Tears of joy welled in her eyes as she savored the dish. “I can’t believe something can taste this incredible! It’s like… a flavor explosion!”
Leo watched her with a warm smile, enjoying the sight of her unfiltered happiness. “See? I told you. Worth it, right?”
Mina nodded vigorously, a single tear escaping as she laughed. “I didn’t think food could make me feel this way! I’m definitely not going to cry over food… but here we are!” 
“Crying over food is perfectly acceptable,” Leo teased, reaching across the table to wipe away her tear with his thumb. “It means you’re experiencing something truly special.”
Mina chuckled, still overwhelmed by the flavors and emotions swirling inside her. “You know, if all meals were like this, I might just have to cry every time I eat.” 
“Then I’ll make sure we come here more often,” Leo replied, his gaze warm and inviting. “After all, I wouldn’t want you to miss out on these moments.” 
The two continued to savor their meal, laughter and conversation filling the air, as Mina discovered a whole new world of culinary delights—and the joy of sharing those experiences with Leo.
One by one, the dishes began to arrive at their table, each presentation more stunning than the last.
The first course was a delicate tartlet topped with thinly sliced heirloom tomatoes, a drizzle of basil oil, and a sprinkle of sea salt. The vibrant reds, yellows, and greens were a feast for the eyes. Mina took a small bite and was immediately transported by the fresh, vibrant flavors. “This is like summer on a plate!” she exclaimed.
Next came a beautifully arranged plate of seared scallops, their golden crusts glistening with a light lemon beurre blanc sauce. Each scallop sat atop a silky cauliflower purée, with a garnish of microgreens. Mina savored the tender meat, the buttery sauce complementing the scallops perfectly. “I’ve never tasted anything so luxurious!” she said, her eyes wide with delight.
Then, a whimsical dish appeared: a small bowl of truffle scrambled eggs, fluffy and rich, adorned with a sprinkle of chives and served with crispy artisanal toast. The aroma of truffles wafted through the air, and Mina could hardly contain her excitement. “This smells divine! I’ve never had truffles before!”
As the final savory course arrived, a succulent beef Wellington graced their table, the pastry golden and flaky, encasing tender beef and a rich mushroom duxelles. It was served with a side of vibrant, sautéed seasonal vegetables. Mina couldn’t help but gasp at its beauty. “It looks like something out of a movie!”
Amidst their meal, the chef emerged from the kitchen, a warm smile on his face. He approached their table and greeted them with enthusiasm. “Bon appétit! I hope you’re enjoying your meal,” he said, his French accent thick yet charming.
Mina felt a rush of excitement as the chef introduced each dish with passion. “This tartlet features heirloom tomatoes sourced from local farms, and the scallops are caught fresh from the Atlantic. The truffle in the scrambled eggs is the best you can find,” he explained, gesturing proudly to the dishes.
Mina, enthralled, looked at Leo. “I had no idea the chef would come out like this! It feels so special!”
Leo nodded, a knowing smile on his face. “It’s not just food; it’s an art. This isn’t ordinary cuisine, Mina,” he said, his voice low and sincere. “It’s a whole experience.”
As the chef continued to share his passion for the dishes, Mina soaked in every word, feeling like she was part of something extraordinary. The combination of exquisite food and the chef’s dedication made the entire brunch feel like a celebration of flavors and artistry.
Mina dove into the exquisite spread before her, devouring each dish with unrestrained enthusiasm. She savored the flavors, not pausing to consider how much she was consuming. 
Caught up in her excitement, she suddenly began to choke on a particularly rich dish featuring a unique ingredient she had never encountered before. 
In an instant, Leo was at her side, calmly offering her a glass of water. “Take a sip, Mina. Slow down a bit!” His voice was steady and reassuring.
After she managed to regain her composure, Leo brushed a stray crumb from the corner of her mouth with his thumb. The gentle touch made Mina blush, heat rising to her cheeks as she looked away, embarrassed.
Suddenly, a voice called out, “Leo!” 
Both of them turned to see a stunning woman approaching. With a confident stride, she walked right up to Leo and, without hesitation, plopped down onto his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck playfully. “Look who it is! I didn’t expect to find you here,” she said with a bright smile, her eyes sparkling with flirtation. 
Mina’s heart raced, a mix of confusion and jealousy swirling within her as she observed this unexpected turn of events.
*
Mina glared at the sultry woman as she settled into Leo’s lap, her playful demeanor oozing confidence. “Can you believe this?” Mina muttered under her breath, not bothering to hide her disdain.
The woman flirted effortlessly, her laughter ringing out as she and Leo exchanged banter in a mix of French and English. “You’re looking handsome as always, Leo,” she purred, leaning closer. Just before she left, she whispered something in his ear that made him chuckle. “I’ll see you later, okay?” she said with a wink, her eyes sparkling mischievously.
As soon as the woman walked away, Leo turned to Mina, a bemused smile on his face. “You’re really going to glare at her like that?” he asked, clearly entertained.
Mina continued to tap the edge of her plate with the knife, her irritation bubbling over. “I just don’t like seeing women like that! She’s so… flirty!”
“Flirty? Or just friendly?” Leo countered, a teasing glint in his eye.
“Friendly? It looked like she was about to climb you like a tree!” Mina shot back, her cheeks flushed with annoyance.
Leo shrugged, trying to play it cool. “You know I can handle myself. Besides, it’s just harmless fun.”