His Private Chef (by Amycee) novel Chapter 43

Liam was already there, reading something on his phone like he hadn’t shattered the air in my room less than ten hours ago. Sunglasses on, face blank. He didn’t glance at me. Not even a flicker of acknowledgment.

Fine.

Kelvin, of course, was all sunshine and mischief. He was teasing Sophia, stealing fruit from Jay’s plate, cracking jokes like he was auditioning for his own Netflix special. Owen and Leo looked thoroughly entertained.

I noticed Noah and Linda were missing, which didn’t surprise me. Whatever was happening, or not happening between them wasn’t over.

Liam’s father and his brother were deep in a conversation that had the air of business strategy, seemingly oblivious to the family fireworks happening around them.

Meanwhile, Laura and Melissa sat sipping coffee at the far end of the table, whispering with matching mischievous expressions. They reminded me of Sophia and Jay when they were plotting something ridiculous. They’re only older, sharper, and probably far more dangerous.

“Morning,” I mumbled, sliding into a seat beside Sophia.

She gave me a pointed look over the rim of her glass. We’re talking later kind of look.

Kelvin leaned over from the other side. “Rough night?”

I smirked. “You have no idea.”

Liam’s glass met the table with a little too much force. He didn’t look up.

I chose to ignore the theatrics. Too early. Too tired. I just wanted to finish my juice and survive the next few hours without bursting into flames.

Sophia stretched lazily. “By the way, we’re doing a boat cruise today. Uncle Oliver’s idea of letting us enjoy the island.”

Jay perked up. “Please tell me there’ll be a playlist. I’m bringing the speaker.”

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Chapter 43

Sophia winked. “Already loaded with heat.”

“We’re leaving in two hours,” she added. “So bring sunscreen… and drama.”

Drama? Already packed and strapped to my back.

The yacht waiting at the private dock was the kind of thing people charter once in their lifetime and post about for the rest of it. Sleek, white, with polished decks that gleamed under the Caribbean sun. It looked like it belonged in a music video… or on Jay’s Instagram,

not mine.

I’d changed into a white two–piece bikini layered under a sheer, gold–toned beach dress. Not trying to prove anything. But I didn’t exactly mind the effect either.

Liam noticed.

He didn’t say anything, but his gaze dragged across me once, and it lingered. Slow. Assessing.

Kelvin whistled low. “Remind me again. How are you still single?”

“Maybe I’m just picky.”

“I like that in a woman.‘”

Jay was already in party mode, calling for drinks and setting up the speaker. Sophia dragged Linda into a mini selfie shoot. I snapped a few pictures myself and sent them to my mom and Lisa, proof that I was still breathing.

Noah sat beneath the canopy, beer in hand, eyes shaded and distant. Still not smiling.

The water sparkled like shattered diamonds. Laughter floated through the breeze. For a second, it all felt normal. Like maybe we were just a rich, happy family and not a ticking bomb of resentment and secrets.

Later, while most of the others moved below deck for snacks, Kelvin and I lingered on the side of the boat, leaning over the rail.

The wind whipped through my hair, and I tilted my head toward the sun, soaking in the warmth.

Kelvin nudged me. “You know what would make this trip legendary?”

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Chapter 43

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“Oh no,” I said immediately. “Don’t even finish that thought.”

“Just a little splash,” he teased. “Nothing crazy.”

”

He stepped closer, hands raised in mock menace.

“Kelvin!” I laughed, backing away. “I swear, if you throw me overboard…”

“We’ll say you slipped,” he grinned. “Accidentally. On purpose.”

“I will drag you down with me.”

We were both laughing now. Loud, stupid and carefree. For a brief second, the world didn’t feel like it was balancing on a knife’s edge.

Then I felt it.

A hand gripped my arm, firm and possessive.

“Fun’s over.”

Liam.

His voice wasn’t raised, but it didn’t need to be. There was steel in it.

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