As she was leaving the conference room, she suddenly heard Jonathan call out from behind, “Turns out it wasn’t all for nothing, after all!”
She understood exactly what he meant he was referring to her journey across continents in the pouring rain to retrieve the uncut gemstone.
“I couldn’t have done it without your help,” she replied.
Jonathan gave a slight nod in response.
Nearby, Marina was seething. She dug at her freshly manicured nails until the polish peeled off. She’d gone to such lengths to arrange for Jonathan and herself to revisit their old university, hoping to rekindle a sense of first love. And Niamh
had seen it all.
Niamh knew perfectly well that she and Jonathan were each other’s first loves, that they were a couple. Yet she still flirted with him in front of everyone, exchanging glances right under Marina’s nose. Shameless–an absolute temptress!
Marina cursed Niamh silently, a string of invectives tumbling through her mind. But no matter how much she raged, it didn’t change the fact that at the Aurora Forum: Silk Road Global Symposium, Niamh’s jade seal design stole the show and won unanimous praise. Niamh’s studio even received a special commendation from the
government.
When Peter returned from his business trip and heard the good news, he invited Niamh out to dinner that very night.
Niamh went straight to the restaurant after work, still dressed in her business suit.
The moment she stepped inside, she froze.
This wasn’t just any bistro–it was a couples‘ restaurant. Each table was a semi–enclosed heart–shaped booth, decorated with fresh red roses, a single candle flickering on every surface
It was obvious: this place was meant for lovers.
Looking around, Niamh noticed every other woman was dressed in an elegant evening gown–she was the only one in office attire.
A wave of embarrassment washed over her. If Peter had told her ahead of time, she could have changed. Then again, if he’d mentioned it was a place for couples, she
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might’ve refused altogether.
She made her way to their reserved booth, where Peter was already waiting.
Peter always wore a suit and tie, tonight was no exception. Still, something about him seemed different–she couldn’t quite pinpoint what had changed. Maybe he wore the suit better tonight, or perhaps he’d chosen a new hairstyle that suited him.
When Peter saw Niamh, his eyes brightened. He stood up, taking her handbag with a gentleman’s grace.
“Sorry I’m late. And… I didn’t get a chance to change,” she apologized.
“It’s fine. None of that matters. I’m just glad you’re here,” Peter replied.
They sat down together and perused the menu, which was filled exclusively with couples‘ set dinners. Niamh felt a little out of place, so she let Peter decide for both of them.
Peter ordered the most expensive set. Course after exquisite course began to arrive, but before Niamh could even pick up her fork, her phone suddenly rang.
The caller ID flashed: Jonathan.
Peter saw Niamh’s expression change and slowly set down his own cutlery. He knew immediately who was calling.
Peter had never doubted Niamh’s determination to divorce Jonathan. Yet he understood all too well–Jonathan would always hold a singular place in her heart. And in moments like this, only Jonathan’s call could make Niamh look so conflicted, so burdened by unspoken thoughts.
“Hello?” she answered, her voice tentative.
“Turn around–look over your left shoulder,” came Jonathan’s instruction through the phone.
His voice wasn’t cold, but the force of his presence pressed in all the same.
Niamh turned, glancing over her left shoulder–and froze when she saw Jonathan sitting alone in one of the heart–shaped booths, not far behind.
“What’s wrong?” Peter followed her gaze and spotted Jonathan as well.
Jonathan sat with one hand holding his phone, the other draped casually over his crossed leg. When he met Peter’s displeased stare, he simply offered a cool,
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almost mocking smile.
Just then, Niamh heard Jonathan’s voice again through the phone, issuing a
command:
“Come sit with me. Now.”
