Aren't you coming down?

After taking the call, the remaining drive was in silence. Scarlet's swirling with thoughts, deductions and possibilities.

Lucian car rolled to a smooth stop in the parking lot of Diamond Eatery, an upscale restaurant renowned for its exquisite dishes and luxurious ambiance.

From the parking lot, one can get a full view of the restaurant as well as people coming and going.

Lucian turned off the ignition, unbuckled his seat belt, and stepped out with effortless grace. Without hesitation, he moved to the passenger side, opening the door for Scarlet.

However, she remained frozen in her seat, her fingers clenching the fabric of her skirt as if it were a lifeline. Her eyes darting around taking in the situation and movement of people in and out of the eatery.

Diamond Eatery had always been a dream for her and Mario—a place they had longed to visit, even if just for a simple breakfast. But being here under these circumstances filled her with nothing but dread.

Lucian arched a brow, his sharp gaze assessing her hesitation. "Aren't you coming down?" His deep voice carried a teasing edge, accompanied by a small chuckle.

Scarlet's pulse spiked. She darted a wary glance around the bustling area, her heart hammering against her ribs. People streamed in and out of the eatery, engaged in cheerful conversations, and just as she feared, a familiar figure emerged from the entrance.

Her breath hitched at the sight. One of the managers from Sterling Group strolled out, a neatly packaged breakfast in hand. How many more are inside? she wondered anxiously.

This is exactly what she is afraid of. Running into her colleagues while accompanying Lucian Sterling—their president to breakfast. She will never hear the end of it.

"Do I have to carry you in, or are you coming down on your own?" Lucian's smirk deepened, amusement dancing in his eyes. He leaned against the door, making it clear he wasn't going to let this go.

Scarlet's grip on her skirt tightened, wrinkling the fabric. She scowled at him, trying to ignore the knowing glint in his gaze.

"Just to have breakfast, and now I'll need to buy a new iron to straighten your skirt again. Assistant Scarlet?" He emphasized the word mockingly, a devilish glint in his eyes.

Her stomach churned. Hearing him call her assistant in such a tone sent panic rushing through her veins. Today was supposed to be a good day, yet here she was—practically trapped.

Lucian checked his watch, then tilted his head slightly. "You do know that being late means losing your monthly bonus, right?" His smirk widened.

Scarlet shot out of the car so fast she nearly tripped. She heard Lucian chuckle beside her, clearly pleased with himself.

Unbelievable!

She hadn't expected him to be so ruthless as to dangle her bonus over her head—just for breakfast. But then, she is not willing to lose money over breakfast.

Lucian chuckled at her swift reaction, his smirk deepening. "Now that's more like it," he said, extending a hand toward her. Scarlet ignored it, adjusting her crumpled skirt while throwing him a glare.

Lucian led the way into Diamond Eatery carelessly, his steps graced with elegance and poise. His height towering and his presence intimidating.

Scarlet was his opposite, she trailed behind him, her eyes sharp as it darts around the premises, her nerves creeping up her spine in trepidation. She continuously prayed not to be seen.

As she stepped into the luxurious interior of the eatery which screamed of quality and elegance, she felt herself enveloped in the warm scent of freshly baked pastries and brewed coffee.

The soft hum of classical music played in the background making the morning calm and peaceful. The waiters and waitress milling around tables taking and serving the diner's orders.

Scarlet gulped. She had always dreamed of coming here, but not like this. Not with Lucian Sterling.

"You come with me," Lucian's deep voice broke through her thoughts as he lead her past the general dinning hall to a private dining lounge. She hesitated for a second before reluctantly following him.

As she stepped into the lounge, Scarlet felt her head spinning, the general dinning hall might be exquisite but the private dining lounge is breathtaking. The furnishings are exclusively chosen. "The world of the rich.." she mused.

A waiter promptly arrived with a respectful bow. "Good morning, Mr. Sterling. What is your order this morning?

"The usual." He said lightly.

Scarlet nearly choked. Usual? So he frequented this place! Of course, he did. Why was she even surprised?

Lucian turned his gaze to her. "What do you want?"

Scarlet glanced at the well crafted menu in her hand, her fingers fumbling as she flipped through the pages. Her eyes widened at the prices.

"A single cup of tea here costs more than my weekly grocery budget."She thought in her heart.

"I'll just have a coffee," she said quickly, forcing a smile.

Lucian's eyes darkened. "Why coffee?" He queried. "No. You'll have a full breakfast. There is a long day ahead."

Scarlet tensed and gulped deeply. The amount of money that will be spent on this breakfast makes her heart bleed.

Lucian glanced at the waiter "She'll have the complete breakfast package," Lucian informed the waiter without sparing her another glance. The waiter nodded before retreating.

Scarlet sighed in resignation, slumping slightly in her seat while taking the opportunity to appreciate the interior decoration of the lounge.

"You shouldn't have ordered something much." She muttered under her breath while averting his gaze.

Lucian shook his head lightly "You weren't going to order anything decent." He smirked.

Moments later, their food arrived. Scarlet's eyes widened at the extravagant and exquisite display of the toast, scrambled eggs, freshly baked pastries, a steaming cup of tea and a plate of freshly cut fruit as desert.

Her stomach growled. Lucian arched a brow, amusement dancing in his eyes. "Eat." He said handing the cutlery to her. Scarlet stared at his long distinct fingers, her heart skipping a beat.

She quickly averted her gaze, and digged into her breakfast. Yet, Scarlet was not at ease, her gaze continuously darting around the private dining lounge.

What if one of her colleagues saw her? What if word got out?

Lucian, noticing her unease, leaned forward slightly. "Are you planning to hide the fact that we're married forever?"

Scarlet nearly choked on her food. "N-No, it's not that..."

"Then eat without looking around like a thief," he said, sipping his coffee.

Scarlet glared at him but didn't retort. She glanced around one last time, then focused her attention on her breakfast.