May 5 2025

During the same evening, After Kelly unexpectedly arrived to the restaurant and caused a scene and lots of drama and anger, She was taken out by security and made sure she would never step into the restaurant again, Steve and Anne left the restaurant eventually. . . However, Some of the co-workers were staring at Anne awkwardly, Winters knew what they were thinking since Kelly said so many things out loud which started rumours, But Winters didn't care at the moment, She was thinking about Steve.

She was about go home but Steve asked her to come to his house, At first she refused but he kept convincing her and eventually she agreed, They both drove towards his house and arrived, Now both of them were seen sitting at the couch, Steve was quiet but upset as well and Anne understood why.

It was another moment of silence, The tension was strong in the air, Anne continued staring at him, feeling a bit worried. . . Maybe she went too far with what she said to Kelly and Steve didn't like that.

Anne: . . . . I'm sorry.

He finally looked at her, confused.

Steve: For what?

Anne: . . . . Look, I hated how she just walked in and started screaming-

Steve: It's not your fault, I don't blame you for anything, Anne.

Anne: . . . You seem upset.

Steve: *Sighs* Of course I am and it's the same reason as yours and another thing. . . She almost blamed me, Like i cheated on her or something, Second. . . She said things about you and I hated it.

Anne's gaze softened as Steve finally looked at her.

Steve: And i saw the way everyone was staring at you, That fueled my anger, She's trying to embarrass us. . . But it's not about me, I'm worried about you. People might think you-

He didn't complete the sentence, Anne already understood what his doubt was. . .

Anne: Steve, As much i care about you and myself. . . I'm worried about the restaurant's reputation-

Steve: I don't care about that either, I just care about you.

Her eyes lit up as Steve took a deep breath, trying not to raise his voice. He was really angry with Kelly.

Steve: The restaurant will survive, I can. Gossip dies down. But if you're hurt, if you're doubting yourself or feeling ashamed because of her, then that's what actually matters to me.

Anne felt her heart skip a beat as Steve was staring at with concern and honesty in his eyes.

Anne: To be honest, I'm not ashamed. . . But I'm just angry by what she did. I haven't thought about what others would think of me though.

Steve just stared at her before moving close to her, grabbing her hand in a comforting way.

Steve: Anne, You stood up for yourself. . . And for me but I know it wasn't easy either.

Anne: I. . . Didn't like how she was making you the villian.

Steve's eyes softened as Anne held his hand, feeling her heart flutter.

Steve: She made me feel like that for two months. . . But you? *Smiles* It just feels better now.

He caressed her hand with his thumb as Anne couldn't help but smile a little, blushing slightly.

Steve: The most unexpected person can be there for you, And that's truly you.

Anne: *Chuckles* Awwww

Steve: *Chuckles* Even though we knew each other for a few years.

Anne: But we never got closer until now.

She began holding his hand as Steve felt his heart skip a beat and nodded at what she said, There was another few seconds of silence between them, Just them holding hands without saying a word.

Anne: I like how she showed up after like almost a month, Like where was she?

Steve: Actually she was constantly calling and texting me after we broke up, I warned her to not come anywhere near me and that includes the restaurant, But I guess she didn't take it seriously.

Anne: *Scoffs* Aren't all exes like this?

Steve: Ever had experience like that?

Anne: Nope, Just heard it from old friends.

He looked surprised and shifted a little, speaking to her.

Steve: Wait. . . You never dated?

Anne: Nope.

Steve: Never had a first kiss?

Anne: Nope.

Steve: I'm your first?

Anne: *Smirks* First guy to kiss and break my legs.

His eyes widen before he started laughing out loud as the mood completely changed into something lighter, Anne couldn't help but laugh, realising how sudden she said that.

Steve: *Laughs* So I've ruined all future men for you?

Anne: Mmm, But you're a rare diamond, Steve.

Steve: Awwww how sweet.

He pinched her cheek as she blushed while laughing, Steve leaned in and kissed her cheek as she smiled at him.

Anne: Feeling better?

Steve: Yeah. . . You always make it better.

She smiled as Steve smiled back and finally let go of her hand.

Steve: Thanks Anne and again, I'm sorry if this all happened.

Anne: It's okay, Steve. Let's make sure she won't bother you again.

He nodded, staring at the ground as there was a moment of silence before Steve looked at the time and spoke to her.

Steve: Are you leaving for the movie night?

Anne: I don't know, I might. . . Maybe not.

Steve: Then. . . Can you stay? I'll make dinner for you.

Anne: You don't have too-

Steve: *Smiles* It's time I return the favour, You always make delicious dishes for me and now it's my turn.

Her heart skipped a beat and Anne couldn't even refuse, She smiled at him, leaning to kiss his cheek as Miller smiled again.

Anne: Okay, I'll stay.

Steve: Just for a little bit, After dinner, We can go together and visit them if you want

She nodded as Steve quickly got up to make his way to the kitchen, Anne stretched her arms out, thinking about Steve which brought a smile on her face, He was so sweet and caring and what Kelly did to him just boils her blood, She really hoped Steve wouldn't start doubting himself as the bad guy in the relationship.

And again, Anne felt her heart beating faster by the thoughts of him, The same feeling she had for years. . .

( Again, Those feelings are back. . . )

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An hour had passed, Maria and Anthony were finished with dinner, The waiter asked for the bill and Tony paid for it, Marshall was staring at Anthony, conflicted on her feelings, Surely she was starting to fall in love with him, She might have fallen for him a long time ago but today, she realised it. But there was one problem. . . He was older then her.

Anthony fixed his hair before looking at Maria with a smile on his face as she smiled back.

Maria: So I guess you're secretly enjoying other chef's food.

Anthony: *Raises an eyebrow and smirks* Oh? Miss Marshall is jealous?

Maria: *Laughs* Of course not, It's just a joke.

Anthony: Well this is a habit of mine, sweetheart. It doesn't matter if it's a Michelin star or a regular restaurant, If the food is good, I'll go there every day.

Maria laughed a little as Tony chuckled at her reaction.

Maria: I do the same but I mostly cook my own food as you know.

Anthony: Of course, Let me know if there's something new in the menu.

Maria: Definitely, You'll be my first customer.

She smiled, looking at him as Anthony had a smile on his face, They always enjoy this banter between them.

Maria: Have you tried cooking?

Anthony: The last time I did, I burned the steak and overcooked the rice *Chuckles* I'm not really a good cook.

Maria: *Smiles* Then i would love to help you out.

Anthony gasped with his eyes widen as Maria couldn't help but laugh again.

Anthony: You? Being my mentor? I think I might just burn the food again with someone so beautiful next to him.

Maria: *Blushes* Oh, Stop it, Okay, I'll make sure to have a messy bun and wear oversized clothes.

Anthony: *Smiles* You think that will change anything? I might burn the whole kitchen down.

Maria: *Laughs* You flatter me, But there has to be something-

Anthony: Nope, I'll just keep staring at those pretty eyes. There's nothing you can do to stop me.

He shrugged as Maria couldn't stop laughing but deep down, his words touched her heart as always, With everything he says, She just wondered if he shared the same feelings as she did.

Soon, They decided to leave the restaurant as both of then walked out, Maria was holding his arm while Anthony pulled her close, allowing her to hold his arm.

Maria: But seriously, Are you still in for cooking class?

Anthony: *Smiles* I actually think that would be fun, At least i get to learn something new.

Maria: Okay, Whenever you're free, let me know.

Anthony: I will, Also, Maria. . .

He smiled a little, But the confident look faded into something sincere, Maria looked at him and felt her heart skip a beat, Was he going to tell her?

Maria: Yes, Tony?

Anthony: My mother asked about you, She thinks something is going on between us.

He chuckled as Maria's eyes were widen in shock and seemed awkward and nervous.

Maria: Oh really?

Anthony: Remember that tour around the company? *Chuckles* Some people are still talking about you, But not in a gossiping manner, Yesterday my mom visited and heard everyone so she asked if I finally settled in.

He seemed a bit embarrassed while Maria blinked, feeling flustered as Anthony continued smiling at her, That's exactly how he felt when his mother asked that question.

Maria: Oh well. . . What did you tell her?

Anthony: Nothing.

Maria looked confused as he gave a cheeky smile, But behind that smile was a hint of sincere as Marshall's heart continued beating faster.

Maria: What do you mean?. . .

Anthony: I figured if I said anything, it might turn into something real.

He spoke with honesty and the cheekiness faded away, Maria continued staring at her, confused by what he meant.

Maria: So. . . You wouldn't want that?

Anthony: I didn't say that.

He caressed her hair, her heart stuttered, unsure if he meant what she thought he meant. . . or if he was just being himself.

Everything around them seemed quiet for a moment, The breeze of air hits their face, The silence was comfortable. . . Yet full of doubts. That was until Anthony broke the silence.

Anthony: You know I'm older then you.

His voice wasn't teasing anymore, It was calm, almost cautious, as if he wasn't sure how she would feel or if he should've said it. Maria looked at him, her gaze softened. She had always known, But the way he said it now, it felt different. Like a quiet reminder or maybe a warning.. . . .

Maria: I know.

Anthony: . . . We shouldn't be too close.

He knew exactly what he was feeling but didn't want to admit it yet.

Maria: But. . . I love being with you.

Anthony: *Smiles* Same here, Maria. Sometimes I forget . . . When we're talking, When you laugh like that, When you look at me like you see past all the miles I've already walked.

Maria stared at him, her heart fluttered by his words, It brought a small smile to her face but then it faded.

Maria: . . . Do you wish I didn't?

Anthony: Sometimes I wish I could stop myself from hoping you do.

Marshall stared at him as Anthony placed a hand on her shoulder, Their heart's continued beating faster, It was finally their moment to open up. . . But none of them spoke about their feelings.

Maria: *Smiles a little* Well. . . just so you know, I don't really care about the number.

But she wasn't sure if she truly never cared about their age gap, Maybe she did, Maybe she didn't. . . But those two weeks without him felt odd already.

Anthony: *Chuckles* That's the problem. You're young enough to say that

Maria: And you're old enough to overthink it.

They both shared a small laugh together before Anthony held her hand again which made Maria stop and look at him as Crawford spoke in a soft tone.

Anthony: Come on, I don't want to ruin anything between us.

He gently placed a kiss on her hand as Maria continued staring at him, She didn't want anything to be ruined as well but she didn't want to rush it either. . . But his sweet gestures always made it tough for her.

And for Anthony, Maria's presence was the kind of softness he didn't know he needed.

A/N: Thank you so much for reading and stay strong!!! :)