Chapter 4

We ate way too much. I can't even move, and judging by Kia's small smile and closed eyes, she's feeling the exact same way.

Foodgasm is real

I, personally, went a little overboard and ordered three dishes just for myself. The food was so delicious I couldn't stop. The sushi, the udon noodles, the Thai curry, everything was absolute perfection. And let's not forget the cocktail. I ordered this one called Love, Lies, and Louboutins which is basically the story of my life, minus the love part. It was like a fancier, more sophisticated version of a vodka cranberry.

And here's something you should know about me: I am a slut for vodka cran. Just thinking about it makes my mouth water.

As we sat there, basking in our food coma, Kia and I started discussing the new clothing collection we're releasing this summer in June. Only a month away! I'm so excited because, for the first time, Enchantress is introducing its very own lingerie line.

"Thomas said the designs are ready to be modeled," Kia said, her tone thoughtful but excited. "But I had a few ideas myself. Why don't we personally model our new collection at the upcoming fashion week? It's the perfect way to soft launch it. And let's be honest, we can do it better than anyone else." She finishes with a playful smirk.

I laugh at her remark, but truthfully, it's not a bad idea. In fact, I think it would be an honor to showcase our creative and artistic vision on such a big stage.

This collection is especially close to my heart because it represents something deeply personal to me.

There was a time in my life when I wasn't confident in my body, my face, or even my personality. Looking back, it hurts to remember how much I let other people's opinions dictate how I felt about myself. But over the years, I've learned to see things differently. Now, I love my body; the curves, the flat stomach, the medium-sized boobs. I appreciate everything that makes me me.

That's why Kia and I made it a priority to design lingerie and dresses in every size. Because every body, regardless of shape or number, is beautiful and deserves to be celebrated. This collection isn't just about fashion, it's about empowerment. It's about showing the world that beauty isn't

one-size-fits-all, and that confidence starts with embracing yourself exactly as you are.

"I think that's the best idea you have come up with in a long time." I reply back.

Just then, the waiter who had led us to our table returned, this time carrying two plates in his hands.

Kia and I exchanged a confused look, silently asking each other if we'd somehow forgotten ordering more food. Spoiler alert: we hadn't.

"Oh, we didn't order anything else," I say with a polite smile, trying to keep the confusion out of my tone. Mistakes happen.

I used to mix up orders all the time when I was a waitress.

One time, I accidentally served a vegan customer a plate of chicken alfredo. I still remember the horrified look on her face when I set it down in front of her. To make matters worse, I was so sure I had the right table, I actually argued with her for a full minute and also called her a freak before realising my mistake.

It had been a tough day for me, you know especially since I'd been proven wrong for the second time in my life.

The first? That was when I genuinely believed I had a good mom. Delusional really.

"Ma'am, I'm aware that you didn't order anything else, but these are our chef's special Banoffee pies, and they're on the house," the waiter said with a polite smile before setting the plates down.

Kia and I looked at the desserts, literal heaven on a plate as he walked away. Suddenly I'm not too full.

I'm never too full for free food.

Honestly, I wasn't sure whether to be thrilled or concerned. Free desserts? Amazing. But on the house? I disrupted the peace of your house and asked the house owner to stand in a line to enter his own restaurant, a line which did not even exist.

Kia looked up from the desserts, her expression a mix of curiosity and suspicion. "No, seriously, Ana. What the hell did you do? Why are we getting free desserts, and who were those sex on the legs, 6'3 tall men staring at you earlier?"

I gasped dramatically, placing a hand over my chest. "Did it ever occur to you that maybe, just maybe, the chef saw me from across the room, fell hopelessly in love, and sent this as the opening act of my very own rom-com? Why do you always assume I've done something wrong?"

Kia gave me a blank stare, her face practically saying, Really?

"Fine," I sighed. "If you must know, one of those men, the one in the black coat is the owner of the restaurant. And they were staring at me because, um... I might have started an innocent protest against them and told them to stand in line earlier."

Her jaw dropped slightly before she scrunched her nose in confusion. "What line?"

Before I could answer, her eyes flicked to something or someone behind me. Her expression remained mostly neutral, but her slight widening of the eyes was enough of a giveaway.

"Ladies," came the familiar deep, velvety voice that could charm the devil himself, "I trust you enjoyed the food?"

I turned to see the handsome owner standing there, his smug tone matching the self-assured glint in his green eyes.

He is so beautiful, I can die.

His blond friend stood beside him, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.

At first, Blondie's gaze drifted lazily and amusingly between us, but then his eyes landed on Kia. Something shifted. His expression froze for a split second, his eyes widening slightly as if he were only now noticing her presence. The moment passed quickly, and his face transformed into a flirtatious grin, his posture straightening just a little.

Then he finally spoke, his voice smooth and confident. "Oh how rude of me.I'm Adrian Hudson," he said, offering Kia a charming smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you both." His eyes lingered on her for just a moment too long, clearly appreciating her presence.

Oh great. This was about to get interesting.

Kia glanced at Adrian, her face completely emotionless, and then slowly looked him up and down, taking in the details with a cool, almost clinical gaze. Her actions didn't go unnoticed by Adrian, who seemed to smirk slightly, clearly intrigued by her nonchalant inspection.

I brought my gaze back to the green-eyed man, only to notice that he was still looking at me. There was something in his gaze; intense, almost searching, that made me blush a little, a warmth spreading across my cheeks. I cleared my throat, trying to regain my composure.

"So... what's your name?" I asked, my voice a little quieter than I intended, but still holding its usual edge. Never lose your edge ladies.

"Zaden," the green eyed man replied with a smirk, his voice smooth and full of authority. "Zaden King." He paused for a brief moment, letting the name hang in the air before adding, "Pleased to meet you both." His eyes briefly left mine to give Kia a respectful nod.

I was about to tell him how hot his name was, but thankfully, Adrian cut me off before I could make an utter fool of myself.

"So, ladies," Adrian said with a charming grin, "may I know your names now?"

Kia didn't miss a beat. "No, you may not," she said coolly, rising from her seat with a scoff. "We're just leaving." I stand too and get out of our booth.

Her words hung in the air like a challenge, but Adrian's grin never faltered. In fact, he leaned down just slightly, lowering his voice so it was only audible to the both of them.

I felt the urge to smile but quickly turned my focus back to Zaden, trying to shift the attention away from the awkwardness.

" That was some scene you created out there doll."he says as he pushes his glasses up his nose, the gesture somehow ridiculously hot.

But my embarrassment was too much to care about the fact that he called me doll. I will overthink about it once I reach home.

I winced."I'm so sorry," I muttered, my face heating up. "I was, it was the effect of standing close to that old lady maybe, because I would never for any reason, ever, no matter what, no matter where, or who, or who I am with, or where I am going, or where I've been, ever, for any reason whatsoever.. Actually never mind"

Zaden's lips twitched, like he was holding back an amused smile. His eyes softened just a little, as if he found my discomfort somewhat endearing. "It's alright," he said, his voice still smooth. "All is forgotten if I get your name."

That's it? He just wants my name? I was fully prepared to be banned from his restaurant.

Wouldn't be the first time I've been banned from somewhere.

IKEA in California and Germany can confirm it. Don't ask why.

I grin awkwardly, the words slipping out before I can stop them. "Sure, I'm Iliana Lopez. I'm a doctor." The lie isn't even intentional—it just tumbles out naturally.

"No, she's not," Kia interjects with a tone so flat it could level a skyscraper. "We own the Enchantress, and we're done here. Let's go, Ana." She's already striding toward the door like she has somewhere much better to be.

Adrian chuckles, shaking his head, while Zaden runs a hand over his lips, his expression unreadable.

"I should go," I say, offering a small, polite smile, though my eyes can't quite pull away from Zaden. "I shouldn't keep my sister waiting."

"Right, Have a good night, Iliana," Zaden says, my name rolling off his tongue with a smoothness that makes my knees feel like jelly. I almost have to physically restrain myself from clenching my thighs, but I quickly follow Kia out the door.

By the time I reach the parking lot, Kia is leaning against my car, arms crossed and looking unimpressed.

"Finally! Let's go. I'm exhausted," she complains, throwing one arm in the air dramatically.

I slide into the driver's seat, start the car, and reverse out of the parking spot, but something keeps nagging at me. "What did Adrian say to you?"

"Just drive," she replies curtly, leaving no room for further questions.