CHAPTER - 170

  Narrator: Clean and gleaming after leaving his room, with his crimson-red hair shining under the corridor lights, Dav made his way toward the cafeteria.

  It felt like the billionth time at least, that’s how it seemed to him that he had gone looking for Iris during that school year.

  He walked with half-closed eyes, his hands tucked into his pockets, and a relaxed, almost disinterested air as he moved through the hallways.

  Once inside the cafeteria, his gaze immediately landed on three familiar figures: Selene, Iris, and Valeria, sitting at the same table, deep in conversation.

  With his usual nonchalance, Dav raised a hand in greeting and approached Iris.

  Dav: (Tilting his head slightly) Can you prepare two takeaway trays for dinner again?

  Iris: (Hesitating) But…

  Selene seems fine, from what I can see.

  Dav: (Glancing at Selene, then winking with a half-smile)

  Let’s just say it’s for someone else who's sick at the moment.

  (Turning to Selene) How are you feeling tonight, Selene?

  [Selene looked at him with a radiant smile. Her eyes sparkled with gratitude.]

  Selene: (Cheerfully) Well, thanks to all of you who helped me these past days.

  Starting tomorrow, I can go back to helping Iris and Mrs. Margherita.

  This book's true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.

  Valeria: (Hugging her warmly) If you still need rest, then rest!

  Don’t overdo it, understood?

  Dav: (Nodding with a tone of understanding) I get it.

  (Slight smile as he turns) Well, I’ll go get some tea.

  I’ll leave you girls to your conversation.

  Narrator: With another wave of his hand, Dav took his leave and headed toward the kitchen, leaving behind the murmurs of the three girls.

  Upon entering, he saw Mrs. Margherita sitting at a small table.

  She was calmly reading a magazine while sipping lemon tea.

  She seemed completely immersed in her peace.

  Dav smiled wryly and asked:

  "Ma’am, may I join you? But maybe skip the lemon tea this time…"

  Margherita burst into hearty laughter:

  “AHAHA! Of course, dear.

  Let me get you a bottle of the green one.”

  Dav sat down, waiting in silence.

  After a few minutes, Margherita returned with a small bottle of green tea in her hand.

  She handed it to him with a kind smile and settled back comfortably in her chair.

  Dav watched her with sincere curiosity and asked openly:

  "Why did you decide to become a cook? Or rather, a chef, I suppose."

  Margherita sipped her tea slowly.

  Her eyes fixed on the cup for a few seconds, then she lifted them toward Dav.

  There was a melancholic spark in her gaze.

  “I used to be a Hunter. My husband, Josh Franchino, and I lived for adventure.

  We faced craters together, risking our lives each time, but always side by side.

  We were carefree, happy…

  Then, one day, everything changed.”

  Flashback – Margherita

  Narrator: A young Margherita Bellini, twenty-eight at the time, stood beside her beloved Josh Franchino.

  Together with their team, they received a call from the Guild of National Security.

  Josh answered and listened to the call:

  “Hello, am I speaking with Hunter Josh Franchino?

  We’ve detected an anomaly in the city of Bucharest, Sector 3, Titan district.

  It’s a Grade B crater. You’re free to accept or decline the mission.

  What do you say?”

  Josh, enthusiastic, accepted without hesitation. He turned to the team with a smile.

  “Guys, new mission!

  A Grade B crater in the Titan sector.

  What do you think?”

  The news was met with enthusiasm.

  Everyone seemed ready to depart.

  Everyone, except Margherita.

  She watched the others celebrate, but inside, she felt a discomfort she couldn’t explain.

  Josh approached, immediately noticing the uncertainty in her eyes.

  Concerned, he asked softly:

  “My dear… is something bothering you?”

  Margherita, her voice hesitant, stared at the floor the entire time.

  “I don’t want to go.

  I don’t know why, but my instinct tells me not to.”

  Josh gently hugged her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder.

  He spoke with that warm voice that always managed to calm her.

  “Then stay.

  We can handle a Grade B.

  And when I come back… Make me one of your best dishes, okay?”

  Margherita gave a faint, uncertain smile.

  She didn’t yet know that would be the last happy moment with him.

  END OF CHAPTER - 170