Addicted To The Arranged Bride

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~~ZARA~~

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The aroma of sizzling butter and grilled fish filled the entire hall, mixing with the chatter and cheers of students.

The university's annual cooking competition was always loud, messy, and fun. This year, I'm right in the middle of it.

I stood behind my counter, fixing the straps of my apron and focusing on the pan in front of me.

My spotless station had neatly arranged ingredients-just the way I liked it. If I pulled off my dish perfectly, it would stand out.

Raven strutted over in her usual "I own this place" attitude. She flipped her hair like she was walking on a runway, not into a cooking battle.

"Well, well, look who's trying to play chef today," she said, loud enough for people around to hear. "Don't burn the building down, Zara."

Typical Raven, the queen bee of college, notorious bully extraordinaire. She'd loved picking on me since freshman year. I gave her a tight smile. "Focus on your dish, Raven. I'll handle mine."

Her smirk widened. "We'll see."

The whistle blew, and the competition officially started. I grabbed my salmon and seasoned it with lemon zest, garlic, and herbs.

Around me, other students were rushing, pans were sizzling, and aromas were filling the hall.

My best friend Dahlia was in the front row, waving at me like an excited mom, shouting, "Go Zaraaa!"

I couldn't help but grin and flash her a thumbs-up.

And then my heart did that annoying flutter thing when my gaze shifted to Adrian Wright.

My crush.

He was beside Dahlia, cheering too.

He gave me that easy smile that always made me shiver inside.

I turned back to the pan, trying not to blush and act cool, even though I felt like screaming inside.

"Zara! Eyes on the salmon!" Dahlia yelled. My hands moved fast, flipping the fish just in time.

The judges walked around watching us closely as the timer ticked down. The room was hot, intense, and filled with the sounds of chopping, sizzling, and clanging.

By the time the timer buzzed, my dish was ready-grilled salmon with lemon herb glaze, plated clean and simple.

"Hands up!" one of the judges shouted.

I stepped away from my table. My heart was racing, but I looked at my dish with pride.

My salmon looked perfectly cooked, crispy on the outside and soft inside. The lemon-herb sauce gives it a shiny, delicious finish.

The hall erupted in loud cheers and applause as students rooted for their favourite contestants.

The judges started tasting from each station. I felt nervous with every step they took closer.

Then it happened. The hall's atmosphere changed. The crowd erupted in excited gasps and whispers. One by one, heads turned as the door opened, and I looked up.

Dante Wright walked in-Adrian's elder brother.

His presence alone grabbed the whole room's attention like he was the main event.

He stepped through the doorway like someone had cued him in slow motion. Tall, broad shoulders, neat