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Right on cue, the waiter appeared at their table, setting down their plates with practiced grace.

A perfectly seared steak for Julian — classic, no surprise there — and for Anna, a delicate plate of seafood pasta, glistening under the warm lights. The waiter gave a polite nod, then added with a smile, “Enjoy your meal.”

As he walked away, Julian reached for the wine bottle, effortlessly pouring into their glasses, the deep red catching the glow of the candle between them.

"Besides," Julian added with that charming glint in his eyes, "I didn’t want to risk you saying no on an empty stomach."

Anna felt a flutter in her chest at his unexpected charm. That was... nice, she thought, almost surprised by how smooth it sounded. It was a touch of something different in his usual dry demeanor, something that made her wonder what Julian had experienced over the years to cause such a change in him.

She let out a soft laugh, the corners of her lips curving in amusement. "You really think people are ready for what you are trying to say?"

Julian leaned back, a small, confident smile playing on his lips. "No, but I don't care."

Anna couldn’t help but laugh — God, he was impossible.

But maybe that’s exactly why she was still sitting here.

Still listening.

Still intrigued.

......