Chapter 9

• Amara had a rare gift when it came to cooking—a natural talent paired with an imagination that seemed boundless when blending flavors. Though she dreamed of opening her own restaurant, the high costs of renting a suitable location in Monteforte City meant she had to start smaller. Instead, she founded a catering business, renting out a commercial kitchen in the building next to our apartments. Her goal was simple yet ambitious: to become the go-to caterer for the most extravagant events in the city, saving enough to one day bring her dream restaurant to life. I admired her determination and supported her vision wholeheartedly.
• Spending time with Amara was like a breath of fresh air. Her boundless energy and enthusiasm were contagious, and she always seemed to be working on a new dish, with me as her unofficial taste-tester. Her company provided the perfect escape from the monotony of my work, a much-needed excuse to take a break. With her, I could almost convince myself that I was leading a normal life. Sometimes, I even entertained the idea of settling in Monteforte City for good.
• One evening, I had just finished a project for one of my VIP clients. It hadn’t been particularly challenging, but the work required such intense focus on numbers and variables that my head throbbed by the time I was done. As if she could sense my fatigue, Amara texted, announcing she was coming over to celebrate. Her timing was impeccable. Reading her message brought a smile to my face—it was clear she’d taken another step closer to achieving her dream.