𝖎𝖓𝖖𝖚𝖎𝖘𝖎𝖙𝖎𝖛𝖊.

031.

[TWO YEARS LATER]

☽

EVERYTHING FELT LIKE A DREAM. She was living the dream. Estella never thought she would make it this far, to be standing in this position right now. After all she's been through she finally felt like the world was on her side. Things were falling into place just as she dreamt. Today had been the grand opening of Ziosa and she couldn't believe it. Yet again she took an idea of hers, putting her mind and soul into, and bringing it to life. It took an entire year to find a perfect location for her restaurant, construct it, design it, hire workers, interior designers, and get all of her licenses ranging from liquor, business, food handler, and foodservice to make this happen.

She felt like she could accomplish anything. Any person could if they put their heart into something they have faith in. And she had faith in her restaurant. She was a little nervous as she sat inside her ride who waited for her to calm down before she stepped out and into the restaurant to greet everyone. From the car she could see the restaurant was fully packed with awaiting customers that had yet to taste her food. The windows were tall and glass-like therefore she could see almost every interior detail, including her family who was here to support her. That alone made her a hundred times more nervous. Acquaintances, friends, or family had been here and although she loved the support she felt like she was going to faint.

Ziosa was written in bold steel letters hanging high above for the entire block to see. You could tell she put a lot of her fashionable tastes into this restaurant considering the outside resembled another Chanel store. The inside was just as gorgeous. Cute round cream colored booths, gray and white walls, plants cascading down from the roof, long dangling lights, gray marble tile, various of oil paintings, and even an old jukebox she painted white. It was exactly how she wanted it; classy and simple.

Her family, Raye, Damiun, and even Eli were all sat nearby the window along with the love of her life. Estella closely observed Harry to witness how wide he smiled whenever her sisters told him something, laughing and pinching at his lower lip as he threw his head back in pure happiness. The sight made her heart warm at the simple moment he shared with her family and friends. It deeply affected her in ways she could not explain.

Estella bowed her head, closing her eyes and taking careful breaths before she stepped out of the car, flickers of lights from paparazzi waiting outside the restaurant to see her and the beauty that was Ziosa. Even more customers piled up and waited in long lines just to head inside and taste what everyone's been dying to savor. Rounds of applauds had been heard and that's when the magic happened. That's when she walked in and gathered everyone's attention with her stunning smile and white chef coat with sleek black slacks. Her hair was down in waves for the moment but she knew once she stepped into that kitchen she had to tie it up.

Estella giggles anxiously as people died down their applauds, clearing her throat and admiring the sight of many. "Hello everyone. Thank you for coming to the grand opening of Ziosa. I'm Estella Perez, as most of you know or should know at least."

The crowd laughed.

"Um, I'm sort of nervous I'll admit but I won't let that out into my cooking. That being said, me and my employees have prepared a special menu for tonight with a four course meal that I hope gives you a full belly," She laughs along. "As my employees go around offering menus and drinks, please don't hesitate to ask questions or leave opinions and reviews on the card they'll give out after the last entree. Thank you."

Estella waved her hand and gratefully bowed to everyone in the crowd, grinning at Harry and blowing him back a kiss he'd sent her way first, mouthing 'I love you' in which he did the same.