the corner. "I heard that."
Luciana chuckled. "It's good to see that some things never change."
And for a moment, standing there between the people who felt most like family, Sienna felt the smallest flicker of hope.
Tonight, her heart was bruised. Tonight, disappointment lingered in the air like a bitter aftertaste. But maybe— just maybe— better things were coming.
And for now, that was enough.