Lunch was at the Regent Hotel, chosen by Dylan for its famed roast goose.
He unbuckled his seatbelt with a smile.
âNothing beats the flavor of their roast goose fresh from the kitchen.
Youâre in for a treat.
â
Linaâs spirits lifted; she hoped the outing would provide Laura some much-needed respite.
The hotelâs restaurant gleamed with opulence, its glass and crystal chandeliers casting prismatic light.
It was bustling, but Dylanâs foresight ensured they had a reservation.
Laura trailed behind, the soft hues of her dress complementing her braided black hair, a style that subtly accentuated the delicacy of her features.
A hush fell over Dylanâs previously animated tour of the restaurantâs highlights.
Lauraâs gaze lifted in tandem with the silence, and suddenly, the air seemed to tighten.
There, at a table, was Nelson.
He was in the company of what appeared to be a well-appointed couple, and opposite them, a family trio including a young woman.
She was confident, striking, seemingly his contemporary.
He was there for a blind date.
Just three days after parting ways with Laura, he had already arranged to meet someone new.
The truth became painfully clear: not only did he lack affection for her, but he also never regarded her as his partner.
Yet, what truly paled Lauraâs complexion wasnât just Nelsonâs swift move onâ¦
It was the company he was in.
Beside him, the man she knew as Nelson Steve all along, sat Mark and Cecilia.
Lauraâs pallor deepened, her lips quivering with the revelation.
He was actually Edwin.
It all clicked into place.
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Their chance meeting, his relentless pursuit, those sweet nothings whispered under the cloak of night- they were all a charade, tinged with a darker motive.
He had never harbored any affection for her, perhaps even bore animosity.
Laura felt paralyzed.
This heartache eclipsed the moment he had coldly dismissed her from his life.
Edwinâs eyes met Lauraâs.
His gaze was dispassionate, his eyes betraying no recognition, no hint of their once-intimate bond.