"I thought about it and have decided to continue working here till I find a new job," I told Robbie.

"I am glad to know that," Robbie said, giving a forced and tight smile.

It seemed like he was trying to say something but hesitated. For a while, his mouth opened and closed several times, but nothing came out. It's better if he doesn't say anything. I don't think I am prepared to hear any more of his apology or love confession, especially since I have no idea if they were true or if he had an ulterior motive.

"Don't think you can always forcefully tie me down like this. If not for my son, I wouldn’t have stayed back," I don't know why I felt the need to clarify this. Somehow, I was worried he might get the wrong idea.

"I never said otherwise," Robbie said so gently that I almost thought that my ears were playing tricks on me.

I quickly started towards the door. I will not allow myself to be deceived by his words again when,

"Tony”

Robbie called softly, almost like the whispers of the wind. If the room was not so silent, I wouldn't have been able to hear him,

"I," he began but stopped. Obviously, he was having trouble conveying his thoughts. I waited with my hand on the doorknob,

"I am- I," he began but kept stammering, "Tony, are you with someone right now?" he ultimately asked, looking a little desperate.

I raised my brow in surprise. Does he think I am not getting back to him because I have someone in my life? I wish that was true, but the truth was far worse. After being rejected by him, I never recovered to be with anyone else. If only he knew how much I was prepared to give him, but it doesn’t matter anymore. After everything, does he think it is easy to rekindle our relationship? I won’t let him undermine all these years of pain, hurt, and sorrow, I went through. He couldn't possibly hope to be forgiven just because he is sorry!!

"We are colleagues, and so you have no right to interfere in my personal matter," I said ruthlessly before walking out of the room and slamming the door in his face. 

He deserves it! In fact, he deserves more than this but why do I feel bad? 

Stop it, Tony! Get yourself together!! You can't let him in your life again.

I scolded myself. I have to stay strong for Twen's sake.

I quickly walked to the restaurant "Garnish" to where I was assigned. However, the Chinese restaurant "Hot and Sour" and the coffee shop "Timepass" are also under my jurisdiction. Even though my work has only gotten harder because I got promoted, my salary has almost doubled, so I guess I should deal with it.

“I thought you were going to put your papers down,” Tanya said as soon as I entered the Kitchen.

“Good morning to you too, Tanya,” I greeted her.

She looked slightly moody, and her eyes were narrowed as she looked at me. After I put on my headcover, shoes, and apron, she whispered in a voice only audible to me, “Did you and the CEO resolve your issues?”

“I wish. I will have to work here till I get a new job. Job prospects aren't exactly rosy at the moment,” I told Tanya bitterly, as I prepared to brief the team of demi-chefs.

“I can understand. If you need anything, you know I am here, right?” She said, patting me gently on my arms.

I gave her an affectionate smile. If not for her, this place would have felt like hell to me after the encounter with Robbie. As she was a bakery chef, her kitchen was different from mine. I watched her walk out of our kitchen. I don’t know if I was imagining it, but I saw two of the chefs she passed by look at her in an ‘odd’ way. She is pretty cute, so I wonder if the chefs found her attractive or maybe they are just looking at her leave and I am overthinking again. I shook my head to get rid of those thoughts and went back to the briefing.

Being a Sous Chef was a huge responsibility. It was my duty to make sure that the chefs were working properly, and orders were delivered correctly on time. I had to get updates from the demi-chefs from time to time about the sales and feedback and report it to the Executive Sous Chef. I also had to make an indent of the items that would be required in the main kitchen and the two side kitchens and check if the items in the cold store were fresh or not. I was in charge of waste control, menu planning, handling guests, the live stations, etc. The whole day seemed to pass by in the blink of an eye. I was running all over the place trying to balance my work. It was so hectic that I completely forgot about Robbie. People are right when they say that working is the best way to keep your mind away from useless issues.

I didn't even realize when my shift was over. It wasn't until I heard my Executive Sous Chef mocking me about planning on spending my evening at the Resort that I realized my workday was over. The resort had just opened a few weeks back and was already so busy. I don't even want to think about what would happen when it starts to operate full-blown. I packed my stuff and hurried to the parking area. I was worried about Twen being all alone. Though I instructed him to lock his bedroom door and not open it till he heard me, I still felt very anxious. I was about to unlock my car door when I heard a familiar voice,

"What are you doing? Stop!" 

Tanya?

"Jus shut it b*tch. Nawt like I as'ed chu to reelease that," a male voice, cursed.

"How-Stop NOOOO!" 

Horrified, I dropped my car keys and broke into a run. What was going on? The voice came from the farthest corner of the parking area. It was the blind side of the security camera. I quickly called the control room and asked security for help.

As I reached the end, I saw a burly guy who didn't look like a staff member on top of Tanya. One of his hands was grabbing onto her wrists above her head. He raised his head when he heard my footsteps and Tanya's face was revealed. Her hair was messy, her eyeliner smudged, and lipstick spread down her lips. Her coat was off one of her arms, her purse lying next to her, and her top was pulled up by the guy. 

"Leave her. What the hell are you doing?" I shouted. This guy was clearly trying to sexually assault her.

The guy looked at me with his bleary eyes. He didn't seem to be in his right mind. He spoke with slurring words, "Nawt like I wanna. Tis b*tcch is spading her f*cking smell everywhere!"

Smell? Sh*t!! She is an Omega!!!

No wonder the chefs in the morning were looking at her strangely. How come I never knew about it in these three years of working with her? I am an Omega. I won't get her smell, but a Beta and Alpha would be affected by it. This man doesn't look like an Alpha, otherwise, he would have lost all his senses and control. He was drunk and most probably a guest. Damnit! I can't be impolite to him. But I have to help her before the security comes. It would be greater trouble if they came and got affected by the smell too.

"Sir, she is a staff member. You can't treat her with disrespect. The security is on its way. Please leave her!" I tried to reason with him.

However, the man was triggered by my words. "Chu ASSHAWL!" he bellowed, "Donchu dare tak like taat wid me," he slurred getting up and swaying his way to me, "I will beat the cr*p outta ya!" he punched in the air. I dodged and hit him in the neck acupoint, which makes you unconscious. He fell flat on his chest and fainted.

I breathed a sigh of relief. Thankfully, he was drunk and easily fainted otherwise, it would have been worse. I quickly went to Tanya, who was looking terrified. I had seen that look in many of the Omegas who had gone through such harrowing experiences in my Welfare Centre. She was trembling as she put her hand through her coat. I picked up her purse and helped her stand up. She almost fell down while standing as her legs didn't seem to have any strength.

"Where is your medication?" I asked.

"I-I-I forgot," she stuttered and burst into tears.