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Novel Catalog
Chapter 73
Victor’s heart skipped a beat when Eden’s words registered. The sudden invitation left him surprised, yet deeply pleased. The tension that had built up in him over the past few moments seemed to ease away, replaced by a sense of quiet anticipation. The way she looked at him, her smile so genuine and warm, made him feel like he had finally made a small breakthrough.
“Thank you, Miss Bleu,” Victor said, his voice steady but with an undertone of gratitude. He gave her a small nod, his usual guarded demeanor slightly softened. “I would be honored to join you for dinner tonight.”
As Eden smiled back at him, Victor couldn’t help but feel that something was shifting between them. It wasn’t just the business deal or the chance to help her with the house—it was something deeper. He realized that the more time he spent around her, the more drawn he became, not just to her kindness, but to her sincerity. She wasn’t trying to impress him or win anything from him. She was simply… genuine.
“Where would you like to go?” he asked, his curiosity piqued by the thought of a relaxed evening with Eden.
Eden thought for a moment, then shrugged. “I’m not picky. There’s a small family-run restaurant I like not far from here. It’s cozy, and the food is good. I think you’d enjoy it.”
Victor’s smile grew, a little more genuine this time. “That sounds perfect.”
They started walking towards the car, with Eden leading the way. Victor found himself paying attention to the smallest details—the way her hair caught the light, the way she moved with a kind of grace that he hadn’t noticed before. Every little thing seemed to intrigue him, and for the first time in a long while, he felt a sense of calm settling over him.
As they reached the car, Victor opened the door for Eden with a gentleman’s gesture. “After you,” he said, his tone smooth and respectful.
Eden gave him a playful glance. “You’re a gentleman, Mr. Alwynn.”
“I try,” Victor replied with a light chuckle, his mood lifting further.
The drive to the restaurant was pleasant, filled with small talk and laughter that made the air between them feel less formal. By the time they arrived, the evening had started to feel less like a business transaction and more like two people simply enjoying each other’s company.
Once inside, they were greeted by the owner, an older woman who seemed to know Eden well. The warmth and familiarity between them was evident, and it didn’t take long for Eden to settle into the relaxed atmosphere of the place.
As they sat down, Victor’s mind wandered again, though this time it wasn’t filled with plans or strategies. Instead, he found himself wondering about Eden—her life, her struggles, her dreams. He wanted to know more. Not just for the sake of business or curiosity, but because he genuinely cared.
“How long have you been living in River City, Miss Bleu?” Victor asked, breaking the comfortable silence.
Eden looked thoughtful for a moment before responding. “About five years now. I moved here to give the kids a better life, a fresh start. Things have been… difficult, but we’ve managed.”
Victor’s expression softened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he listened intently. “I can’t imagine how hard it must have been.”
Eden smiled wistfully. “It wasn’t easy, but we’ve found our way. It’s all worth it when I see my kids happy.”
Victor nodded, his respect for Eden deepening. He admired her resilience, her strength. “You’re a remarkable woman, Miss Bleu.”
The compliment seemed to catch Eden off guard for a moment, but then she smiled, her eyes warm. “Thank you, Mr. Alwynn. I’m just doing what I have to do for them.”
They continued talking as the evening wore on, enjoying their meal and each other’s company. Victor couldn’t help but notice the way Eden’s presence filled the space, making everything feel just a little brighter, a little easier. He hadn’t expected to feel this way tonight, but here he was, looking at Eden in a completely new light.
As they finished their meal, Victor leaned back in his chair, his expression thoughtful. “I’m glad we did this, Miss Bleu. It’s been a nice change.”
Eden smiled, her eyes sparkling. “Me too, Mr. Alwynn. I’m glad you could join me.”
For a brief moment, the world outside seemed to fade away. It was just the two of them, sharing a quiet dinner, a moment of peace in the midst of everything else going on in their lives.
Victor couldn’t deny that there was something about Eden that made him want to know more, to be there for her in ways he hadn’t imagined. But for now, he was content with simply enjoying the moment.
The evening was far from over, but as they left the restaurant, Victor couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something much more complicated, something he was only starting to understand.