of classical music played in the background. Her e

olding a phone to his ear. He was dressed in a dark suit that fit him perfec

nod and used the hand in his pocket to motion for her to sit. He continued spe

mething about his presence made her nervous. There was something commanding about him. His calmness,

eady had a cup of tea in front of him. He sat down slowly and looked at her with

right?" he asked, his

ll smile and nodd

e. "I'm Denovon. Nice to meet you." Emi

you too," she r

her with quiet interest, like he was trying to read her - not just her face, but her heart. Emily sat up str

utside, but deep down, he did

thirty years old, successful, and focused

ed? What are you waiting for

build the future," his m

e most. His grandfather, the head of the family and

s girl - she's the granddaughter of an old fri

in America, handling the company's branch over there. He worked day and night, gre

marriage was not on his list - at least not now. But his grandfather had asked po

inner, he t

would walk away. Quietly. No pressure. But when he saw Emily walk into the res

. She didn't walk like someo

Like someone who had gone through

hing her closely, even

... wouldn't be so

tea again and took a sl

dates?" he asked casually, looking

d shook her head. "No. This

ed. "Sam

lence between them didn't feel aw

y asked, trying to keep

ntry a month ago. I was in the U.S. for five year

nds big,"

"But it taught me a lot." He sipped

e asked. "Wha

before answering. "I'm a man

dropped slightly when she spoke.

ly, polite, smiling - but her eyes were tired.

ke her uncomfortable,

wrong," he said gently, "but... wha

ed at him,

ve seen people carry pain like it's their skin. It eats them

he expected. No one had said something like that to her since everyt

t forget who you are. Whatever happe

, with both of them feeling mo

ng air was cool and calm. Emily mentioned she wou

"It's late, and I don't think I'd

. "Alright... thank you." They walked towa