REPAYING A FAVOUR WITH DINNER

As the day drew to a close, Tiffany was tidying up her desk when Elle, her assistant, walked into the office. There was a glow in Danielle's expression, but her eyes weren't on Tiffany—they were locked on the bouquet of flowers in her arms.

"Oh, Elle, seems you've got yourself a date. Flowers, huh?" Tiffany teased lightly, glancing up from her papers. But Elle shook her head, her lips curving in a small smile.

"No, Miss Halton. They're for you," Elle said, setting the bouquet gently on the desk as though it were something precious. "They're gorgeous."

Tiffany stared at the flowers, her expression unreadable. The tulips were beautiful, pristine white blooms arranged in a way that was both elegant and expensive. Each petal looked soft, perfectly curled at the edges, as if they'd just bloomed that morning. She reached out, brushing her fingers lightly against a stem before looking back at Elle, who was watching her intently.

"I didn't know you had a man, Miss Halton. You always seemed… I don't know, like a tough, strong woman who doesn't need anyone," Elle said, her voice soft, almost uncertain at the same time, trying not to overstep.

Tiffany's lips curved into a faint smile. "Thank you, Elle," she said softly, dismissing her without another word.

As soon as the door clicked shut. Tiffany's gaze returned to the tulips. She didn't have a favorite flower. She'd never cared much for flowers but he always sent tulips. And somehow, they'd become hers. Her favourite. Now, she was looking forward to Kai sending flowers.

She lifted the bouquet slightly, inhaling their soft, clean scent before setting it back down. A small smile tugged at her lips. But she shook her head,

When she stepped outside, the cool evening air brushed against her face. She waved briefly to her coworkers. Their glances shifted, and Tiffany looked in their direction to find Kai waiting by the car parked just down the street.

He leaned casually against the black car in his tailored suit. He didn't move when he saw her, didn't wave or call out. He just waited, his dark eyes following her every step, scanning her an owl.

Tiffany walked toward him. She managed a smile, though her heart beat faster with every step. "You clean up real good, Mr. Winson," she said when she reached him, tilting her head slightly as her gaze swept over him.

"You look good too," Kai said, his voice low. There was something in the way he looked at her that always made her feel like the only person in the world. "Beautiful."

She glanced away, trying to keep her composure. "Thanks for the flowers, by the way. They're… pretty," she said, her voice lighter now, though her fingers tightened slightly around the strap of her bag.

Kai didn't say a word, instead, he opened the car door, beckoning for her to get in.

Tiffany took a deep breath. As soon as she entered, he whispered. "Not as pretty as you are," his eyes never leaving hers.

For a moment, she froze. It was a simple compliment but the way he said it and the way he looked at her, made her chest heaving.

A few minutes later, they arrived at a restaurant. As they walked inside, a lady walked up to them.

"Mr Winson, this way," she said, directing them towards their table.

As they approached their table. Kai slid a hand behind Tiffany's back, sending a shiver. Her eyes shifted to Kai, shimmering with confusion.

"You're thinking too much," he said, breaking through the silence. It was as if he could read her mind.

Tiffany turned her head slightly to look at him, her expression calm. "Maybe I have a lot to think about," she replied quietly.

Kai glanced at her, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Not tonight," he said simply, and helped her with the chair. "Tonight's just for us."

Tiffany smiled and glanced around. The ambiance was intimate, dim lighting, candlelit tables, and soft jazz playing in the background. It was the kind of date that could make you fall in love, but she wasn't here to fall in love.

"Don't you think this place isn't suitable for talking? I thought you wanted to talk."

"The wine isn't even here, Tiffany," he said with a playful glint in his eyes.

"Wine?" She asked.

Kai's brows rose. "At least, let's talk over wine," he said, but seeing Tiffany wasn't interested in the wine. "You haven't eaten, and I—" he paused, staring at the waiter walking up to them.

"Would you like anything, sir?" Kai looked up at the lady, she had a wide smile, but they were only visible to Kai.

Tiffany sighed, glancing away. Of course, he had always been the center of attention wherever they went.

"No, thank you. I already—"

"I can help you with the menu..." she said, handing it over to Kai.

"Don't you think you're overstepping? I don't need the menu. Can't you see I'm trying to have conversation with my wife?" Kai said, his tone gentle. Kai gentle? Tiffany blinked, her smirk turning into a smile.

As the lady opened her mouth to speak, Tiffany slammed her hands on the tan, just enough for them.

"You're disrespectful. Is this how your service is? Trying to please a man despite his company? I'd like to speak to your manager," she said, through her gritting teeth. Tiffany didn't give her another space to speak, "I said no, leave!" Her eyes glaring at the lady.

She rolled her eyes, and when she realised what she had just done, she looked at Kai. His eyes held her. He wasn't saying anything or even reacting, but his wry gaze made Tiffany gulp nervously. Even after their divorce, she hated how much Kai still affected her. She adjusted, looking away.

"Come with me to Henry's wedding," Kai spat. Tiffany shifted her gaze to him. The amount of confidence this man had, she wasn't able to explain.

"What?" She chuckled.

"Henry asked me to invite you," He continued without hesitation, even though the words that came out of his mouth were lies, but with those serious gaze, they seemed true.

"Hold on!" Tiffany raised her hand, giving a stop sign. "You came here to ask me that?" She asked, what was she expecting anyways? A love letter?

"No, that's an excuse, Love," He replied.

Tiffany went silent. She had no idea why that sounded better to her. What was she expecting from a man she wouldn't give her heart to? She knew Kai wasn't the reason for their divorce, but then, she needed someone to blame. As much as she confessed her feelings to him, she wasn't ready to be his wife either. Marriage still sounded like a scary news to her. Love? That was temporary. When the real problem comes, there wouldn't be a thing like love.

She cleared her throat, "I already have plans. Sorry, Mr Winson, but I can't take that offer, especially when it's for free."

"I haven't even told you the date," he said, her jaw clenched. Why didn't she think about that? "June 5th," He said without any hesitation.

"I can't, Kai. I can't come to London If that's your deal. Coming to London means..."

"I think it would be great. Also, I'm looking forward to your boutique in London, and I'm sure father would love to see you."

"That's my work. I choose what I want. Besides, its going to be hard getting to finalise the whole branch thing. Im not sure I–" she replied.

"I can work it out for you. It wouldnt be much of a bother, right?" Kai asked. Tiffany stared, speechless. "Love?"

"No! We divorced. Did you forget?" She said in a high tone. Kai glanced around to be sure they weren't getting anyone's attention. "Divorced or not, this is my work, and I'm happy about it. You don't get to have a say," she glared.

"Then, give me another chance, Tiffany, I promise... I wouldn't bother you with such promises, but..."

"Another chance to be your wife? Or contract wife?" she breathed, "You didn't tell them, did you?" She questioned.

Kai leaned backwards, a smile lingering on his lips. Tiffany nodded, knowing that smile.

"It isn't their business," he replied.

"So everyone thinks we are still married, including your father... the time you asked for to sort it out, is running out, Mr Winson. I didn't take you as the one not to keep promises," her eyes widened.

Kai inhaled, deeply. "I want you, Tiffany, and I would use any excuse to make you mine, again."

Tiffany swallowed. Her eyes flickering.

They stepped out of the restaurant. Kai had his hands around her waist as they walked out. Tiffany's smile brightened, seeing Audrey. Her former assistant when she was his contracted wife.

"Mrs Winson, its nice to see you, again. How have you been?" She said. Tiffany smiled, staring at her head to toe. Their last encounter wasn't so great.

"Fine—" she started, but Kai cut her short.

"Alright... let me take you home," he said, Tiffany looked at Audrey, who walked to the driver's seat, getting in.

"Oh, no, I'm fine." She replied, slipping out of his hold.

"Is there a need to refuse me? We are neighbours, remember?" He said, his tone low as he approached her. Kai stopped a feet away from her. His eyes holding hers.

"I— I wouldn't want that." Tiffaany said, her chest heaving.

"I insist, sweetheart, get in." He said, opening the car door. Tiffany took a deep breath, staring at him. As much as she wanted to walk away. She had no other option, because why pay for a cab, when you get a free ride, but the ride came with deep tension, a fire igniting in her for her ex-husband.