When night falls, the bustling city of Aethelgard lights up along the streets, as if casting a golden glow over the entire city.
This winter is extremely cold, and Riley Hawthorne had specially gone home to dress up before coming to the restaurant for the appointment.
She wore a blue fishtail dress underneath, and a rabbit fur shawl over it. Her long hair was half down and half up, complemented with tassel earrings, with a wisp of hair left by her ears adding a touch of softness to her look.
She sat quietly at the table, her heart full of anticipation for Zachary Sutton’s arrival.
Soon, Zachary Sutton appeared at the restaurant entrance, wearing a neatly tailored suit.
His gaze searched through the crowd, and upon seeing Riley Hawthorne, his lips curled into a slight smile as he walked over briskly.
"Riley, I’m sorry to have kept you waiting," Zachary Sutton said with a hint of apology.
Riley Hawthorne shook her head with a smile, "Zachary, it’s alright, I just got here not long ago."
Zachary Sutton took a seat opposite Riley Hawthorne and realized for the first time that Riley had dressed up specially for the occasion today.
This was the first time Zachary Sutton had seen Riley Hawthorne dressed so formally. Normally at work, she wore casual clothes, but today she exuded the aura of a privileged heiress – graceful and elegant, with an added touch of allure.
Zachary Sutton’s gaze lingered on Riley Hawthorne for a few seconds, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
Feeling his gaze, Riley blushed slightly, "Zachary, why are you suddenly staring at me like that?"
Zachary Sutton snapped out of it with an awkward smile, "I just think you look a bit different today."
Riley lowered her head slightly, the corners of her mouth lifting into a shy smile. "How am I different? I’m still me."
Zachary Sutton cleared his throat, trying to cover his awkwardness. "Yes, very beautiful, different from usual."
A wave of joy filled Riley’s heart as she looked up at Zachary, her eyes shimmering. "Really? Zachary, you think I’m beautiful?"
Zachary Sutton nodded, "Of course, with genes as good as yours, being Caden Hawthorne’s sister, how could you not be beautiful?"
It was the first time Zachary had seriously complimented her beauty, and Riley was delighted.
At this moment, Zachary snapped his fingers, calling over the waiter to order.
"Have a look, what would you like to eat?" Zachary handed the menu to Riley.
"I’m not sure, how about we look together?" Riley shook her head.
Upon hearing this, Zachary didn’t say much and perused the menu with Riley, pointing out which dishes were good, gradually easing the atmosphere into a relaxed and pleasant one. The rightful source is novel-fire.net
After ordering, the two began to chat idly. However, the tranquility was soon disrupted.
A stylishly dressed, attractive woman approached them, and Riley instantly recognized her as Zachary Sutton’s ex-girlfriend, Hannah Payne.
"Zachary, long time no see." Hannah Payne’s voice carried a hint of surprise and complex emotions.
Zachary stood up, frowning slightly, surprise flashing in his eyes, "What are you doing here?"
Hannah glanced at Riley, then back at Zachary, and her lips curled into a meaningful smile, "Zachary, didn’t expect you’d have a new sweetheart so soon."
Hearing this, a wave of displeasure surged in Zachary’s heart, but he remained composed, "You’ve misunderstood, she’s a friend."
Not waiting for Hannah to speak, Riley immediately moved to Zachary’s side, linking her arm with his and smiling slightly, "Yes, I’m his girlfriend."
At this, Zachary looked at Riley in disbelief.
Riley wanted to assert her claim, making Zachary’s ex-girlfriend back off.
Hannah’s expression quickly turned sour, she stared intently at Zachary, seemingly waiting for him to deny Riley’s words.
However, Zachary chose to remain silent.
"Zachary, you truly are heartless, we’ve broken up for less than a year and you’re already busy finding someone new?" Hannah said angrily.
Zachary furrowed his brow, "We’ve already broken up, let the past be the past."
Upon hearing those words, Hannah began to protest, biting her lip in defiance, "Zachary, have you really fallen for someone else? We were so good together, are you letting it go so easily?"
"Hannah, you know perfectly well, you cheated back then. What? You’re allowed to find a man, but I’m not allowed to have a new girlfriend?"
As he spoke, Zachary deliberately wrapped his arm around Riley’s waist, making a scene to embarrass Hannah.
Hannah’s eyes glistened with tears, she looked at Zachary and couldn’t help but grasp his hand, her voice filled with entreaty, "Zachary, I know I made mistakes before, can’t you give me another chance?"
Riley watched Hannah’s performance, remembering how this woman did not cherish her time with Zachary and even had an affair, she felt no sympathy.
Thinking this, Riley pried Hannah’s hand away and said angrily, "Miss Payne, mistakes come with consequences. Zachary is my boyfriend now, please stop bothering him."
Hannah glared at Riley, "What makes you worthy? Why are you with Zachary?"
Riley fearlessly returned her stare, "Because I like him and he likes me."
Hannah wanted to say more, but Zachary interrupted her, "Enough, Hannah. It’s over between us, please stop disturbing us."
Seeing Zachary’s cold gaze, Hannah was filled with despair.
"Leave! I don’t want to see you again!" Zachary held Riley’s hand and sat back down, ignoring Hannah.
Biting her red lips, Hannah’s face was full of grievance as she finally turned and left the restaurant.
As Zachary watched Hannah’s departing figure, his heart was complicated. He turned to Riley and said, "Riley, why did you say that just now?"
Riley lowered her head, slightly embarrassed, "I just didn’t want her to keep pestering you."
Zachary sighed, "You know that might lead to misunderstandings."
Riley looked up at Zachary, "Do you misunderstand?"
Seeing the expectation in Riley’s eyes, Zachary’s heart stirred. He paused for a moment, then said, "Riley, I..."
Just then, the waiter came over, interrupting their conversation. "Sir, Miss, your dishes are ready."
Riley took the opportunity to change the subject, "Let’s eat first."
The dinner that was supposed to be full of anticipation now seemed somewhat awkward and silent.
After dinner, the two walked out of the restaurant together.
Outside, light snow had started to fall and a cold wind swept through, causing Riley to shiver from the chill.
Seeing this, Zachary hurriedly took off his coat and thoughtfully draped it over Riley, his voice filled with reproach, "It’s winter, you should dress warmer. Is style more important than warmth?"
Riley’s eyes flashed with surprise, was he showing concern for her?