My ex-husband is seeking a second chance

At Food Delight Diner, Pearl had reserved a table for a special dinner, inviting Donna and Peter, along with Charlie.

Charlie had a penchant for simplicity, even though Pearl had initially planned to book a private room at the Elegance Hotel, just before confirming the reservation, Charlie remarked. “Let’s skip Elegance and stick with Food Delight. I’ve been yearning for your culinary skills.”

Pearl warmly similed and asked. “Charlie, what’s your craving tonight?”

“It’s been ages since I’ve savored a delectable meatball like this”

“Alright, 111 make the arrangements for you”

That afternoon, Pearl finished her work ahead of schedule and made an unusual detour to the kitchen at Food Delight.

Darren, immersed in ingredient preparation, was taken aback to see Pearl entering the kitchen, donning a chef’s hat. He exclaimed, “Master Chef, are you getting hands–on today!”

“Yes,” Pearl replied casually. “I have an important guest who’s craving meatballs, so I’m whipping up something special.”

Td be happy to assist.”

Pearl declined with a smile, saying “You’ve got your hands full. Didn’t you take on a young apprentice not too long ago? You can have him come over and assist me.

“Sure thing.” Darren’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “He had a training session today, so he’ll be late. He’ll be here shortly. Please bear with us for a

monsent

Pearl couldn’t contain her excitement as they charted and hurriedly dialed her a

apprentice. This was an invaluable learning opportunity worth its weight in gold!

As soon as the call

Right on time! Ccontent © exclusive by Nô/vel(D)ra/ma.Org.

was placed a clear and bright voice came through, saying, ‘Darren, I’m here!”

Darren wore a contented smile, patting his apprentice on the shoulder. “Come over here quickly and meet my senior mentor, Pearl”

“Hello, Pearl!” The young apprentice bowed respectfully, his demeanor showing earnestness.

Pearl had just opened her closet to take out her chef’s attire. She turned around and found a tall, lean young man standing before her. Unlike the previous day they first met, when he wore a white jersey, today he was dressed in a plain white T–shirt and jeans, exuding a clean and refreshing

look

As soon as the young man stood straight and caught sight of Pearl, he froze in place. Instinctively, he raised his hand and said, “Hey, beautiful lady!”

Darren swiftly swatted his apprentice’s hand away and scolded, “Show some respect! She’s your mentor, Pearl!”

The young apprentice promptly bowed and apologized to Pearl, Tm sorry for the lapse in manners, Pearl. Please forgive me

He was worried that Pearl might think poorly of him as an inexperienced apprentice and refuse to teach him.

Sering the young man still in a daze, Darren gently kicked him and urged. “You rascal, you’ve got no sense at all. Quickly put down your backpack and help Pearl change into her outfic‘

Only then did the young man snap out of it, hurriedly placing his backpack down and returning to take the clothes from Pearl’s hands. He opened them up, and, looking at Pearl, he couldn’t help but feel completely unsure of where to start,

He cast a pleading look at Darren and said, “Darren, how do I.. how am I supposed to wear this”

Darren shot his apprentice an impatient glance. This kid was usually sharp, but today, he seemed utterly clueless. It was frustrating, especially at such a critical moment,

He suppressed his frustration and said. “How do you think? Just like you’ve been helping me, you’ll assist Pearl the same way?”

Though he said that, but he had never dressed a girl before

Pearl observed the bewildered young man, his face and neck turning as red as a lobster. It was a mix of amusing and endearing. “Alright, 1’11 take care of it myself,”

The young man eagerly attempted to hand the clothes to Pearl However, upon seeing Darren’s bewildered expression, he hastily withdrew his

Chapore th

ban) Megning Pearls gare. he saminere, “Warl, I’ll attend to you.”

Flushing, he assisted Pearl in puning on the clothes. Despite his shyness, he was well–practiced at this task, and his movements were swih arst meniculous as be carefully buttoned up Ivard’s attire.

Pearl coalho have imagined that the “future basketball sensation” she had casually encountered on campus would end up in the kitchen of Food Delight, bening Darren’s trusted apprentice.

et working. Sometimes, it can be pretty unpredictable.

“Your name is Connor, right?” She remembered that’s what his classmates called binu

Connor hand trembled slightly, and he glanced up at Pearl. His face flushed even more as he lowered his head and stammered, “Y–yes, I’mi

Conner

Pearl mulled over the name and gazed at the young man’s features. Her eyebrow arched slightly as she asked, “What’s your relation with Peter!”

Connor appeared momentarily taken aback. “You know my brother?”

Indeed, they were siblings

Pearl chose not to delve into her connection with Peter and remarked, “He’s a well–known celebrity. Who doesn’t recognize him?”

“Oh. I see” Connor replied, naively scratching his head, revealing an innocent yet charming smile.

It was impossible not to be charmed by such a smile. Pearl’s voice remained gentle and soothing as she suggested. Tm going to prepare a dish of brused meatballs. Since Darren is occupied, how about lending in a hand?”

Connor eagerly agreed. “Sure thing. Pearl”

hy did everything seem so

In an instant, the attractive lady, Pearl, had transformed into his mentor, and Connor felt like he was in a dream. Why

Braised meatballs were a sophisticated specialty, demanding the utmost attention to detail. Pearl was renowned for her ingredient selection, opting for top–tier cuts of beet. After partially freezing the meat, she expertly sliced it into thin strips, approximately 1/to inch thick, before dicing it into Ene cubes. She handed a cleaver to Connor and instructed. Let’s get chopping.”

Conner found himself wholly engrossed in Pearls masterful knife skills. He had always considered Darren’s knife skills impressive, but he had never imagined that there could be someone even more skilled. Pearl’s knite danced with incredible speed and finesse, turning slicing meat into a flawless work of art.

Any doubts he may have had about Pearl being his mentor were dispelled entirely at that moment,

“Pearl didn’t rely heavily on verbal instructions when teaching. She preferred hands–on guidance. She didn’t hold back any of her skills or knowledge, but how much you could learn depended entirely on your abilities.

Connor was a quick and efficient assistant, displaying a remarkable dedication to learning. He asked questions whenever he didn’t understand, approaching has tasks with the diligence of a top–tier student

Darren stood nearby, observing their harmonious interaction, a contented smile playing on his lips.

As long as Pearl was willing to teach, it meant Connor had earned her approval.

Conner was indeed fortunate to have camed the favor of Pearl.

After they rushed preparing the braised meatballs. Pearl ordered a few more dishes that Charlie enjoyed. They heard a commation outside as Donna and Peter arrived, attracting a crowd of fans who sought autographs and photos.

Connor immediately peered outside and hastily sought refuge behind Pearl, looking as flustered as a deer encountering a tiger in the forest. “What’s the matter? Pearl asked

Bowing and with wide, innocent Eyes Connor implored, “Pearl, please help me. Don’t let Peter know I’m working here. He’ll be furious!”

In his hate, he had forgotten to address her as “Pearl” and had called her “Sas” instead. He hadn’t even realized his slip.

Whether it was the allure of those beautiful, innocent eyes or the earnest tone of his plea, Pearls heart softened, and she instinctively offered her protection to Connor. She walked out, leading Donna and Peter to a private room.

bear much resemblance to each other.

Taking another glance at Peter, Pearl suddenly realized that the two brothers from the Smith family didn’t bear r Beyond a few shared facial features, their personalities and auras were entirely distinct.

Peter exuded a calm and refined demeanor, while Connor radiated a warm and sunny disposition.

He was indeed an intriguing young man.