Chapter 70 

ISABELLA'S POV

I sat across from James in the restaurant.

The place was another of such cozy corners with dim lighting and delicious aromas in town that I was new to.

The chatter around us was soft.

James sat up straight, his hair neatly combed to the side, a small smile playing on his lips. He was literally dressed in a suit; he had prepared for this like it were our first date all over again, something he had not even done on our anniversary, but that was, by the way.

His eyes darted toward me every few moments, as if trying to read my mood.

I tried to relax, forcing a smile, hoping it looked genuine.

My fingers fiddled with the edge of the linen napkin on my lap.

Being here with him felt strange, almost surreal.

I could feel the weight of his gaze, and I shifted in my seat, trying hard to look more at ease than I actually felt.

James leaned forward, his brows drawing together in concern.

"Hey… Are you okay?" He asked softly, his voice lined with an unexpected sincerity.

His ey