My Marked Luna (Apphia and Nicholas) novel Chapter 40

**In Fragile Moments We Discover Strength Hidden In Stillness by Tao Cole Rynn**

**Chapter 40**

Apphia

“Baby,”

The sultry voice of the man who haunts my dreams echoes in my mind, a tantalizing whisper that sends shivers down my spine.

“Fuck, baby, you’re. so. sweet,” he would say, and I can almost feel the warmth of his breath against my skin.

“Apphia, are you okay in there?!” Lily’s voice cuts through my reverie, laced with laughter and concern. I tap my cheeks lightly, trying to shake off the lingering thoughts.

“Yes, Lily! Is a steak lunch good for everyone?” I call back, hoping to shift the focus away from my momentary distraction.

A steak lunch it is—an idea that seems to please everyone.

I step out of the pantry, deliberately avoiding Nicholas’s gaze, who has settled himself comfortably on one of the barstools, a relaxed figure among the rest.

Instead, I turn my attention to the four chefs who are eagerly awaiting my commands. Their anticipation is palpable, and I can feel the weight of their eyes on me.

“Hello, my name is Apphia. What are your names?” I ask, trying to radiate confidence. The older woman, a picture of grace and authority, steps forward.

“I’m Mrs. Wilson, the head chef, and this is my husband, Mr. Wilson,” she introduces, gesturing toward the man beside her, whose once-bright blonde hair has faded with time. She then points to the younger trio, “This is Zita, and that’s Denny.”

I nod in acknowledgment, slightly taken aback by their formal demeanor. Why do they bow?

“Okay, nice to meet all of you. We are preparing a steak lunch,” I announce, trying to sound authoritative despite my uncertainty. Denny immediately darts to the fridge, while the others hurry to gather the necessary ingredients.

“Zita, please cut the potatoes and season them with olive oil and spices,” I instruct, feeling a mix of excitement and nerves.

“Mrs. Wilson, could you whip up a dressing for the salad? And Denny and Mr. Wilson, you’ll be assisting me,” I add, trying to keep the momentum going.

“Yes, Ma’am,” they respond in unison, their eagerness palpable.

“Apphia, please,” I remind them gently, and they nod, their enthusiasm infectious. We dive into the preparations, the atmosphere buzzing with energy. The Alpha, Princess, Beta, and Gamma watch us as if we are the stars of a show, adding a layer of pressure that feels both exhilarating and intimidating. Yet, the chefs seem intent on impressing me, their smiles growing wider with each compliment I offer.

Forty minutes later, the kitchen is filled with the tantalizing aroma of our creation, and I begin plating the food. I exhale deeply, surveying the scene.

“Good job, everyone,” I praise, feeling a swell of pride.

“We’ll bring the food out. Are you dining in the kitchen or the dining room?” Mrs. Wilson inquires, her tone warm and inviting.

“Here is fine,” I reply, a sense of contentment washing over me.

I return to the island, settling between Drake and Nicholas on the pristine white barstool, a cozy spot that feels just right.

“I didn’t know you could cook,” Lily remarks, her eyes wide with surprise.

“I love to cook, and I didn’t realize how much I missed it until today,” I respond, a smile breaking across my face.

The chefs begin to set the table, laying out placemats and cutlery with precision, serving all of us with care.

“This looks good,” Nicholas comments, his eyes sparkling with interest.

“Try it,” I urge him, my heart racing as I watch him take a bite.

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