The restaurant had just closed when Karina said they were on their way, so I went to my office here at the restaurant to check on our finances for the month. My restaurant is located on a busy street, close to universities and business establishments so marami talaga kaming kinikita. They frequently come here for breakfast or lunch, so it's always packed.

I've always dreamed about being a chef. Sabi ng mom ko, dati daw noong bata pa ako, palagi ko siya pinapanood magluto and I'd stay by her side the whole time. Nawili din ako manood ng mga cooking shows and I'm always intrigued kung paano sila nakakagawa ng masasarap na pagkain. Ayun nga lang, hindi suportado ng pamilya ko ang pangarap ko na maging chef. Hindi naman daw kasi totoong trabaho yun for them. Lumaki ako sa pamilya ng mga sundalo, sa pamilyang pati sa bahay ay dapat sumusunod ka sa sasabihin ng tatay niyo. Isa na nga doon ay pagkatapos ng kolehiyo ay papasok ka na sa military.

Dapat daw nagsisilbi ako sa bayan.

Pero alam ko na noong bata pa lang na hindi ako destined humawak ng baril. Mas masaya ako kapag may hawak akong kutsara. Hindi ako katulad ng mga kapatid ko na nagsundalo dahil lang gusto ng tatay namin. Ako lang yung nag lakas ng loob na hindi siya sundin at umalis sa bahay kaya until now, galit pa din sakin ang tatay ko. Not that I mind since lumaki naman ako na hindi siya kasama. Ang mommy at mga kapatid ko naman, binibigyan nila ako dati ng pera ng patago through my bank account na hindi nalalaman ng tatay ko kaya nakapag-ipon ako noong college ako para mapatayo 'tong restaurant ko.

I've been contented ever since I walked out of that house. I've evolved into the person I aspire to be. I pursued my dream with my best friend, Ning, who is always there to support me, and now I am satisfied with my life. I don't want to ask for anything anymore because I'm happy with my life.

Except siguro sa ex boyfriend ko. him. I hope he can rot in hell. But next time na natin pag-usapan yan.

I heard a knock on my door so I looked up and saw Lisa, my Sous Chef after she opened the door slightly and peeked.

"Hmm?"

"Chef, your guests are here," she informed. Tumango naman ako and wore my chef's jacket to make myself presentable. I stood up and took a deep breath to shake off the nervousness that I'm feeling.

Kasi naman, hello? Si Krystal yun. The biggest star right now sa entertainment industry. Idagdag mo pa si Karina, yung may-ari ng tinutuluyan ko ngayon.

Lumabas ako sa office para pumunta sa dining hall and I immediately saw a two lady figure, seating across each other sa isang corner ng hall. Napansin ko namang nasa labas lahat ng staff ko, gushing at the celebrity kaya naman I raised my eyebrows at them saka sila dali-daling umalis sa kinatatayuan nila to go back to their places. Tinawag ko naman ang head waiter na si Chen to come with me para kuhanin ang order nila.

I walked towards them with confidence, na akala mo hindi kinakabahan kanina sa mismong office niya. When I arrived, the two of them looked up dahil siguro naramdaman na din nila ang presence ko.

"Good evening ladies," pagbati ko and gave them a smile na dito ko lang ginagamit. Napansin ko namang parang nagulat si Karina dahil ngumiti ako but what can I do? I'm a professional. Pag nasa restaurant ako, I need to look like I'm approachable.

"You must be Winter?" rinig kong sabi ng kapatid ni Karina. Napatingin naman ako sakanya and I had to in my breath and hold it dahil sa ganda ng kapatid niya. I was star-struck. Bakit ang gaganda naman nila?

I offered Krystal my hand in a handshake after clearing my throat to lessen the shock I was experiencing.

"Yes, Ma'am. The Head Chef and the owner. Pleasure to meet you," I flashed her my most charming smile when she took my hand for a handshake. 

"I actually came here a couple of times ago. My friend recommended this restaurant to me. Didn't know you're the owner," sambit niya. "I actually love the wasabi fried oysters and the truffle mushroom soup," she added, em