Chapter 5 The Unpleasant Dinner

I couldn't help but gawk at the lavish decorations as we walked into the restaurant. The place was stunning, way fancier than anything I'd ever seen. I mean, I knew it was a fancy restaurant, but this was next-level fancy.

The chandeliers hanging from the ceiling sparkled like a thousand stars, and the marble floors gleamed under the soft lighting. They adorned the walls with beautiful paintings, and a soft melody played in the background, adding to the sophisticated ambiance. It was like stepping into another world.

But my awe quickly turned into discomfort as I noticed the other patrons in the restaurant. They were all looking at us, their eyes wide and curious. Why were they all staring?

Then it hit me. I looked down at my outfit - a panda-print sweater, short pajama pants, and slippers with panda doll heads. I was in a fancy restaurant dressed like I was ready for a Netflix binge. Great, just great.

Suddenly, I realized that Mr. Sterling was still holding my hand. I looked up at him, surprised. But Mr. Sterling just chuckled. "Don't worry,"he said, his voice as cool as ever. "The panda pants look sexy on you."

I blinked at him, my cheeks burning. Did he just... call me sexy?

Just as I was trying to process everything, a waiter appeared. He greeted Mr. Sterling like an old friend with a warm smile. Mr. Sterling, always a pleasure,"he said, leading us toward a table.

The table was tucked away in the most comfortable corner of the restaurant, away from the prying eyes of the other patrons. I let out a sigh of relief. At least I wouldn't have to endure the stare of everyone wondering why on earth I was wearing panda pajamas in a fancy restaurant?

As we settled into our seats, I couldn't help but glance around. Despite my initial embarrassment, I had to admit the place was beautiful. And the corner we were in was intimate, the soft lighting casting a warm glow around us.

Mr. Sterling picked up the menu, scanning it with a practiced eye. "I'll have the steak,"he said, returning the menu to the waiter.

Then he turned to me, his calm gaze meeting mine. "What about you, Evelyn?"

I blinked, taken aback. I had no idea what to order. I didn't even know half the stuff on the menu. And I didn't want to order something wrong and look even more out of place than I already did.

So, I just shrugged, trying to play it cool. "I'll have the same,"I said, hoping I sounded more confident than I felt.

Mr. Sterling nodded, telling the waiter to make it with two steaks. As the waiter left, I let out a sigh of relief. At least that part was over.

But as I looked around the restaurant, then back at Mr. Sterling, I couldn't help but wonder what the rest of the night had in store for me.

I cut to the chase as we waited for our orders to arrive. "Why are you doing this, Mr. Sterling?"I asked, my voice firm.

He looked at me, a hint of amusement in his eyes. "Just, call me Dominic,"he said, his voice as cool as ever.

I blinked, taken aback. "Okay...Dominic,"I corrected myself, the name feeling strange to my tongue. "But that doesn't answer my question."

Before he could respond, a waiter appeared at our table, a bottle of wine in his hand. "Would you like to try our special wine, sir?"he asked, looking at Dominic.

Dominic just nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Why not?" he said, holding out his glass.

I watched in disbelief as the waiter poured the wine, and Dominic took a sip, looking satisfied. He completely ignored my question. Acting like this was just a normal dinner. I felt a surge of frustration.

The waiter turned to me, offering the bottle. "Would you like some wine, miss?" he asked, his voice polite.

I shook my head, crossing my arms over my chest. "No, thank you," I said, my voice firm. I didn't want to give Dominic the satisfaction of thinking I was enjoying this dinner. I was here in protest and wasn't about to forget that.

The waiter just nodded, pouring more wine into Dominic's glass before leaving us alone. I looked at Dominic, my frustration growing.

The steak arrived shortly after the wine, and my stomach repeated that embarrassing growling. And at that point, I was seriously contemplating a swift exit. To make matters worse, Dominic shot me a smile.

"Don't keep your stomach waiting too long," he said.

Why do embarrassing things have to keep happening in front of this man? I should have protested, but I couldn't help but devour it. I didn't hesitate to dig in. I didn't care who was watching or where I was, and I wasn't about to let a good steak go to waste.

As I ate, I was determined to confront Dominic about his unprofessional behavior. I was prepared for the possibility that he might cancel his investment. But I wasn't going to let him push me around.

But as I ate, I noticed Dominic was just watching me, his gaze steady. It was like I was some kind of statue on display. He didn't say a word about work or even touch his food. He just sat there, watching me.

"Are you just going to sit there and watch me eat?" I finally asked, my patience wearing thin.

Dominic just shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. I'm enjoying the view," he said, his voice as cool as ever.

I rolled my eyes, my annoyance growing. "This isn't a show, Dominic," I snapped. "We're supposed to be discussing work."

He just chuckled, taking a sip of his wine. "All work and no play make life dull, don't you think?"

This was not how I'd imagined this dinner would go. Finally, I couldn't take it anymore. I stood up, pushing my chair back.

"I'm leaving," I said, my voice firm. "We shouldn't be wasting time like this."

I didn't wait for his response. I just turned and left Dominic and the fancy restaurant behind.

In a huff, I decided to walk back to my apartment. The night was windy, but I didn't care. I was too angry to feel the cold. Plus, my apartment wasn't far from the restaurant.

But just as I got into my stride, a black car pulled up next to me. The window rolled down, and to my surprise, Dominic was in the driver's seat. Where was his secretary?

Before I could react, he was out of the car, pulling me towards the passenger seat. "Get in," he said, his voice colder than the wind.

I didn't have time to protest as he practically shoved me into the car. The door closed behind me, and suddenly, I was trapped in the car with Dominic. The atmosphere was tense, a cold aura filling the car.

I glanced at Dominic, my heart pounding. His gaze was icy, colder than I'd ever seen it. I realized then that leaving him at the restaurant had triggered his anger. But I hadn't expected him to look this...scary.

I swallowed, my throat dry. This night was way more dramatic than any Netflix show I'd ever watched.