Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

"If you're in love with her, why are you still keeping it a secret? If she asks, just tell her the truth." The old lady York's smile faded as she reminded Tatum, "Don't make the same mistake as your older brother. He kept it hidden until his wife found out by accident—and nearly left him over it."

Tatum hesitated, then admitted, "Grandma, I'm afraid that if I tell her, she'll fire me. If that happens, and I have to leave the Ormond family, I won't have a chance to see her anymore. She's always so busy-she wouldn't go out of her way for me."

His voice softened. "I want to wait until she has feelings for me, until we fall in love. Then I'll tell her the truth—that she's the one you chose for me. That I traveled all this way, not just to be her private chef, but to pursue her. Cooking for her isn't just about making sure she eats well-it's about building something real between us."

A marriage without love wouldn't last.

If there were no feelings, neither of them would go through with it.

The old lady York smiled knowingly. "Your concerns make sense. From what I know about Elora, if she had known your real intentions from the start, she would never have hired you." Then, she handed the phone to Elora.

Elora had been walking with the old lady York the entire time, overhearing their conversation.

She was caught off guard, but not angry.

Tatum had earned his place as her private chef through skill alone.

test, and only got

professional. Even after she learned he was the sixth young master of the York family, he never acted entitled or arrogant. He

felt his affection for her-but even so, he had

hearing him say he had been afraid

he had confessed before she had feelings for him, she wouldn't

without a second thought, making sure they never crossed paths

barely registered the old

older woman gestured for

cheeks flushed, as delicate as peach blossoms

"Grandma York."

Lady York" to "Grandma York." It felt warmer.

the other end of the line, Tatum had sharp

moment he heard her voice,

panicked-like a thief caught red-handed. His first

he forced himself to stay