/0/56807/coverbig.jpg?v=59bef8789080e7c2b832d0c9dc426f87)
"A Culinary Romance" is a heartfelt tale of Li Yan's journey, ignited by her late grandmother's cherished memoir book, "The Taste of Love." Within its pages lie not only Italian culinary treasures but also memories of her grandmother's early days, including her love for an Italian gentleman and her deep connection to Italian cuisine, forming the very essence of "A Culinary Romance." As Li Yan faces familial pressures and personal trials, the book becomes a guide, offering not just recipes but a glimpse into her grandmother's past and the enduring power of love. Through cooking these dishes, Li Yan not only honors her grandmother's memory but also discovers her own path to fulfillment and success, guided by the flavors of love passed down through generations.
The piercing sound of knocking shattered the fragile veil of Li Yan's fitful sleep. Groaning, she buried her face deeper into her pillow, trying to escape the relentless intrusion. But her stepmother's voice, sharp and unforgiving, cut through the haze of exhaustion.
"Li Yan! Get up, lazy girl! You need to make breakfast, we don't have all day!"
Li Yan's heart sank as she reluctantly dragged herself out of bed, her mind already heavy with the weight of her stepmother's scorn. With a resigned sigh, she stumbled towards the door, bracing herself for the inevitable barrage of insults.
Opening the door, Li Yan was met with her stepmother's steely gaze, her lips curled in disdain. "About time you woke up, useless freeloader. Don't think you can laze around all day while we work to support you!"
Li Yan swallowed the bitter retort that rose in her throat, opting instead for silence as she shuffled past her stepmother and into the cramped kitchen. The air hung heavy with tension, suffocating any semblance of peace or warmth.
As she clumsily prepared breakfast, her stepmother's voice continued to echo in her ears, each word another dagger to her already wounded spirit.
"You should be grateful we even let you stay here. If it weren't for your father's pension, we'd have no use for you at all. And don't even think about chasing after those silly dreams of yours. A chef, ha! You'll never amount to anything more than a burden."
Li Yan bit her lip, fighting back tears as she poured all her frustration and anguish into the sizzling pan before her. She dared not speak, knowing any words she uttered would only be met with scorn and ridicule.
Li Yan's steps faltered as her stepmother's relentless tirade echoed in the cramped kitchen. The sharp words cut through the morning haze, stinging like a slap to the face.
"When will you move out? You're an extra mouth to feed! Did I not do my part to raise you when you were a minor? Now you're an adult and still, you will not give me peace!"
The weight of her stepmother's accusation hung heavy in the air, suffocating Li Yan with guilt and shame. She clenched her fists, willing herself to remain composed despite the torrent of emotions swirling within her.
"I'm trying, okay?" Li Yan finally spoke, her voice barely above a whisper, yet laced with determination. "I'm doing my best to find a job and figure things out."
But her stepmother's scoff pierced through her feeble attempt at defense. "Your best? Ha! Your best isn't good enough. You've been mooching off us for far too long. It's time you started pulling your own weight."
Li Yan's jaw tensed, a silent battle raging within her. She longed to scream, to unleash the pent-up frustration and anger that threatened to consume her. But she held her tongue, knowing that any protest would fall on deaf ears.
Instead, she turned her attention back to the task at hand, her movements mechanical as she continued to prepare breakfast. Each chop of the knife, each stir of the spoon, became a silent act of defiance-a declaration that she would not be crushed by the weight of her stepmother's scorn.
As the aroma of food filled the air, a faint glimmer of hope stirred within Li Yan's heart. Despite the darkness that surrounded her, she clung to the belief that one day, she would break free from the shackles of her circumstances and forge her own path forward.
Li Yan's stepmother, Mrs. Zhang, relentless in her morning diatribe, finally stirred Li Yan's father, Mr. Chen, from his slumber. With a gruff bass voice, he emerged from his bedroom, rubbing his eyes in irritation.
"Alright, that's enough, Ming," he muttered, addressing his wife by her given name. "How long will you keep yelling? You're disturbing the entire floor with this. Let her be."
Mr. Chen settled at the dining table with a heavy thud, casting a tired glance at Li Yan. "Li Yan, bring me my coffee," he grumbled, his morning ritual disrupted.
But Li Yan, as usual, had other plans. With a gentle smile, she placed a steaming cup of herbal tea before her father. "Dad, you know your blood pressure is too high. You cannot drink coffee now."
Mr. Chen sighed, resigned to his daughter's stubbornness but grateful for her concern. He took the cup in his hands, nodding in acknowledgment. In that simple exchange, amidst the chaos of their dingy kitchen, there was a flicker of understanding.
Mrs. Zhang huffed as she settled down to eat the simple but delicious Italian-inspired breakfast that Li Yan had hurriedly prepared. Though inwardly impressed by Li Yan's cooking prowess, she maintained her stoic facade, refusing to give her stepdaughter the satisfaction of praise.
As she savored each bite, Mrs. Zhang couldn't help but marvel at the flavors dancing on her palate-hints of basil, garlic, and tomatoes mingling together in perfect harmony. Despite herself, she found herself yearning for more, yet stubbornly refusing to acknowledge the culinary talent before her.
Instead, she focused on the clatter of utensils and the rhythmic sounds of chewing, doing her best to ignore the undeniable truth-that Li Yan's cooking surpassed her own by leagues. And as the meal came to an end, Mrs. Zhang pushed aside her empty plate, her pride warring with her taste buds, a silent testament to the complexity of their relationship.
Anna Maria returns home to discover her husband and best friend in bed. When she attempts to confront her best friend about the betrayal, her husband defends the mistress, despite Anna Maria being the one who financially supports him. In an effort to escape her sorrow, she heads to a bar and, in her inebriated state, spends the night with the enigmatic billionaire Alejandro King, mistaking him for a gigolo. Astonishingly, after their encounter, Mr. King insists that Anna Maria take responsibility for him. What will Happen Next?
Melanie married Ashton out of gratitude, but she quickly found herself entangled in a web of relentless challenges. Despite these struggles, she stayed true to her commitment to the marriage. In the hospital room, Ashton indifferently attempted to draw her blood, disregarding her discomfort. This callous act was a harsh revelation for Melanie, awakening her to the grim reality of their relationship. Resolved to prioritize her own welfare, she decided to sever ties. With newfound resolve, Melanie filed for divorce. In the process, she unveiled her concealed identities, leaving everyone in shock. Throughout these turbulent times, Melanie realized that Derek, Ashton’s uncle, had been discreetly protecting her all along.
She thought he was the villain. He was only trying to save his soul. Rena lives in a world of sunshine, sweets, and simple dreams. Until one reckless decision drops her into a dark realm of secrets, curses and werewolves. Kidnapped, heartbroken. She doesn't know who to trust anymore especially not Logan, the arrogant, cruel Alpha who's keeping her as a hostage. Until she discovers his dark secret. He's been hearing her thoughts all along. Now the walls between them are crumbling. And when feelings grow where hatred once lived, a curse demands that blood becomes a love that demands sacrifice. But how can she give her heart to the one who might need it to die?
Kallie, a mute who had been ignored by her husband for five years since their wedding, also suffered the loss of her pregnancy due to her cruel mother-in-law. After the divorce, she learned that her ex-husband had quickly gotten engaged to the woman he truly loved. Holding her slightly rounded belly, she realized that he had never really cared for her. Determined, she left him behind, treating him as a stranger. Yet, after she left, he scoured the globe in search of her. When their paths crossed once more, Kallie had already found new happiness. For the first time, he pleaded humbly, "Please don't leave me..." But Kallie's response was firm and dismissive, cutting through any lingering ties. "Get lost!"
Kaelyn devoted three years tending to her husband after a terrible accident. But once he was fully recovered, he cast her aside and brought his first love back from abroad. Devastated, Kaelyn decided on a divorce as people mocked her for being discarded. She went on to reinvent herself, becoming a highly sought-after doctor, a champion racer, and an internationally renowned architectural designer. Even then, the traitors sneered in disdain, believing Kaelyn would never find someone. But then the ex-husband’s uncle, a powerful warlord, returned with his army to ask for Kaelyn’s hand in marriage.
Five years ago, Alessia La Rosa's life took a drastic turn when, suffering from memory loss, she wed to Dominic Carter under her grandfather's mysterious arrangement. But their marriage was a facade, bringing her only humiliation and heartache as Dominic showed no love, and she couldn't conceive. Upon discovering Dominic's infidelity, Alessia sought liberation through divorce. Yet, fate had more in store for her. Five years later, spurred by an anonymous email hinting at her lost child's whereabouts, she returns to the city with her twin babies in tow, determined to uncover the truth. As she navigates the tangled web of her past, a surprising twist awaits. Dominic, upon meeting her again, finds himself drawn to the woman she has become, unaware of her true identity as his former wife. Little does he know, the woman he's falling for is not only his ex-wife but also a powerful Doctor and Master Hacker.
Life was a bed of roses for Debra, the daughter of Alpha. That was until she had a one-night stand with Caleb. She was sure he was her mate as determined by Moon Goddess. But this hateful man refused to accept her. Weeks passed before Debra discovered that she was pregnant. Her pregnancy brought shame to her and everyone she loved. Not only was she driven out, but her father was also hunted down by usurpers. Fortunately, she survived with the help of the mysterious Thorn Edge Pack. Five years passed and Debra didn't hear anything from Caleb. One day, their paths crossed again. They were both on the same mission—carrying out secret investigations in the dangerous Roz Town for the safety and posterity of their respective packs. Caleb was still cold toward her. But as time went on, he fell head over heels in love with her. He tried to make up for abandoning her, but Debra wasn't having any of it. She was hell-bent on hiding her daughter from him and also making a clean break. What did the future hold for the two as they journeyed in Roz Town? What kind of secrets would they find? Would Caleb win Debra's heart and get to know his lovely daughter? Find out!