His Private Chef (by Amycee) novel Chapter 71

“So this next one is new. Never been performed before. And it’s for someone who showed up out of nowhere but somehow made everything clearer.”

And just like that, his eyes found mine in the crowd.

The spotlight didn’t hit me, but the fans followed his gaze. Cheers went up.

I wanted to disappear.

But I smiled anyway.

He didn’t call me on stage. Not literally. But the dedication said enough. The new song that followed was beautiful–melancholy, raw, full of longing and quiet hope. The kind that lingers in your chest long after the final note fades.

I clapped with everyone else, even as my hands trembled.

Halfway through Jay and Mason’s collab performance, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I almost didn’t check it. But something told me to.

Sophia.

She sent a picture.

Liam.

Sitting alone by the pool. A drink in hand. Eyes hollow.

Her message followed.

Sophia: He took the day off. Said he didn’t feel like talking. I haven’t seen him like this since Grandpa died. I’m scared.

My heart dropped.

I stared at Liam’s photo, and everything else blurred. The lights. The music. The cheers. All of it faded.

That look on his face… it wasn’t just sadness.

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Chapter 71

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It was emptiness.

The kind you don’t post about. The kind that quietly suffocates you. Heavy. Silent. Real,

And it broke something in me.

I tried to stay in the moment, to enjoy what was left of the show, but my hands felt wooden My chest too tight. Brian caught my eye across the venue, frowning slightly.

This was Mason’s night.

But something inside me had already shifted.

I gripped my phone tighter.

Olivia noticed too. Of course she did.

She leaned closer, smirking. “What’s with the sudden mood drop? Missing the spotlight already?”

I turned to her, voice sharper than I intended. “I’ve got actual things to worry about, Olivia. Try that sometime.”

Her eyes widened. “Wow. Sensitive.”

I didn’t bother replying. I stood, ignored Brian’s questioning glance, and slipped into the backstage corridor. The crowd’s cheers echoed behind me, but I couldn’t stay.

I found Jason near a stack of equipment cases, high–fiving one of the crew.

“There you are,” he said. “Tell me I crushed it.”

“You did,” I said honestly. “But I need a favor.

He caught the shift in my tone. “What’s up?”

“When are you flying back to LA?”

“In a few hours. Why?”

“I need to come with you.”

He blinked. “Whoa. That’s sudden.”

”

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Chapter 71

288 Vouchers

“I know,” I said. “But I need to go home. Now.”

Jason’s expression softened. “Because of Liam?”

I didn’t answer. I didn’t have to.

He nodded. “I’ll tell the pilot. You’re with me.”

“Thanks, Jay.”

“You sure you’re okay?”

I gave a tight smile. “Just… tired of pretending I am.”

“Got it.” He glanced toward the stage. “Want me to wait while you tell Mason?”

“No. I’ll meet you outside.”

He squeezed my shoulder and walked off. I turned and headed for Mason’s dressing room.

The door was slightly open. He was sitting on the couch, flushed from the performance, towel draped around his neck.

“Hey,” he said, lighting up when he saw me. “Perfect timing. I was just thinking about dragging you to the after party.‘

“1

I stepped inside and shut the door behind me.

“Mason… I need to tell you something.”

His smile faded. “What is it?”

“I have to leave. Tonight. I’m going back to LA.”

He stood up. “What happened? Is it Olivia? Something online?”

“No. Everyone’s been kind. And tonight… was incredible. But something came up. I need to fix it.”

He studied me for a beat. “Is it about the song?”

“What? No.” I shook my head. “It’s not about you at all. It’s something I should’ve done before now.”

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Chapter 71

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