There's hardly anything Thierry Fauber doesn't know about food. When an opportunity presents itself, the talented chef risks it all by leaving Paris and moving overseas to open his restaurant.
A series of fateful events and encounters accompany him...
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I fixed my gaze on the snow-covered road ahead of me and listened to the instructions of the navigator.
Hopefully, I would arrive at my son's house without getting lost. I'd only been here once. As soon as the construction works finished, Thierry invited me to see the results.
Ollie, my architect, took care of the plans. Knowing how attentive to detail and professional he was, I didn't doubt the house would be amazing.
Thierry didn't request anything out of the ordinary. He wanted somewhere quiet to go to rest and relax when things were hectic, and I got that. Running a business could be draining, and nothing helped you put things into perspective and regain some energy as much as spending time someplace different. Being able to invite family and friends over was a bonus.
The robotic voice announced the end of my journey. I drove up the narrow road and spotted my son's property. The house stood, surrounded by evergreen trees. Other than the chirping of the birds, nothing disturbed the morning quiet.
I had the keys, which made surprising my son easier. Having unlocked the gates, I drove up the driveway and got out of the vehicle.
Silence reigned in the house when I made my way in. I frowned, glancing around the spacious hallway. Thierry should have already been here.
I contemplated checking the rooms, but then, some coats on the hangers by the front door caught my eye. One of them belonged to a girl. She must have been the daughter of my son's girlfriend.
"Bonjour!"
My voice echoed in the house. I listened in but heard nothing in response.
"Bonjour!"
I called again, and this time, footsteps could be heard on the second floor.
I didn't have to wait long. A tall, dark-haired boy came rushing down the stairs. Thierry had told me about him.
As of late, lots of our conversations revolved around Aiden. Thierry took to the guy Ellie was dating, and I could see why.
My son had been through a lot. What happened to him tormented me, and it surely left a big mark on him. There was nothing I could do other than be there for Thierry when he needed me, even if I had to do it without confessing that I knew his secret.
I'd known it for years, and I sometimes wished I hadn't.
"Good morning," the boy said once he was next to me. "I'm Aiden."
I shook his outstretched hand and smiled. "Victor. I'm Thierry's father."
"I should have figured that out. Ellie is here, too. We had no idea you were coming. It's nice to meet you."
Aiden's curious gaze studied me for a moment. Our exchange was interrupted by Ellie, who came downstairs a minute later.
