Chapter 28

"Breaking news! This just in, pop singer Cheryl Fernandez Versini, known as the 'nation's sweetheart', has been reported missing by the North London Police at 5 o' clock this evening. There was no trace of the 'Fight For This Love' singer since Wednesday 15th June when she was last reportedly seen by her husband, restaurant owner, Jean-Bernard Fernandez-Versini. Jean, 33, (made up his age) said and I quote, 'Cheryl and I had an argument about an article in the Sun newspaper that said that Cheryl had cheated on me. I fell asleep one night and when I woke up, she was gone.' Cheryl, turning 31 in 2 weeks, has not responded to any phone calls or texts and has been completely silent on social media. More on this story as it develops."

I couldn't stop crying. I couldn't even believe this was happening. It all just seemed like a blur. I didn't even know what to do anymore.

Should I stay here or go back France?

I was still married to her and it felt like she didn't want to be a part of this relationship anymore. It was killing me inside. I guess I'm one the most sensitive men you have ever met. I've always been the softie one of the school. I loved animals and taking care of people. But what I loved most was cooking, of course.

The restaurant was the only place I felt like was home to me. I went there every other week while I was with Cheryl, just to check on it. I had two months off work but that wasn't going to stop me.

I packed all my things and took the ferry to France. It took around seven hours to get back to my old apartment. I opened the door and dumped all my things in the living room. I then took the first shower I had in a week, got changed and drove to the restaurant. It was most known as 'The Box' and was rated 5 stars.

It was my second home.

I pulled up in the car park and entered. We started speaking French to each other and it already felt like old times. Then, my best friend and co-worker, Eric, came up to me and smiled.

"Hey Jean, I thought you still had time off." He gave me a look of confusion."Yeah, I do but...Cheryl left me. She just disappeared." I told him."Oh, I'm so sorry. So you're here for the special tonight?""Yep. Can you tell Rob that I came back to work early for me?""Yeah, sure pal. I'll get Eugene to make you the usual as well.""Can't wait, thanks Eric."

Eric vanished into the kitchen and I sat there, tapping my fingers on the table top.

Sitting at a table for one is really depressing.

I miss her.

Fifteen minutes later, Eugene brought in my meal. Which was Escargot. I also got served a glass of red wine. I sighed and ate in complete silence. Everyone else in the restaurant were in groups or couples. I look around and felt really let out from the world. There were men and women holding each other's hands, families laughing together but there was me...sitting alone and lonely at a single table just staring at the meal Eugene prepared. Normally, I would tuck right in and finish in five minutes.

But this time, It felt like half an hour.

Then, Rob came out to see me. He walked over and took a seat opposite mine. I put down my knife and fork and took a sip of wine while my body was shaking nervously. Rob had a concerned, sincere look on his face. He knew something was wrong. And before we'd even started speaking.

"Jean. How are you?" Rob asked."I'm not that good actually, Rob.""Yeah, Eric told me the news. I'm sorry she left you." "Oh, he did? Well...news does travel fast.""Come on, Jean, man. You don't need her. You'll be just fine with your old crew, eh?"I sighed and nodded, "I guess so.""That's our man! It's good to have you back, Jean. Welcome back to 'The Box'." Rob came up and slapped my shoulder to encourage me.

He was a very humorous kind of boss to have.

I'm the chief chef here and Eugene is my assistant chef. Everyone in the restaurant are family to me. My parents kind of disowned me because they wanted me to be a lawyer or a doctor. But I love cooking and food more than anything. They just don't understand.

And now, I felt lonelier than ever.

I know I was a bit of a 'ladies-man' or a somewhat 'player' but I thought Cheryl was the one. I guess Karma just came and slapped me in the face for messing around too much. I had gotten three girls pregnant before I met Cheryl. Everyone girl who knew me in France hated me. It was only the small group of friends I had here who really understood me.

After I left the restaurant, I went back to my apartment, turned all the lights off and fell asleep on the sofa. But before I slept, I prayed that Cheryl would either come back or that someone will find her, wherever she was. I felt like my life depended on her because she was the only woman who knew me more than I did.

I am the biggest softie ever, I know, but I really can't imagine a life without her...