Chapter 5 Dinner with me

Chapter 5

Natasha's POV

I can't believe it's morning already. I wish the night had been a little longer, but I had to push those thoughts aside. A new day had begun, and I needed to embrace whatever it had to offer.

After freshening up, I headed toward the sitting room. The moment I stepped in, the sweet scent of toasted bread and freshly brewed coffee filled the air, instantly making my stomach rumble.

"Hey," I greeted as I walked toward Adrian.

"Hey, you're up," he said with a warm smile.

"Yeah. So, what's for breakfast?" I asked, settling into a chair.

"Erhm... we've got waffles, toasted bread, scrambled eggs... I also made sandwiches," he said, setting a plate on the table.

"Wow, nice," I said with a faint smile, but my mind was elsewhere. How was I going to tell him I'd be leaving Hawaii for California?

As we ate, the thought lingered in my mind, gnawing at the edges of my excitement.

"So... should we head out today as well?" Adrian asked, his tone light and hopeful.

I glanced up, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'd love that."

"Great. I actually have somewhere I want to take you," he said, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

I arched a brow. "Oh? You already had something planned?"

"Maybe," he teased, taking a sip of his coffee.

I chuckled softly, but deep down, a bittersweet feeling settled in my chest. At least I could make the little time I had left here worthwhile.

After breakfast, we spent the rest of the morning engaged in different activities around the house, since our outing was planned for the evening.

I decided to take a quiet stroll through the garden, letting my feet lead me around the large compound. It was a sight to behold-everything was placed perfectly in its space, as if carefully curated to create a peaceful atmosphere.

At the far end of the compound, a wooden swing stood, surrounded by dazzling flowers in full bloom. The sight was too inviting to ignore. I made my way over and settled onto the swing, letting it sway gently as a soft breeze brushed against my skin.

As I rocked back and forth, my thoughts drifted away, carrying me through the journey of my life-everything I had endured, everything I had conquered. I had come so far, despite the odds. At a tender age, I was forced to understand that life could be messy, unpredictable. But I had survived. I was still here.

A soft smile crept onto my lips as a wave of pride washed over me. I deserved my flowers. I had fought through so much, and no matter what came next, I knew one thing for sure-I would keep pulling through.

Adrian's POV

Evening was fast approaching, and anticipation buzzed through me. I had made a reservation at one of the finest restaurants in town-La Mer. I could go on about how exquisite the place is, but where's the fun in that? I wanted it to be a surprise, something special just for her.

I really hope tonight goes as planned because I want Natasha to have the best experience in Hawaii. More than that, I want to be the reason for it.

Every time I look at her, I get the feeling there's something hidden beneath her smiles-a facade she carefully maintains. And as much as I want to know what's behind it, I don't want to overstep. Would she shut me out if I tried to get too close?

Maybe all I can do is give her the best moments while she's here. Least I forgot, I also got her dress and I really hope she loves it.

Natasha's POV

After spending the afternoon exploring the compound, I headed back to my room to get ready for the evening. As I stepped inside, my eyes landed on a package lying on my bed.

Curiosity sparked within me as I reached for it, carefully unwrapping the box. The moment I pulled out the dress inside, a wide smile spread across my lips. A stunning blue dinner gown. My heart fluttered as I noticed a small letter attached:

"I hope you like it."

Like it? I love it.

I held the dress against my body, admiring my reflection in the mirror, feeling giddy. It was perfect-elegant yet subtly sexy. He really knows how to pick for a lady. Excitement bubbled within me as I rushed to freshen up, eager to put it on.

Once dressed, I took one last look in the mirror. The fabric hugged my figure in all the right places. I felt beautiful. Confident.

Taking a deep breath, I stepped out of my room and walked toward the living room. And that's when I saw him.

Adrian stood there, looking effortlessly handsome in a navy-blue tuxedo. The color complemented his features perfectly. His dark hair was styled just right, a few strands casually falling to the side.

My heart thudded in my chest as I moved closer.

At that moment, I couldn't help but wish we were more than just... whatever this was. Because we looked like a couple-one of those effortlessly perfect pairs. And if we were together, oh, the teasing thoughts I'd have acted on. But for now, I'd play it cool.

For now.

Adrian's POV

God, why am I so nervous? Is this normal?

Right now, I was caught between excitement and anxiety as I waited for Natasha to appear. I had deliberately chosen an outfit that matched hers, and I could only hope she wouldn't find it weird.

Minutes passed, and then-finally-she walked out.

And just like that, my breath hitched.

She looked stunning. No-effortlessly beautiful, as always. The blue gown fit her like it was made for her, hugging her curves in just the right way. The subtle shimmer of her accessories only added to her elegance. My gaze was locked onto her, and for the first time in a long while, I found myself speechless.

My mouth was slightly open, yet no words came out.

"Are you just going to keep staring?" she teased, her soft voice pulling me from my trance. "You're kind of making me feel awkward."

I blinked, quickly regaining my composure. "Erhm... sorry," I murmured, rubbing the back of my neck. "You just look so beautiful-I wasn't sure what the perfect words would be."

A small smirk played on her lips. "Really? Well, you're not bad yourself."

I chuckled. "I wanted to impress you."

"And I guess you did," she admitted with a smile.

Her smile-God, it was contagious. I loved how effortlessly it lit up her face, how it made everything feel lighter.

And right now, I wanted to be the reason she kept smiling like that.

Natasha's POV

His gaze was intense, and I could feel the tension rising between us.

Adrian took a step closer, and for a brief moment, my heart raced with anticipation. This is it, I thought. Finally, we can finish what we started yesterday.

But I had gotten my hopes up too soon.

Instead, he reached up and gently tugged at the ribbon holding my hair. My breath caught as my hair cascaded down, brushing against my skin. Caught off guard, I tilted my head slightly, giving him a questioning look.

"You look better with your hair down," he murmured, his voice smooth and deliberate.

I blinked, my heart skipping a beat as he carefully arranged a few strands, his fingers grazing my cheek ever so slightly. Our eyes met, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe.

"Shall we?" he asked, offering his arm.

"I guess," I replied, slipping my hand into his.

With that, we stepped out together, the night ahead of us filled with unspoken possibilities.

We drove in one of his other cars, and the journey was calm, filled with quiet anticipation. The moment we pulled into the restaurant's driveway, my jaw nearly hit the floor.

No way. This can't be real.

I stared up at the grand entrance of La Mer-one of the most prestigious restaurants in Hawaii. My heart pounded with disbelief. Goddamn it, not in a thousand years did I think I'd ever step foot in this place. Not that I doubted my worth, but... this was La Mer we were talking about.

"You made a reservation here?" I asked, my voice laced with shock.

Adrian chuckled at my reaction. "Yeah."

Before I could process it further, he grabbed my hand. "Come on, let's go in already."

As if my surprise wasn't enough, the moment we stepped inside, I realized-he had reserved an entire private dining room for just the two of us. No crowd, no interruptions. Just us and a few waiters attending to our needs.

He pulled out a chair for me, then signaled for the waiter. Moments later, a bottle of champagne was brought to our table as we waited for our order.

"I picked a perfect spot. I hope you like it," Adrian said, watching me carefully.

I turned my gaze toward the transparent glass wall, revealing a breathtaking view of the city skyline. The lights twinkled like tiny stars against the night sky, making the moment feel almost surreal.

"You did," I admitted, turning to him with a soft smile. "I love it. I can't believe you planned all this for me."

He shrugged as if it was nothing. "This is pretty much nothing, but you're welcome."

Soon, our dinner arrived-perfectly cooked steak, fresh veggies, and a variety of side dishes. Each bite was a burst of flavor, and I couldn't help but savor every moment. We talked, laughed, and everything felt smooth-effortless, even.

After dinner, we moved to the balcony, each holding a glass of champagne. The cool night breeze brushed against my skin as we leaned against the railing, watching the city below.

For the first time in a while, I felt like I was exactly where I was meant to be.

"Thank you for today. I really appreciate it," I said softly, trailing my finger along the rim of my glass.

Adrian leaned against the railing, a smirk playing on his lips. "That's the least I can do for my guest. And besides, Raymond told me to take care of you, so I was just following orders."

We both chuckled, but the mention of Raymond sent an unwelcome reminder through my mind-I would be leaving Hawaii soon. In just a few days. And I still hadn't told Adrian.

How would he take it?

As my thoughts spiraled, a soft touch on my cheek snapped me back to reality.

Adrian.

His fingertips brushed against my skin, his gaze locked onto mine as he slowly leaned in. My breath hitched. My heart raced. This was the moment I had secretly longed for, yet something inside me hesitated.

I couldn't do this-not when I knew I was leaving.

"I'll be leaving soon," I blurted out, my voice barely above a whisper.

Adrian froze. His expression shifted, his brows drawing together slightly before he slowly withdrew his hand.

"What do you mean you're leaving?" His voice was steady, but I could hear the underlying tension.

I swallowed hard. "Raymond has been planning my return to California, and the departure should be ready in few days."

Silence.

For a brief moment, I saw the disappointment flicker across Adrian's face, but he masked it quickly with a tight smile.

"Oh... is that so? That's nice," he said lightly, taking a slow sip of his champagne.

But I knew better. He wasn't happy.

"Adrian, I..........

"Why don't we head home? It's getting late," he cut me off abruptly, draining the last of his drink before turning away.

I sat there, watching as he walked off, my chest tightening with guilt.

I had ruined the moment.

But I had to.

For both of us.

I didn't want us to build something on borrowed time-on a fleeting moment that was always destined to end.

Even if, deep down, a part of me wished it wouldn't.......