The CHEF from Burhan & Sons

Chapter 7 - Liam

Seven Months Later...

I bet you think things have changed much but they haven't. Amy and I are good though. She's the best girlfriend in the whole world. She makes time for me even when it's hard to do so, she does, and am grateful for her. I heard that the Management was super happy with the impact she and her team made in the company and they were planning on offering them a retainer contract. It gave me hope, I was going to be seeing her a lot every three months. We have been having more sleepovers at my place and hers. Just amazing.

Tate was able to fix things with Sandy. We're closer than before, thanks to Sandy who insisted on inviting me to dinner every once in a while. They know about Amy and they have been begging me to say yes to a double date, which is where we are now.

"This place is amazing", Amy said making Sandy's smile even bigger, I bet she's the one who suggested it to Tate. "I know right? Wait till you try their pork ribs and cheesy mashed potatoes", she told Amy excitedly. "What?", she asked when Amy was not as excited. "I just thought you would say, they are known for their fine dining. It gives out that kind of vibe", she said making Sandy laugh. "You're right but why pay a ridiculous amount of money to eat one bite-sized meal?", she replied making Amy giggle. I smiled and when my eyes met Tate, he was smiling back. This was going well.

"Liam?", I turned to see Valerie looking exquisite next to Zain. "Hi", I greeted back as she walked closer. "Liam", Zain said, nodding his head at the rest of the table. "Well, are you going to introduce us?", she asked with a huge smile. "Yes, Of course, This is my brother Tate and his wife Sandy. And this is Amaryllis... my girlfriend", Valerie's eyes went wide as saucers. "Is this a double date?", she asked even more excited. "Val...", Zain said making her roll her eyes. "This isn't over", she said waving goodbye to the rest.

"Is that the woman you had a crush on?", Tate said without thinking making Sandy choke on her champagne. "Tate, why would you say something like that?", she asked glaring at him. "Oh, don't worry, I know about her and I know it's in the past", Amy said looking into my eyes for assurance. I smiled weakly making her furrow her brows for just a second. The waiter arrived and placed our food on the table. The girls continued praising their food while I tried to focus on mine.

An hour later we were at my apartment getting ready for bed. "Amy, I don't have feelings for her", I tried to convince her but it was in vain, she saw through me. "Liam, it's been months. Do I need to worry about her now that she's back to work? I mean, you guys are together every single day. I might be too demanding but I need time alone with you. Ever since she returned from her maternity, I've been feeling like a third wheel, I get that you guys are close at work but come on", she whined getting between the sheets and then moving to the other side of the bed.

She always slept on my chest and I was getting used to that. It broke me. "I'm sorry", "Sorry doesn't cut it anymore Liam. We can't be having the same discussion every time, it's exhausting", she said then switched off the lights. I couldn't believe what just happened. It was supposed to be a romantic night with amazing sex as usual but I had to ruin it, what the fuck is wrong with me.

"Hey, partner... I spy with my little eye, grey eyes, and a chocolate skin goddess", Valerie said as she walked into the kitchen. I tried to return the smile but I couldn't.

"Liam, is everything ok?", she asked looking worried. "Yeah, I just fought with her because of something my brother said", I tried to play it cool. There was no way I was going to tell her that I still had feelings for her. "I didn't even know you had a brother so don't mind my shock at all", she said right when other cooks started arriving. I was thankful, it was too early to start talking about my personal life.

My relationship with Amy is getting worse and I don't like it. I've been trying to call her the whole week but she has been avoiding me, when I sent texts, I got short replies and for some reason, she always had the same excuse when not picking up my phone. She kept saying that she was in a meeting.

I asked her to come to my place over the weekend but she refused. Ok refused, is a strong word, she said she was doing some chores at her house so as the stalker I am, I decided to make a peace offering, chicken lasagne and show up on her doorstep. I was about to knock when I heard people shouting from inside the house. I opened the door in a rush and there she was panting with tears in her eyes while a man was holding her by the throat.

"Liam, get out of here!", she said when he released her. She was struggling to stand up, and coughing really badly trying to get some air in her lungs, there was no way I was going to leave. "Who the fuck are you?", I asked the man that was choking her. He smirked, looked at me from head to toe then turned back to Amy. "So, you left me for a white boy who can cook huh?", he asked then laughed sarcastically.

He was built and intimidating in a way but I was not going to stand back and watch him bully my girlfriend. "Look, I don't care who the fuck you are or why you're here. Just leave right now before anyone gets hurt", I said making him laugh. "I assume by anyone getting hurt you mean you right?", he said walking towards me. I placed the lasagne on the kitchen counter and turned to meet his eyes. Something about my confidence made him crumble.

"You know what? She's not worth it... just another whore to scratch off my list", he said making adrenaline rush to my head as I jabbed him. He fell on the floor holding the side of his face that met my fist. Yes, I box for fun, didn't know it would come in handy. He stood up and rushed outside the house.