Chapter three

Alexander pulled into the restaurant driveway, his expression as calm and collected as always. Timika looked a bit stunned, her eyes fixed on the restaurant's exterior.

"Alex, I thought this place wasn't open to the public until a month from now," she said, her voice tinged with surprise.

Alexander's gaze remained steady, his voice low and even. "I have an arrangement with the owner. We're allowed to dine here tonight."

Timika's eyes widened slightly, but she said nothing more. Alexander's tone was polite, yet firm, leaving no room for questions or debate.

As they stepped out of the car, Alexander's eyes scanned the surroundings, his gaze lingering on the restaurant's entrance before settling on Timika. He offered his arm, his expression still impassive.

"Shall we go in?" he asked, his voice soft but firm.

Timika took his arm, her hand slipping into the crook of his elbow. Alexander's grip was gentle, yet firm, guiding her towards the entrance.

 As they stepped inside, Timika was struck by the opulent decor and the soft, intimate lighting. The restaurant was empty, except for a few staff members who greeted them with discreet smiles.

"Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Morgan" the maître d' said, leading them to a cozy table by the window. "We're honored to have you as our first guests."

Timika's eyes met Alexander's, and she raised an eyebrow. "First guests?" she repeated, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alexander leaned in, his voice low and conspiratorial. "Let's just say I have a friend who owes me a favor," he whispered.

Timika's mind raced with questions, but before she could ask any, the waiter arrived with a bottle of champagne and a menu that read like a gastronomic journey around the world.

As they sipped their champagne and perused the menu, Timika couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement and wonder. 

"I'll have the filet mignon, medium rare," Alexander said, his voice firm and decisive.

Timika hesitated, her eyes scanning the menu. "I'll have the seafood risotto," she said finally, her voice soft.

Alexander nodded, his expression unchanged. "Excellent choice," he said, his voice low.

The waiter nodded, his smile discreet. "Very good, sir. Very good."

As they waited for their meal to arrive, Timika couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. There was something about Alexander's calm and collected demeanor that made her feel like she was walking on eggshells. She glanced at him, his eyes fixed on the wine list, his expression still impassive.

"Alexander?" she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

He looked up, his eyes meeting hers. "Yes?"

Timika hesitated, her mind racing with questions. But before she could ask any, the waiter arrived with their meal, and Alexander's attention was focused on the food.

As they ate, Timika couldn't help but feel like she was in a dream. The food was exquisite, the atmosphere intimate and exclusive. But there was something about Alexander's behavior that made her feel like she was missing something. Like there was a secret he wasn't sharing with her.

She glanced at him, his eyes fixed on his plate, his expression still calm and collected. And she wondered what he was thinking. What secrets he was keeping from her.

 Just as she was about to speak a voice said from behind."seriously,Xander." 

 Alexander's head turned slightly, his eyes narrowing as he gazed at the speaker. Timika followed his gaze and saw two men standing at the entrance, both with familiar faces.

"Julian, Ethan," Alexander said, his voice low and even. "I didn't know you were coming tonight."

Julian, the taller of the two, smiled as he approached their table. "We heard you were trying out this new restaurant, Xander. We couldn't resist joining you."

Ethan, the other man, nodded in agreement. "Besides, we're your witnesses, remember? We have to make sure you're treating Timika right."

Timika's eyes widened as she realized who these men were - Alexander's best friends and their wedding witnesses even though two more people were missing. She had only met them once, at the wedding, and they had made a lasting impression.

Alexander's expression remained calm, but Timika detected a hint of annoyance in his voice. "I think Timika can take care of herself, Ethan."

Julian chuckled. "Oh, we're not here to babysit, Xander. We just want to enjoy the culinary delights with you both."

 They joined the table and ordered food as well." Timika you look very beautiful as always." Julian said.

 Timika blushed at the compliment, feeling a sense of unease. "Thank you, Julian," she said, her voice soft.

Alexander's eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze fixed on Julian. "I'm glad you could join us," he said, his voice polite but firm.

Ethan, sensing the tension, spoke up. "So, Xander, how's business been? We haven't caught up in a while."

Alexander's expression remained calm, but Timika detected a hint of evasion in his voice. "It's been good, Ethan. Just the usual."

Julian raised an eyebrow. "Just the usual? That's not like you, Xander. You're always pushing the boundaries."

Alexander's eyes flashed with a hint of annoyance, but he remained silent.

Timika felt a sense of discomfort, sensing that there was more to the conversation than met the eye. She glanced at Alexander, but his expression was still impassive.

 "Any one seen or heard from Lucius,that funny snake.?" Ethan as he ate.

 Alexander voice became calm but his boice was firm"Lucius is currently in Korean , he's living his best life as a pop star going on tour and doing stupid things." 

 "Come on Xander,everyone must not be like you ,some people just loves to have fun." Ethan said with a deep chuckle.

 Alexander's expression turned cold, his eyes narrowing slightly. "I don't need your lectures."

Julian held up his hands, his smile faltering. "Hey, no need to get defensive, Xander. We're just trying to have a conversation."

Alexander's gaze didn't waver. "I'm not being defensive. I'm simply stating facts. And I'd appreciate it if you didn't make assumptions about my personal life."

Timika felt a surge of discomfort, sensing the tension between the three men. She glanced at Alexander, his eyes still fixed on his friends, his expression unyielding. She knew he wouldn't appreciate her interference, but she couldn't help feeling like she needed to defend him.

"Let's just focus on the evening, shall we?" she said, her voice soft but firm. "We're here to enjoy a nice dinner, after all."

Alexander's gaze flicked to hers, his expression unreadable. But she knew he appreciated her attempt to diffuse the situation. Julian and Ethan exchanged a glance, seeming to sense the tension had gone too far.

"Yeah, you're right, Timika," Julian said, his smile returning. "Let's just enjoy the evening."

The conversation continued, but Timika couldn't shake off the feeling that there was more to the story.