Gemotions

He’d seen the Instagram post, a glossy picture of "Chef Antoine’s" signature pasta dish, "Midnight Bloom." Liam scrolled through the comments, a frown etched across his face. Everyone raved about the unique blend of truffle oil and sun-dried tomatoes. He knew that unique blend. It was his.

His hands fidgeted as he walked into the trendy restaurant, reservations booked under a false name. He felt a prickly heat rise in his chest. The ambiance was sleek, modern, nothing like his own humble kitchen.

The waiter set the dish before him. He picked at the pasta, his fork trembling slightly. He watched Chef Antoine glide between tables, basking in the praise. Each bite felt like a punch to the gut. The only thing that stopped him from storming up to the chef was the fear he would be wrong.