Chapter 46
Chapter 46
Abigail
Traffic had been a nightmare, and by the time I arrived at The Seasons Autumn, I was gripping the steering wheel so tightly my knuckles were white, I pulled into a parking space and sat there for a moment, taking a deep breath to steady myself. The restaurant was just ahead, a masterpiece of modern design blended with old–world charm. Its polished marble steps glistened in the sun while the golden lettering above the entrance gleamed like a beacon.
I was glad I’d taken the time to dress properly when I had left home that morning as I glanced at my silk blouse shimmering faintly under the sunlight. The outfit was simple, elegant, and thankfully hid the anxious energy coursing through me.
The moment I reached the top of the steps, an impeccably dressed server approached me, his black suit so perfectly tailored it could have been painted on. His smile was polite but distant, the kind of smile reserved for patrons who belonged in a place like this–or at least looked the part.
“Good afternoon, ma’am,” he said smoothly. “Do you have a reservation?”
“I do,” I replied, pulling out my phone. “Under Abigail Remington. Table twenty–two.”
His eyes flicked to the screen as I showed him the e–receipt, and just like that, his demeanor softened. The slight wariness in his posture melted away, replaced by a warm professionalism that almost felt genuine.
“Of course, Mrs. Remington,” he said, stepping aside with a small bow. “Allow me to escort you to your table.”
I glanced past him, scanning the room until my gaze landed on table twenty–two. Daniel Woods was already seated, his head bent over the menu as though he were studying it with the intensity of someone preparing for an exam. “Thank you,” I said to the server, “but I can find my way.”
The restaurant’s interior was just as luxurious as its exterior suggested. Crystal chandeliers hung like glittering constellations, their soft light reflecting off the polished mahogany tables and plush velvet chairs. The hum of quiet conversation filled the air, accompanied by the faint clink of fine china and silverware. Everything about this place screamed exclusivity, from the floral arrangements on each table to the ever–present staff who moved like shadows.
As I approached Daniel’s table, I slowed my steps, taking a moment to observe him unnoticed. He looked every bit the part of a secretary to the heir of the Remington Group–flawlessly put together, from the sharp lines of his tailored suit to the gleaming leather of his shoes. His glasses, with their large frames, added an almost studious air to him, though the long bangs falling across his face shielded him from anyone studying too closely. For the second time today, I felt that odd flicker of unease. This wasn’t the same man I’d spoken to over the phone earlier
not in demeanor, not in presence.
I pushed the thought aside and continued forward. Daniel must have sensed my approach because he glanced up from his menu. The moment his eyes met mine, he rose to his feet in one fluid motion, pulling out my chair for me as I reached the table.
“Mrs. Remington,” he greeted politely. “Good afternoon.”
“Thank you, Daniel,” I said, sliding into the chair he held. “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting too long.”
“Not at all,” he replied smoothly, taking his seat once I was settled. “I just arrived myself.”
That was a lie. His calm demeanor might fool most people, but I’d spent enough time watching him to know he’d been here for at least several more minutes than I had been Still, I didn’t call him out on it. Instead, I gave him a polite smile and turned to pick up my menu.
As I glanced to my right, intending to scan the selection of entrées, my gaze landed on a table a few feet away. I
Chapter 46
was instantly shocked at what I saw there.
Conrad. What was he doing here? Was he following me?
+25 BONUN
He was seated at a table near the corner, the soft golden light from a chandeller above casting a halo over his unmistakable figure. But he wasn’t alone. Across from him at Susanna, her posture as perfect as ever, her lips curved in a small, satisfied smile. Beside her, Liliana leaned slightly forward, her face aniinated as she spoke, her hands gesturing delicately. The sight of them together made curiosity come alive in my belly.
So, he wasn’t following me. What a coincidence this was, and what a man Conrad was. When the last words he’d spoken to his wife had been threats, he hadn’t retreated to reflect over his actions towards the woman he claimed to love. I had to pinch myself to stop my lips from forming sneer.
Of course not, but he could take out the time to wine and dine with Susanna and her sister. It was so predictable it was almost funny.
At my prolonged silence, Daniel glanced up, his expression shifting to one of mild concern.
“Is everything alright?” he asked quietly.
I didn’t answer immediately, my mind sill trying to decipher what Conrad and his specific choice of company were doing here. Was this some casual ‘family‘ lunch? Or was Conrad regaling them with how my attempt to divorce him had gone, the way he had regaled them with his absurd claim that I was cheating on him that fateful day Susanna had come to look for me at the company?
“Mrs. Remington?” Daniel’s voice was soft but insistent, pulling me back to the present. I tore my gaze away from the other table and forced myself to look at him. He was watching me carefully, his eyes sharper than before. “I’m fine,” I said, clearing my throat. “Just… distracted.”
He didn’t look convinced, but he didn’t press the issue either. Instead, he glanced briefly in the direction I’d been staring, and for a moment, I wondered if he’d pieced it together. If he had, he didn’t let it show.
I took a deep breath, willing myself to focus. This wasn’t the time to lose my composure. So, what if Conrad, Susanna and Liliana were here? They were having lunch, just as I was about to do. It didn’t matter if I saw them, or if they saw me.
I picked up the menu again, looking through the selections. “I think I’ll start with water,” I said, deciding none of the starters look particularly appetizing. “I don’t want to be too full before the main meal.‘
Daniel nodded and raised his hand to get the waiter’s attention. “Of course. I think I’ll do the same.”
