to the upscale restaurant Robert had chosen. My dress felt too tight, and the heels pinched, bu

t, glancing up at the opulent façade of the restaurant. O

th salt-and-pepper hair and a warm smile that seemed practiced. Beside him stood a younger man, tall, broad-shouldered, and undeniably

caught in

wasn't

oduced, her voice brimming with pr

. The man I had spent an unforgettable night with, who'd ravage

orward, exte

he said, his voice s

, avoiding his g

of his attention lingering on me. This dinner was shap

ou alright? You look li

ifted up my menu until it concealed my face. I closed my

nightmare unfolding before me. Chris-my Chris-was sitting across the table,

raised an eyebrow, the corner of his lips curling in the faintest smirk. That smug look sc

" Robert asked warmly, his voice

be absorbed in the choices. "Um, the

e myself. "You might like the risotto," he suggested, h

encing last night right now? I wanted to hurl my glass

d flatly, burying my

reputation. I barely heard them, too focused on keeping my composure. Chris, on the other hand, seeme

g plans, I realized I had to pull myself together. This wasn't just

turning her attention t

osture relaxed. "I run a tech start-up. It's still growi

laimed, her eyes lighting u

ing at me. "But I always make

ught he was? I took a sip of my water, praying

etely unaware of the silent war happening across t

asked, his voice l

shut down this line of conversation.

to be a dinner; it was going to be a battle to keep the past buried. And f

ng to his father, "how did

sighed in relief. Let him fi

club," Robert said warmly, g

exclaimed, sending

right away, but it was her humor and

en her in years. I couldn't tell if she was in love with him or his money, but she was

om asked. "Anyone s

glanced at me briefly before replying, "Not at the

my water. This man

clearly intrigue

"But I think it's the kind of story tha

Every word out of his mouth was a

ortunity to focus on my plate, hoping to make it through the re

iter poured coffee, "you se

fine. Just... tired.

ty of time to relax once the wedding pla

k the wedding to next month. The official announcement

d be there to celebrate with

dded. "Ab

ge quick glances.

se." I

beaming at Mom. "To new beginnings

nked glasses. "To new beginnings," he

gulp. This was going to b