His Private Chef (by Amycee) novel Chapter 99

Chapter 99

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“If I remember correctly,” he said, eyes locked to mine, “you went to a party with another man. You kissed me like I was yours, then shut the door in my face when I tried to talk. You did that. Not me. So tell me, Emily, why the hell are we standing here now, like you suddenly get to ask questions?”

I opened my mouth, closed it again.

I tried to form a thought that wasn’t just heat and hurt.

Because he wasn’t wrong.

“Is that what this is? You saw me with her and decided you cared again?”

“Don’t turn this on me,” I snapped.

“Why not? It’s the truth.”

“So you brought her to this party to get even?”

His hand ran down his face. Then through his hair. A string of curse words followed, low and frustrated

“I swear I can’t do this with you right now. Not here. Not like this.‘

“Liam…”

”

He shook his head. “I came for my mother. That’s what I’m going to focus on. Go back inside, Emily.”

And just like that, he turned and walked away.

Leaving me staring at the air he’d just shattered.

I took a moment to pull myself together. Inhaled. Exhaled. Pressed a shaky hand to my chest like it could quiet the ache inside. Then I reapplied my lipstick, and walked back into the golden glow of the party like I hadn’t just unraveled behind closed doors.

Jay was already there, chatting with Sophia, both of them sipping wine and laughing like life

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14:30

Chapter 99

hadn’t cracked a single bone in weeks.”

When they saw me, Sophia gave me that knowing smile. Jay, as usual, went full spotlight.

“Look at you, Chef Emily,” he grinned, spinning me in a circle. “Gorgeous. Trending. Irresistible.”

“You forgot ‘exhausted,” I muttered.

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We chatted a while before Jay slipped off to mingle, carefree as ever. Sophia stayed close, eyes twinkling like she knew exactly how wrecked I felt.

My eyes?

They betrayed me. Again and again, they found Liam across the room.

And he never once looked my way.

He moved through the room with practiced ease, smiling, shaking hands, exchanging effortless charm.

And she stayed glued to his side, laughing at things he barely said, as if she’d already claimed him.”

Sophia leaned in. “Another party happening inside a party, huh?”

“What?”

“That one,” she nodded at Liam. “The stare–fest you’re hosting.”

“Shut up,” I muttered.

“Nope. I’m sipping wine and minding my business. You’re the one hosting a soap opera.”

At one point, Liam caught me watching. Our eyes locked.

I didn’t look away.

He lifted his glass with maddening ease. That damn infuriating smirk curled at his mouth. Then, slow and deliberate, he took a sip like it was a toast to my unraveling.

Sophia burst out laughing. “Oh, honey, you two are a walking Greek tragedy.”

The party went on.

Champagne towers. Speeches. Cake. Dance. Laughter.

14:30

Chapter 99

But I didn’t even notice when Liam slipped out.

I only noticed the space he left.

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Jay and Sophia wanted to go clubbing.

“Time to blow the roof off tonight,” Sophia declared.

“You go,” I said. “I have a headache.”

They exchanged a look. The one that said go, we won’t ask.

But I didn’t go home.

I don’t even remember the drive. One minute I was on the road. Next, I was unlocking Liam’s front door.

I still had access.

That fact alone undid me.

The house was dark. Silent.

I walked through like a ghost. Like someone chasing something they weren’t sure they were allowed to find.

His bedroom door was open.

Darkness cloaked everything, but I could feel his presence.

“Why are you here, Emily?”

His voice cut through the dark like a blade.

Then he flicked on the light.

He was in bed. Sheets low around his waist. Shirtless. Head propped against the headboard. Eyes burning. Watching me.

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