21. Luna
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
LUNA
When I walk in, the kitchen’s buzzing with activity. In the center of it all stands Chef Laurent, his back straight and his attention unwavering as he studies a set of handwritten notes.
“Madame,” he says without looking up, his tone respectful.
“I thought I’d take Nicolai’s suggestion,” I reply, stepping further into the room. “He seems to think I should be more involved in what comes out of this kitchen. Let’s go over the menu.”
That gets his attention. Laurent turns, his eyes scrutinizing me with barely concealed skepticism.
He’s a man who takes pride in his work, and the idea of someone, even the boss’s wife, interfering with his domain is unwanted.
But if Nico wants me to do this, I won’t back down.
This is about more than food; it’s about taking control, about proving that I’m more than just Nico’s wife in this household.
“Of course,” Laurent says after a beat, gesturing toward a stack of printed menus on the counter. “We’ve been working on a seasonal choice. Something fresh.”
I step closer to review the pages. The dishes are exquisite, each meticulously planned, but the idea of just going with the flow grates on me. This isn’t just about what we eat; it’s about creating something different.
“Let’s adjust a few things,” I say, tapping the list with my finger. “I want more emphasis on variety, taking the ordinary to extraordinary without compromising some of Nicolai’s favorite dishes.”
Laurent gives me a look but knows better than to question me.
He’ll need to accept that this isn’t just his kitchen anymore.
I can’t disobey my husband and stand idly by.
Nico would be furious if someone else dictated my place in this house.
I was given a new role, and I plan on doing it to the best of my ability.
He pulls up the order sheets, laying them out on the counter.
The names of suppliers, quantities, and costs are neatly documented and very efficient.
He explains the process, and I listen, absorbing the details on how this kitchen works.
This is about understanding how something as simple as a delivery schedule plays into the larger picture.
I’m surprised he’s so patient and kind, which instantly puts me at ease.
I know the moment Nico walks in when the air thickens. His presence is known before he’s spoken, and the kitchen’s hum seems to stall for a second. Laurent straightens slightly, he’s not nervous but alert, and I don’t bother turning around. Yet, I can feel his eyes on me, assessing me.
“Getting a lesson in logistics?” Nico’s voice comes off as standoffish.
I finally meet his gaze. “Just making sure I understand the flow,” I reply, tapping the papers in front of me. “You wanted me more hands-on, so here I am.” His eyes snap to Laurent, then back to me. But he knows I won’t back down.
Then Nico’s gaze flicks toward the papers on the counter. “We should reassess some of these suppliers,” he says, leaving no room for argument. “Some of them have been comfortable for far too long. It’s time to see if there’s a better possibility.”
Laurent stiffens, his professionalism intact, but his pride unmistakable. “With all due respect, sir,” he replies, “we’ve vetted these suppliers for quality and reliability. Any changes risk compromising what trust we’ve built here.”
Laurent isn’t wrong; this kitchen has run seamlessly under his control. But this is also about maintaining an edge in every aspect of our operations. And Nico never makes a move without a reason.
I feel the uncertainty hanging in the air between Nico and Laurent. This isn’t a battle either of them will back down from, but Laurent shouldn’t be caught in the middle either. Is this really about the suppliers or about questioning my decisions?
“Let’s talk privately,” I command. It’s not a request, and Nico knows it.
“Laurent, we’ll continue this discussion later,” he says, dismissing him without breaking eye contact.
Laurent collects the papers in front of him with practiced ease. He’s holding his tongue out of respect, but I don’t miss the rigidity in his movements as he steps away, along with his staff, leaving Nico and me alone in the kitchen.
“You want to change suppliers,” I say once the door swings shut behind Laurent. “Why?”
I square my shoulders, refusing to back down.
He asked me to take a role in this house, to step in and make decisions alongside Laurent.
And now, on my first day, he’s undermining me, throwing doubt on everything before I’ve even had a chance to prove myself.
That’s not just frustrating. It’s infuriating.
“You wanted me hands-on. Trusted me to make decisions with Laurent, to understand how this place runs, and make adjustments where necessary. But now, on day one, you’re stepping in and cutting me off before I even begin.”
Nico watches me, impassive as ever, but I don’t stop.
“Not that long ago, you reprimanded me for doing the same damn thing you just did to me. Am I right?” I continue before losing my nerve.
“If you want me involved, they need to respect my authority. Respect comes with consistency and trust. If you contradict me now, you’re telling them I don’t hold any power here. ”
If he wants me to be more than just a title, then he needs to let me be one. And I won’t stand here and let him make me look like a fool.
“It wasn’t about undermining you, Luna,” he says. “It was about sending a message. To Laurent, to you, to everyone in this house.”
I narrow my eyes, refusing to let his calm tone pacify me. “And what message was that? That I’m not capable of making decisions? Does my authority not matter?”