At exactly 8:00 p.m., Eric pulled up in front of Emily’s apartment, his heart pounding with a mix of nerves and excitement. Tonight felt important—more than just a date. As he sat in the car, trying to steady his breath, he looked up and saw her walking toward him.

Emily wore a delicate sundress, its soft fabric swaying around her legs as her long hair cascaded down her back. She looked radiant, effortlessly beautiful, and Eric couldn’t take his eyes off her. She was stunning—more than he remembered, more than he’d imagined.

He quickly stepped out of the car and walked around to open the passenger door for her, smiling warmly as she approached.

“Thank you,” Emily said softly, sliding into the car, her cheeks flushed with a hint of pink.

Eric closed the door behind her, rushing back around to his side. Once he was inside, he turned to her, still captivated by the way she looked. He started the car, but couldn’t help smiling as he glanced at her.

“You look fantastic tonight. Beautiful as always,” he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Emily smiled, her heart skipping a beat. “Thank you. You look very handsome as well.”

As they drove toward the restaurant, Eric broke the comfortable silence. “How was your day at work?”

“Busy, as usual,” Emily replied, leaning back in her seat. “I barely had time for a break.”

Eric nodded. “I’m really glad you agreed to dinner with me tonight. I’ve been looking forward to it all week.”

Emily’s lips curved into a soft smile. “I was happy you asked.”

Hearing her say that made Eric’s chest swell with joy, and he couldn’t stop smiling. There was something different about tonight. It felt special, as though they were slowly moving past the misunderstanding, toward something real.

As Emily glanced over at him, she found herself admiring him more than she’d meant to. His dark brown hair, those captivating eyes, and that charming smile—everything about him drew her in. She could feel her pulse quicken, and she wondered how someone like him could really be interested in her.

Noticing the silence, Eric broke it gently. “Would you like me to put some music on?”

Emily, feeling a little flustered, nodded. “Yes, please.”

The soft hum of music filled the car, and they drove in comfortable silence, stealing glances at each other, their smiles reflecting a shared excitement. By the time they arrived at the restaurant, Emily felt butterflies fluttering in her stomach.

They were escorted to a private room, beautifully decorated with soft lighting and an elegant table set for two.

Emily looked around in awe. “Did you reserve this just for us?”

Eric smiled, pleased by her reaction. “Yes. I thought it would be nice to have some quiet time together, just the two of us.”

Emily’s eyes swept over the room, the soft glow of the candles making the moment feel even more intimate. “It’s beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it,” Eric said, his voice warm. “Let’s sit and order.”

They both browsed the menu, and after a few moments, the waiter came by, took their orders, and poured them each a glass of water.

Eric looked at Emily, then asked, “Would you like some wine with dinner?”

Emily hesitated, her hand resting on the water glass. The baby. She hadn’t told him yet, and now was certainly not the time. “No, thank you. I’m not drinking tonight.”

Eric nodded, not thinking much of it. “Okay, no problem.”

As they continued talking, laughing between bites of food, their connection grew stronger. The tension from before seemed to melt away, and both of them relaxed into the moment, their conversation flowing easily.

But down the hall, in another private room of the same restaurant, something darker was brewing.

Luke sat across from Mr. Jenner, his expression sharp, eyes gleaming with malice. This meeting wasn’t about dinner or drinks—it was about destroying Eric Hart, one piece at a time.

“Hello, Mr. Jenner,” Luke greeted smoothly, extending his hand. “I’m glad you could take the time to meet with me.”

Mr. Jenner, tall and handsome with a smug air of superiority, shook Luke’s hand. “No problem, Mr. Clements. What can I do for you?”

Luke smiled, knowing he had the perfect plan. “Let’s enjoy some drinks first, and then we’ll get to business.”

As they sipped their drinks, the conversation shifted from pleasantries to something more sinister.

“The reason I brought you here,” Luke began, “is because I heard your company has an upcoming project, and the bidding will start soon.”

Mr. Jenner nodded, leaning back in his chair. “Yes, we do. What did you have in mind?”

Luke’s smile grew more devious. “I heard that Hart Inc. was likely to win the bid. They’ve worked with you before, haven’t they?”

“Yes,” Mr. Jenner replied, “they’re a solid company. My boss is leaning toward accepting their bid.”

Luke leaned forward, his voice low and persuasive. “I’d like to outbid Hart Inc. for the project. And, of course, I’m prepared to offer you something extra on the side. You know my family’s wealth is... considerable.”

Mr. Jenner raised an eyebrow, intrigued but cautious. “What exactly are you offering?”

“Name your price,” Luke said smoothly. “Ten million for the project, and another five million just for you. What do you say?”

Mr. Jenner hesitated, but the temptation was too great. “I’ll take the deal. But what else do you need from me?”

Luke’s eyes gleamed with satisfaction. “In addition to the project, I want you to spread the word to other companies—tell them that Hart Inc.’s machinery is faulty. Not up to code.”

Mr. Jenner smirked. “I can do that.”

Luke extended his hand again, sealing the deal. As they shook hands, Luke’s mind raced with the satisfaction of knowing he would soon sabotage Eric’s company and ruin his reputation.

But what Luke didn’t know was that someone was watching. Someone had been filming the entire meeting, waiting for the perfect moment to expose his schemes.

———————————————————————————

Back in the private room, Eric and Emily continued their evening, oblivious to what was happening just down the hall.

As the night wore on, Emily couldn’t shake the feeling that things between them were changing—deepening. But in the back of her mind, the secret she carried weighed heavily on her.

Would tonight be the night to tell him?