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I glance down at Lily, my heart racing, and she gives me a subtle nod.
Taking a deep breath, I look right at the photographer. “Yes, we are.”
The paparazzi erupt in excited chatter, snapping even more photos as we continue our walk toward the restaurant entrance. The moment we step inside the restaurant, a wave of warmth and the inviting aroma of exquisite cuisine envelops us. The hostess greets us with a wide smile, her eyes flickering between me and Lily as she recognizes our faces from the tabloids.
“Welcome to La Côte d’Or,” she says, her accent thick and charming. “If you would please follow me.”
As we traverse the chic dining room, the diners’ gazes follow us with unabashed curiosity. I feel a sense of pride knowing that they’re looking at us, together. It’s a sensation I haven’t experienced before, not with any of the many women I’ve dated in the past. There’s something different about being with Lily, even if it’s just for show.
“Here is your private booth, Your Highness.” The hostess gestures to an intimate corner of the restaurant. Soft candlelight bathes the dark velvet cushions in a warm glow, creating an atmosphere of romance and seclusion.
“Thank you,” I reply, guiding Lily into the booth first before sliding in myself.
Our bodies are pressed against each other, but it doesn’t feel uncomfortable or forced. On the contrary, there’s a certain thrill in this closeness, an electric charge that tingles throughout my body.
“Everything looks delicious,” Lily murmurs as she scans the menu. When she glances up at me, her gaze holds a spark of mischief. “But remember, we have to keep up appearances.”
“Of course,” I agree, my voice barely above a whisper as I lean in closer, allowing my lips to brush against her ear.
Her breath catches slightly, and I can see the faintest hint of a blush creeping up her cheeks. My heart swells with satisfaction at the sight, and I find myself wondering how much of this is an act and how much is genuine.
As the waiter approaches our booth, the mood in the restaurant shifts. The diners have resumed their conversations, but a subtle undercurrent of curiosity lingers. It’s as if they’re holding their breath, waiting for the next act to unfold.
“Good evening.” The waiter greets us with a professional smile. “May I start you off with something to drink?”
“Two glasses of your finest champagne, please,” I reply, knowing that indulging in a bit of extravagance will only add to our façade.
“Excellent choice, sir.” The waiter nods before turning on his heel and disappearing into the bustling atmosphere of the restaurant.
Lily leans in closer, her warm breath tickling my ear as she whispers excitedly. “I’ve been meaning to tell you about my plans for next year. Meg and I are going to Bali to work on a project for my children’s charity.”
“Really?” I say, genuinely impressed. “That’s amazing, Lily. You’ve always had such a generous heart.”
Her cheeks turn a delicate shade of pink, and I find myself marveling at how lovely she looks when she blushes.
“Thank you.” She tucks a strand of dark blond hair behind her ear. “It’s just what I like doing. I hate sitting around on my hands, you know?”
I nod. “I do. Of course, my parents would prefer it if I did other things with my time, but that’s another topic.”
She tilts her head slightly and studies me. “What do your parents think about all this? Our… ‘relationship,’ I mean.”
I take a moment to consider my answer. “They suspect it’s forced, considering it happened right after they insisted I settle down. But I think deep down, they don’t really care. They’ve looked you up, of course, and they’ve only heard good things about you. So they’re happy.”
Lily’s expression softens, and I can see the relief in her eyes. “I’m glad.” She reaches for my hand under the table. “I don’t want to cause any trouble between you and your family.”
“Trust me.” I give her hand a gentle squeeze. “You’re the last person who could ever do that.”
Our champagne arrives, and we clink glasses, the effervescent bubbles tickling our noses as we drink to our shared secret.
I’m about to ask Lily about what’s coming up next for her charity when a woman I vaguely recognize approaches our table. She has a tight smile on her face as her eyes lock onto mine.
“Hi, Felix,” she says with an edge in her voice. “Long time no see.”
“Uh, hi…” I stumble over my words, racking my brain for her name.
“Kate,” she supplies, clearly annoyed. “We went on a few dates last year?”
“Ah, Kate! Of course, I remember now.” I try to sound confident, but the embarrassment is evident in my voice. In reality, I barely remember her; she’s just one of many women I’ve casually dated over the years.
