Dinner

Alex went to the Billy mansion to pick up Zoe, as he had promised, to make up for his absence the day they were supposed to have lunch at the hotel.

He hated himself for making such a promise, knowing that it would only lead to more complications. But he couldn't back out now, not after everything that had happened.

His parents were pressuring him to marry Zoe, the perfect candidate to carry on the family name and fortune.

But Alex didn't love her, not in the way he wanted to love someone. No, his heart belonged to Nora, the cleaner girl he had met at the hotel and had been secretly in love with, waiting for the perfect time to tell her about his feelings.

 He only wanted to do this to make up for not showing up at the lunch he promised her.

As he arrived at the Billy mansion, his heart was heavy with guilt and conflict. Zoe was waiting outside when they got there, her perfect hair and makeup making her look like a doll.

Alex forced a smile as he greeted her casually. He opened the back door for her to come in, trying to push away the nagging feeling in the pit of his stomach.

As he closed the door and entered the other side, he couldn't help but feel like he was suffocating. They drove to Empire Restaurant, the same place they were supposed to meet the previous day, where he met Nora.

Alex's mind was in turmoil, torn between his duty to his family and his love for Nora.

When they arrived, they were ushered into the VIP section, and the waitress served different dishes and exquisite wines on their table, but Alex couldn't focus on it.

He was too busy trying to figure out a way to get out of this situation without hurting anyone.

Zoe ate shily, oblivious to the inner turmoil Alex was facing. But as the dinner went on, Alex could feel the pressure building. He knew he had to make a choice, and it wasn't going to be an easy one.

He could either break his promise to his parents and risk their disappointment and anger, or he could not bear the thought of a life without Nora.

For some reason, he felt safe around her and very comfortable when they sat together in his car the day, he dropped her off. He had never felt that way with Zoe, he only felt uncomfortable whenever she was around.

Alex and Zoe sat opposite each other at a table near the window, where the city lights outside provided a gentle backdrop to their dinner. The soft hum of conversations around them mingled with the clinking of cutlery, creating a pleasant, intimate atmosphere.

But the silence between Alex and Zoe was anything but pleasant.

Zoe had been waiting for this dinner for weeks. She had carefully selected her outfit stunning, elegant dress in deep emerald, green that complemented her fair skin and dark hair.

Her makeup was subtle yet sophisticated, highlighting her bright blue eyes. She had even chosen Alex's favorite perfume, hoping to stir up some between them.

As he sat there, stirring his soup absentmindedly, Zoe couldn't help but steal glances at him.

He was dressed impeccably as always, in a tailored black suit that fit him perfectly, his tie neatly knotted. He looked as handsome as ever. 

She had hoped tonight would be special. Maybe, just maybe, Alex would finally ask the question she had been longing to hear.

After all, their families had been dropping hints for months now, and Zoe had been nothing but patient, waiting for Alex to take that next step.

Finally, unable to bear the tension any longer, Zoe put down her spoon and looked directly at Alex. "What happened yesterday?" she asked, her voice soft but tinged with concern. "Why did you suddenly leave? Someone said you came to the hotel, but then you rushed out almost immediately without seeing nor calling me."

Alex, who had been lost in his thoughts, snapped back to reality at her question. He scratched his head awkwardly, trying to find the right words.

"I…had an emergency at the office," he said, his voice slightly strained. "Something came up that needed my immediate attention, so I had to rush back and take care of it. I'm sorry."

There was a slight hesitation in his voice, a nervousness that didn't quite fit the straightforward explanation he was offering.

She studied his face, searching for any sign that might tell her what was going on, but Alex's expression remained carefully neutral.

In truth, the reason Alex had fled the hotel had nothing to do with work. It had everything to do with Nora.

The memory of their brief encounter replayed in his mind. He remembered how they had bumped into each other at the entrance how her eyes, wide with a mix of surprise and embarrassment and fear, had met his for a fleeting moment.

He was supposed to be upset, maybe even irritated, but instead, he found himself intrigued. There was something about her, something he couldn't quite put his finger on, that made him want to know more.

Before he could gather his thoughts or ask her anything, Nora hurried off, leaving Alex standing there, feeling an inexplicable urge to follow her.

And that's exactly what he did. He had watched her as she moved quickly through the lobby, her figure disappearing into the crowd. Without thinking, Alex had turned on his heel and pursued her, his curiosity getting the better of him.

He had completely forgotten about Zoe waiting for him at the restaurant, about the dinner that was supposed to be their special evening.

But by the time he reached the street, she had already entered a taxi, and that was how he followed her to find out about her.

Only later, when he noticed the missed calls and messages from Zoe, did he grasp the gravity of his actions. He had abandoned Zoe, alone in a restaurant, all because of a brief meeting with a stranger.

Now, as he sat across from Zoe, trying to explain his sudden departure, Alex felt a pang of regret. He didn't want to hurt her, but he also couldn't deny the truth of what had happened.

Zoe sighed softly, her eyes never leaving his. "You don't have to apologize, Alex," she said, her voice gentle. "I just… I worry about you sometimes. 

Alex looked down at his plate, unable to meet her gaze. "I'm sorry," he repeated, though this time the words felt even more hollow. He wished he could explain what was going on in his head, but the truth was, he wasn't sure himself.

Zoe reached across the table and placed her hand over his, I just want us to be happy, she said quietly. I know you have a lot on your mind, but I'm here for you, Alex shifted his hand away from her.

Alex only smiled at her without saying anything.