“You’re asking me what happened?”
I was already crying.
“For two months, you’ve been taking her places alone. You’ve been talking about things behind my back. I found a hotel card. I saw a message about a room. And now I hear you telling my daughter to go to a hotel with you and not tell me anything!”
Daniel’s expression changed instantly.
But he didn’t get angry.
He simply looked at Emma.
My daughter covered her mouth with her hand.
And suddenly, she started crying too.
“Mom… what did you think was happening?”
I couldn’t answer.
Daniel slowly walked toward the desk and picked up a blue folder.
“I guess the surprise is ruined now.”
He opened it and handed it to me.
Emma’s name was printed on the first page.
Underneath it was the logo of one of the city’s universities.
I didn’t understand.
Then I read the words:
National Young Chefs Scholarship — Final Round.
“What is this?” I asked.
Emma smiled through her tears.
“Mom, I applied for a culinary program.”
I stared at her.
I still didn’t understand.
Daniel explained.
“For the past two months, I’ve been helping her prepare for the interview. That’s why we’ve been going out to restaurants. She needed to learn about different dishes, service, table etiquette, and how professional dining works. The final event is being held at that hotel.”
I looked at Daniel.
“And the room?”
Emma let out a small laugh through her tears.
