The night that changes everything

“Shall we?” Caleb asks when he notices that Melanie’s mind seems to have drifted miles away, and he confirms his theory because Melanie almost jumps out of her skin when he touches her.

“Mel… are you okay?” Ryan asks Melanie, sensing her unease, and she gives a smile that doesn’t reach her eyes as she nods.

“We can just go back home if you change your mind about the date,” Ryan proposes.

“I am sure that Caleb will not hold it against you, " Ryan suddenly decides for Caleb, acting like they are twins that share the telepathy bond.

“Or will you?” Ryan suddenly asks Caleb, acknowledging his presence for the first time that night by putting him on the chopping block.

“Of course, I won’t” Caleb replies, glaring at Ryan and returning the same energy that Ryan has been sending his way since they met that night.

“I am okay, Ryan,” Melanie says.

“Let’s go to the Private Oasis,” Melanie urges and Ryan leads them out of the restaurant to the upper level of Bistro Bliss.

The private Oasis is an exclusive reservation –only, part of the restaurant designed for discerning patrons seeking unparalleled luxury and discretion. The intimate, elegantly appointed space exudes refinement and sophistication.

Soft, golden lightning casts a warm glow on the space, with rich dark wood accents and plush carpeting creating a cozy atmosphere. A floor-to-ceiling curtain with subtle patterns filters the natural light coming into the room and the fresh flower arrangements add a touch of elegance to the room.

The floor features Luxurious, high-backed leather chairs and velvet sofas, a spacious semi-private booth, and custom-designed tables with in-laid wood and crystal glassware.

“Have fun, and don’t worry about anything,” Ryan says to Melanie as she and Caleb start to settle and Caleb’s eyes narrow slightly as Ryan gives Melanie a peck just to make Caleb jealous before he leaves them alone.

“I was looking forward to this meeting,” Caleb says, oblivious to Melanie’s thoughts.

“Excuse me…I need to get to the bathroom” Melanie excuses herself as she goes into the bathroom to scream her lungs out because if she had spent one more minute with Caleb, she would have exploded.

While Melanie is losing her mind in the bathroom, Caleb goes through the exclusive wine list with rare, vintage selections, places his order, and then also orders a few samples of the gourmet cuisine crafted by the chef specifically for the VIP guests as he waits for Melanie to come out of the bathroom so that she can try it out and place her order since he doesn’t really know her likes and dislikes.

As Melanie walks towards Caleb, his eyes widen in admiration. His gaze sweeps over her, taking in the silk dress that hugged the upper part of her frame perfectly.

“Wow,” he breathes, his voice low and husky, and that reaction from Caleb makes Melanie smile, her eyes sparkling with pleasure because she is a beautiful woman who loves to be appreciated.

“Caleb’s eyes linger on her, drinking in the sight of her as she takes her seat. The dress accentuated Melanie’s toned shoulders, but the cowl neck of the silk dress kept on shifting, due to how light and silky the material was, drawing attention to her cleavage. Melanie's luscious Dark brown hair is also put into loose curls and everything just complimented her dressing.

“Stunning,” Caleb murmurs, taking her hand.

“You look breathtaking Melanie” Caleb compliments Melanie, her cheeks flush and she leans in.

“Thank you, Caleb. You look pretty great yourself” she says with her voice barely above a whisper and Caleb smiles, his eyes crinkling at the corners.

Caleb is dressed in a tailored suit. Charcoal gray suit, crisp withe shirt, and a slim black tie but Melanie’s dress stole the show. Caleb feels a surge of pride as he looks around the sparsely populated VIP lounge, knowing that Melanie is by his side.

“You know, I think I’m the luckiest man here tonight,” Caleb wishers, his lips brushing against her ear. Melanie’s smile falters for a moment, and she glances up at him, her eyes searching.

“I think you should try this Merlot,” Caleb says as he pours Melanie a glass from one of the exclusive wine lists from the rare vintage selection that he picked up when she was away.

“Out of all the drinks I tried, I think I will crown it as my favorite,” he says but Melanie hesitates, her gaze fixed on the crimson liquid. She hated alcohol and despised the bitter taste and the way that it made her feel fuzzy-headed but Caleb’s expectant smile made her waver.

Considering everything that she’d been through emotionally since Alex’s unexpected arrival in Orion, maybe a sip wouldn’t hurt. Perhaps it could even calm her frazzled nerves

Melanie picks up the glass, feeling the cool stem between her fingers, she brings it to her nose, inhaling the rich aroma and her face scrunches up in distaste.

“Caleb, I don’t know…” she protests.

“Come on, just one sip,” Calen coaxed, his voice gentle.

“It’s special vintage.” He adds and Melanie’s eyes meet his, searching for understanding but Caleb seemed oblivious to her reservations. She takes a tentative sip, the wine touching her lips and the taste is exactly as she remembered: bitter and overwhelming.

“I…I think I will pass.” Melanie’s face concocts as she quickly sets the glass down.

“Not a wine connoisseur, I get that,” Caleb chuckles.

“No…I just don’t like the taste,” Melanie forces a laugh, feeling a bit self-conscious.

“No worries, I won’t pressure you.” Caleb’s expression softens and he returns to his drink but as he does, Melanie’s thought drifts back to Alex.

“Why is he in Orion?”

“What does he want?”

“Is her assistant, Shirley okay” Different questions races through her mind because knows that for Shirley to divulge the details of her location, Alex must have threatened her and she knows that for the kind of person that Alex is, a spoilt brat that thinks the world revolves around him, he can harm poor Shirley.

“I need to make a phone call and it is a matter of life and death…I will be back soon” Melanie excuses herself.

She reached into her clutch for her phone, intending to reach out to Shirley. As she scrolls through her contacts, her eyes don't leave the screen and she walks quickly, oblivious to her surroundings.

Suddenly, her feet stumbled, and she crashed into a solid chest. The impact sends her phone flying from her hand.