His Private Chef (by Amycee) novel Chapter 49

I tried to laugh it off, reaching for my juice. “Must be a coincidence.”

Liam, completely unfazed, slid into the seat beside me and rested an arm behind my chair “Or maybe the real problem is what your mind wants you to believe,”

Jay let out a laugh. “Sure, bro. That bracelet just magically appeared on your wrist overnight Right.”

“Magic exists,” Leo added, grinning.

I wished the floor would open up and swallow me whole.

After breakfast, I tried to slip away unnoticed, but Kelvin appeared beside me like a shadow

“So… gifts now? Where’s mine?” he asked, smirking.

I groaned, rolling my eyes. “When I see something that screams ‘Kelvin,‘ I’ll think about it.

He clutched his chest like I’d wounded him. “You wound me. You give Liam the rugged- leather treatment, and I get crumbs? Harsh.”

I nudged him playfully. “You’re impossible.”

Liam had been nearby the whole time, we just didn’t know it. As Kelvin walked off, Liam stepped behind me and gently pulled me back against his chest. I shot him a questioning look.

He leaned in, voice low. “You don’t need to think about anyone else. The only man you’re meant to buy gifts for is me.”

Then he turned and walked away.

How did buying a simple bracelet spiral into… whatever this is?

Somehow, we all ended up at the beach. The sun was high, the sand hot under our feet, and the mood competitive in the best way.

07:10

Chapter 49

11 206 Vabelian

Someone set up a volleyball net right in front of the villa, and before we knew it, teams were forming, Leo declared himself referee (complete with a whistle and a ridiculous straw hat), and the game was on.

Melissa and Laura opted out, choosing instead to sunbathe nearby with cocktails and offer loud commentary like overenthusiastic soccer moms.

The team selection? Hilarious.

Liam wanted me on his team. Kelvin also wanted me. Owen loudly insisted he’d rather play barefoot on hot coals than be on Jay’s team again. Apparently, Jay had some infamous volleyball disaster history.

So we drew cards.

Team 1: Sophia, Jay, Kelvin, and me. Team 2: Liam, Owen, Linda, and Noah.

Kelvin grinned like he’d won a prize. Liam… not so much.

“Let’s crush them!” Sophia shouted, pulling her hair into a messy bun.

“Try not to eat sand when we win,” Linda shot back.

Kelvin served first, and nearly took Noah’s head off.

“Dude!” Noah flinched. “This isn’t dodgeball!”

The game turned into glorious chaos. Sophia was unexpectedly vicious, diving like a pro. Liam was annoyingly good, gliding across the sand with ease. Jay… well, he mostly danced in place and shouted encouragement like a motivational speaker.

I held my own, got a few good serves in, managed a surprise spike that made Liam’s jaw twitch. But then came my big moment… or rather, my big fall.

I lunged for a save, missed, and tumbled straight into the shallow end of the water with a dramatic splash.

Everyone burst into laughter.

“I’ve seen dolphins dive better!” Kelvin hollered.

I sat up, laughing and soaked. But then I noticed something.

My anklet.

07:10

Chapter 49

288 Vouchers

The delicate chain Sophia bought me during our holiday shopping, gone. My smile faded.

Sophia jogged over. “Em, you okay?”

“Yeah… I just lost the anklet.”

Her face fell. “Oh no. That looked perfect on you.”

I nodded, brushing wet hair from my face. I tried not to let it ruin the moment, but a quiet sadness settled in my chest.

Later, after a hot shower and fresh clothes, I was towel–drying my hair when there was a knock on my door.

Liam.

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