Chapter 54: Unplanned Encounter
Meanwhile
At Love Meal Restaurant, James and Lily sat at opposite sides of a dimly lit table. The ambiance was calm and refined, with soft lighting casting a warm glow over the elegantly set table. After James suggested they grab a bite, Lily had initially declined. However, she later agreed, recognizing it as an opportunity to address some unresolved issues between them. She had observed that James often avoided difficult questions, so this dinner would be their chance to talk things out.
As they were about to begin their conversation, the waiter approached. Despite the late hour, he greeted them warmly with a professional smile. He held a menu, a pen, and a notepad, prepared to take their orders. Lily was the first to speak:
"I’d like some tiramisu cake, please. Also, a cup of premium tea. For the main course, I’d like some grilled and roasted seasonal vegetables with mashed potatoes, lobster, and oysters on the half shell. And for an appetizer, I’ll have carpaccio—both raw meat and fish, please. Oh, and a glass of water."
James’s eyes widened in surprise as he listened to Lily’s extensive order. He knew she had a hearty appetite, but the amount of food she had requested seemed excessive for her petite frame. The waiter’s eyebrows raised slightly, reflecting his surprise at the quantity of food Lily had ordered, which seemed to be more than what one person could reasonably consume.
When it was James’s turn to place his order, he opted for simplicity. "I’ll have crème brûlée and a glass of aqua, please." He chose just a single glass of premium alcohol, preferring to keep things minimal and avoid any potential issues.
The waiter nodded, taking note of their orders. "Your meals will arrive shortly," he said before turning to leave.
As Lily finished placing her order, she turned her attention back to James. "I need to talk to you about something important," she began, her voice steady but filled with emotion. "I’ve mentioned before that I was married before, and I’ve noticed that you tend to dodge my questions. Can we please address this? I don’t want to stay in the dark. I want us to communicate openly and work through any issues together. Please, just tell me what’s on your mind."
James, understanding Lily’s concerns, responded sincerely, "I’m sorry if I’ve seemed evasive. I promise we’ll work on talking things through more openly from now on."
Before Lily could reply, their food arrived. The waiter placed the dishes on the table, and Lily began to dig in with enthusiasm. The tension from their earlier conversation momentarily set aside, they focused on their meal. Lily savored each bite, thoroughly enjoying the gourmet offerings. Despite her evident pleasure in the meal, she remained quiet, concentrating on her food.
James watched her, feeling the weight of their earlier conversation. "I promise from now on, I’ll do better," he said earnestly. "I’ll try to make things clearer between us and avoid leaving you in the dark."