CHAPTER 011
ADRIAN’S POV
As Dora made her way toward me, my grip on my glass tightened slightly. Her confidence was as sharp as ever, her hips swaying with practiced ease, drawing more than a few lingering glances from the men in the restaurant. But I wasn’t one of them. At least, that’s what I told myself.
James smirked, barely hiding his amusement. “And here she comes”
I said nothing, merely swirling the dark liquid in my glass as she finally reached our table. Dora stopped just beside me, resting a manicured hand on the back of the chair across from mine.
“Adrian,” she greeted, her voice smooth like silk but laced with something more… something calculated.
“Dora,” I replied, matching her tone.
James, ever the spectator, leaned back in his chair, watching the interaction unfold with the same interest one might have in a high–stakes poker game.
Dora’s gaze flicked to the extravagant spread on the table. “Quite the feast,” she remarked, her lips curving into a knowing smile. “Expecting more company?”
I smirked. “You know I don’t like to share.”
She chuckled lightly, but there was no humor in it. She finally pulled out the chair and took a seat without an invitation, her eyes locked on mine.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you here tonight,” she said.
“Neither was I,” I countered. “But here we are.”
James cleared his throat dramatically and patted his pockets. “I think I forgot my wallet in the car,” he said suddenly, standing up.
We both knew he was lying – James never forgot anything. But he wanted to give Dora and me some space, and I wasn’t going to stop him.
Dora flashed him a knowing smile as he walked away, leaving us alone.
The waiters had just finished setting up all the dishes, and my focus shifted back to
my meal. I picked up the napkin beside me, tucked it into my collar, and took my knife, slicing through the golden brown grilled chicken with precision.
“May I?” Dora asked, gesturing toward the food.
“Help yourself,” I replied, dabbing the corners of my mouth with my napkin before returning to my plate./
I watched as she delicately placed a small piece of chicken into her mouth. Her
expression changed instantly – her eyes lit up with, pleasure, and she let out a soft,
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appreciative hum.
This is why this is my favorite restaurant I remarked.
She swallowed, nodding slightly. “I can see why.”
For a moment, we ate in silence. It was a strange kind of peace one that felt like it could shatter at any second. And, of course, it did.
Dora placed her utensils down carefully, folding her hands in front of her as she fixed me with an unreadable gaze.
“I feel like there’s a bit of tension between us,” she said.
you did.”
I glanced up from my plate, raising a brow. “Oh? And why do you say that?”
She sighed. “Seriously? You’ve been avoiding my texts and calls, Adrian.”
I smirked, taking a slow sip of my wine before responding. “You know what
Dora exhaled through her nose, frustration flickering across her features. “I’ve apologized through text so many times. But I’m going to do it in person, because I know that was a stupid thing to do, and I shouldn’t have done it without your permission. I’m sorry.”
I leaned back, studying her. There was sincerity in her voice – something rare for Dora. And honestly, I couldn’t stay mad at her forever.
Grabbing my napkin, I wiped my mouth before finally responding. “Look, it’s all water under the bridge now. I know how persistent you are, so it’s fine.”
I caught the way her face brightened slightly at my words, the relief in her expression unmistakable. But still, there were things I needed to know.
“I have some questions, though,” I said, setting my utensils down. “What was your real endgame?”
Dora leaned back in her chair, tapping her nails lightly against the table. “Honestly? I just wanted Olivia out of your house.”
My expression didn’t change, but my fingers tightened slightly around my glass.
“I know you don’t like her,” Dora continued. “I just don’t understand why you still keep her around.”
She was testing me. I let out a low chuckle, shaking my head. “That’s for me and only me to know.”
Dora studied me, her lips pressing into a thin line. “Well, thankfully, she wants a divorce,” she muttered, almost like she was trying to convince herself.
I smirked, “Oh please, that’s all noise. Just give her some time, she’ll come running back.”
Dora’s expression shifted in an instant. Her confidence faltered for just a second before she quickly masked it. “You still want her back?” she asked, her tone sharp.
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I didn’t answer. Instead, I leaned back, raising a hand. “Waiter.”
A young man rushed over within seconds, his posture stiff, his eyes flicking nervously between me and Dora.
“Bring more of the grilled chicken,” I ordered, my voice calm but firm.
“Yes, sir,” the waiter replied, quickly turning on his heel and disappearing toward the kitchen.
Dora was still watching me, waiting for an answer I wasn’t going to give.
I picked up my glass, swirling the wine lazily before taking a sip. “Enough with all the questions, Dora. We’re good. You’re here with me, so eat all you want. Then we can
head back.”
For the first time tonight, she didn’t have a snarky reply. Instead, she leaned back into her chair, folding her arms across her chest, clearly unsatisfied.
I took out my phone and typed out a quick message.
Me: “You can come back inside now.”
A few minutes later, James strolled back in, looking far too pleased with himself.
“Just realized I didn’t come with my wallet,” he announced as he sat down, grinning like he hadn’t just left me alone with a woman who had a history of stirring up trouble.
Dora rolled her eyes, still clearly annoyed, but she didn’t push the topic further.
I smirked, finishing the last bite of my meal before setting my utensils down.
She wants a divorce.
But Olivia wasn’t allowed to escape me that easily.
She would leave when I told her to leave.
Until then… she was still mine.
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