39:A Quiet Evening
Chapter 39: A Quiet Evening
Friday arrived sooner than either of them expected.
At exactly seven o'clock, a sleek black sedan stopped in front of Ophelia's apartment building.
Ethan stepped out, dressed simply in a navy shirt with the sleeves rolled up and dark trousers. There was nothing flashy about him tonight.
It wasn't a business dinner.
It wasn't a family gathering.
It was simply... Ethan.
A few moments later, Ophelia emerged from the building wearing a champagne-colored midi dress and a light cream blazer. Her hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and for the first time in a long while, she hadn't dressed with an investigation in mind.
"You look beautiful," Ethan said honestly.
She smiled.
"Thank you."
His gaze lingered for a second before he opened the passenger door.
"Shall we?"
Instead of driving to one of the city's most luxurious restaurants, Ethan pulled into a small waterfront restaurant overlooking the river.
Soft music drifted through the evening air as lanterns reflected on the water.
Ophelia looked around in surprise.
"I expected somewhere... grand."
"I spend enough time at grand places."
He smiled.
"I wanted somewhere I could actually hear you."
She laughed softly.
"I think I like your choice."
"I'm relieved."
Dinner was relaxed.
They talked about books, travel, childhood memories and their favorite foods.
For the first time since they met, neither of them was distracted by charity events, family obligations or formal conversations.
Halfway through dinner, Ethan rested his elbows lightly on the table.
"Can I ask you something?"
"You always do."
He chuckled.
"If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be?"
Ophelia thought for a moment.
"A place that's quiet."
"No crowds."
"No expectations."
"Just peace."
Ethan nodded thoughtfully.
"I always imagined you'd choose somewhere full of famous museums."
She smiled.
"I can visit museums."
"But peace..."
She looked toward the river.
"...is much harder to find."
Her answer lingered in Ethan's mind.
He was beginning to realize that behind Ophelia's calm smile was someone carrying invisible burdens.
He didn't know what they were.
But he wanted to help carry them.
After dinner, they took a slow walk along the riverside.
The night breeze was cool, and the city lights shimmered across the water.
Neither of them spoke for a while.
The silence wasn't awkward.
It was comfortable.
Finally, Ethan broke it.
"My grandmother asked about you again."
Ophelia laughed.
"Already?"
"She said I should invite you over more often."
"I think she likes you."
"I like her too."
Ethan smiled.
"She'll be happy to hear that."
Several metres away, hidden beneath the shadows of an old tree, someone quietly raised a camera.
Click.
Another photograph.
Click.
This time, the lens focused on Ethan and Ophelia walking side by side.
The photographer lowered the camera and made a call.
"They're together."
A deep voice answered.
"Did they notice you?"
"No."
"Good."
The line went silent.
The photographer looked at the glowing screen of the camera.
Then at the couple.
Neither of them had any idea...
That every step they took together was being documented.
As Ethan drove Ophelia home, he stopped outside her apartment.
"I had a really nice evening," he admitted.
"So did I."
She reached for the door before he spoke again.
"Ophelia?"
She turned.
"I'm glad we met."
For a brief second...
She forgot to guard her heart.
"So am I."
She stepped out of the car and walked toward her building.
Ethan watched until she disappeared inside.
Only then did he drive away.
Standing behind her living room curtain, Ophelia watched his taillights disappear into the distance.
She placed a hand over her heart.
"This wasn't part of the plan."
Yet, for the first time since April's death...
She was beginning to believe that life might still have room for happiness.
What she didn't know...
Was that somewhere in the darkness, someone had just mailed an unmarked envelope addressed to her apartment.
And inside it...
Was a single photograph taken years ago at April's university.