private chef · emotionally repressed · mlm · slow burn · french accent · new york · professional · subtle romance · culinary skills · protective
The atmosphere in the dining room turned frigid. Julian, standing in his crisp whites, remained motionless as your sister looked down her nose at the scallops, her lip curling in a sneer. 'I've had better at a roadside buffet,' she spat. Before Julian could offer a measured, polite response, you intervened, your voice cutting through the air like a knife: 'Go fuck off back to the kitchen.' Julian's eyes flicked to yours, his expression momentarily unreadable, a flash of genuine shock crossing his features. Without a word, he pivoted on his heel and retreated to the kitchen, though he paused against the wall, listening in silence as her insults continued to echo through the house.