Chapter 26
The restaurant was perched alongside the river in North District, facing a skyline of glittering skyscrapers with their dazzling light displays. They were seated at a prime window table with an unmatched view of the city.
As the waiter brought their menus, William explained, “They’re known for their contemporary Asian fusion here. Feel free to order whatever catches your eye.”
Kaylee scanned the menu, which featured both traditional and modern spicy dishes. She remembered dining at a similar restaurant with Alex once. The moment she’d started ordering, he’d yanked the menu from her hands with a sneer, “You obviously don’t know fine dining. These dishes are completely tasteless – no one with class would order them.”
That experience had shattered her confidence in ordering for months afterward.
Noticing her hesitation, William suggested, “How about their signature spicy beef? It’s a house specialty.”
“I seem to always order that…”
“Having a go–to dish at every restaurant is a good thing,” William said warmly, his casual reassurance giving her a boost of confidence.
“Alright, let’s try the spicy beef then.” As she spoke, Kaylee realized how at ease she felt with William. There was no pressure, no fear of judgment.
They kept their order modest – just three dishes: two with meat and one vegetable.
“No point in ordering too much and wasting food,” William remarked.
His comment touched Kaylee. Alex and his circle had never understood the concept of moderation or waste.
The food arrived promptly and was exactly to her taste. She even helped herself to an extra serving of rice.
As dinner was winding down and the server cleared their plates, bringing dessert, Kaylee was just about to sample the cream with her dessert fork when…
“Oh my god, look!” someone exclaimed from a nearby table.
Kaylee turned to the window. A magnificent drone show had begun in the night sky. The drones formed magical patterns – first a cartoon character and a little girl, then transforming into sunshine, rainbows, and sunflowers.
The final message sparkled in the sky: “May your days be bright and your heart be light.”
Kaylee watched, entranced. Though she didn’t know the show’s intended audience, it lifted her spirits. Perhaps her future would be as brilliant as these lights against the dark sky.
After dinner, William drove her to Wendy’s apartment. Wendy was finishing her evening yoga on the balcony when she spotted Kaylee stepping out of a luxury car. Her jaw dropped. In the darkness, she couldn’t make out the car’s make but immediately assumed Kaylee had reconciled with Alex!
The moment Kaylee opened the door, Wendy cornered her: Girl, what are you thinking? Are you back with Alex?”
“No, not at all.”
“Then who just dropped you off?”
“That was… that was William, Alex’s uncle,” Kaylee explained truthfully. “The owner of that black opal cufflink I told you about.”
“William Morgan?!” Wendy was floored. “Do you have any idea who William Morgan is in this city – no, in the
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Chapter 26
whole country? How on earth did you end up getting a ride from him? Are you sure you weren’t being deceived?”
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Chapter 27
