Chapter twelve

Elena stepped out of the limousine and onto the red carpet, the soft glow of the restaurant's entrance lights illuminating her stunning features. The chauffeur's gloved hands offered a gracious assist, and she accepted with a smile. As she walked on the red carpet, her dinner gown made of sequence shined in the evening light, drawing the gaze of passersby.

The restaurant gleamed with elegance, its sign reading "Bistro Bliss".A woman in a tailored suit welcomed her with a bow, ushering her into the reception hall.

At the reception desk, a hostess presented her with a card written "VIP" in silver foil.

"Right this way, ma'am, "she said with a smile, leading her to a section adorned with candles, fresh flowers, and plush velvet drapes.

The soft lighting and jazz music welcomed her.

Ethan turned the moment he saw Elena. His charming smile was overwhelming as he walked towards Elena giving a perfect look to his black suit. He hugged her. Kissing her on the forehead before he offered a gracious assist to lead her to the seat.

He pulled out her chair, its legs scraping softly against the floor. As she settled in, Ethan took his seat across from her. His piercing eyes never left Elena's and that made Elena's heart race.

"Thank you for keeping your promise, Elena. You look stunning."His eyes roamed over her face, on her lips, her neck, and the curves of her shoulders even to her cleavage.

Elena's face blushed."Thank you."Her gaze still lingers on Ethan's.

Slowly, her eyes moved downwards as a soft smile curved on her lips, before she lifted her chin, her attention shifting to the menu lying on the table.

She opened the cover, the soft rustle of pages filling the silence. Her eyes scanned through it, and as she read, she could still feel the awareness of Ethan still staring at her. Elena's fingers moved to the small bell, its surface shining in the soft light on the table.

Ding-dong

In response, a young beautiful lady, dressed in a white shirt and black skirt glided in. A silver name tag reading "Prosper "adorned her lapel, and a warm smile played on her lips as she approached.

"Good evening," her voice sweet and soft."Are you ready to order? "

Elena's eyes met Prosper's ."Yes, we are. I'll have the grilled salmon and steamed vegetables, please. "

Prosper's pen danced across her notepad, capturing the order."Excellent choice!And for you, sir?"Her eyes shifted to Ethan.

"I will be having the same but please I'll have the grilled salmon with a side of quinoa," Ethan replied his voice slow and smooth.

Prosper's smile deepened, "Wonderful! I'll put those in for you. Would you like any wine or cocktails to accompany your meal?"

Elena's gaze moved to Ethan, a silent question passing between them."A bottle of your finest Merlot, please."

Prosper nodded, her smile still in place."Coming right up!".

She vanished into the bustling atmosphere of the restaurant.

Elena's eyes sparkled with curiosity."So, Ethan, tell me, what's the most spontaneous thing you've ever done."

Ethan's voice was low."I once took a midnight flight to Paris after I received a call that I had a meeting with a very important client. Only to get there I realized my parents wanted to celebrate my birthday. I even forgot my birthday. That's terrible."

Elena's laughter was melodious"That's incredibly romantic. I've always wanted to visit Paris."

Ethan leaned in, his curiosity piqued."Elena, can I ask you something?"

He waited for her nod before continuing.

"How did you end up with Alan? You seem to like him a lot when you were married."

Elena's face glowed with a warm smile as she began her story, her eyes sparkling with memories."I had a crush on Alan, back in college, but we were just random friends. We'd study together, grab a coffee, and talk about our dreams."

Elena's voice filled with emotion as she continued."When we graduated, he proposed to me. I was over the moon! I had always dreamed of being his wife, and I thought he felt the same way. It was like a dream come true."

A hint of sadness crept into Elena's voice."We got married, but what I did not know was that Alan got married to me because his mother loved me so much. So, when his mother died, he changed. I realized that I didn't know him as well as I thought. I was ready to endure because I loved him until he asked for a divorce and ruined my life. "

Ethan's eyes never left hers, his expression intent.

Elena's gaze drifted forward, her eyelids dropping like curtains."He never knew I was related to the Celestial Empire. I helped him run some things through my dad's help, even though our empire was hidden. But now everything is out. It's time to pay for his crimes. Do you know why..."

Elena smiled and stood up, walking to Ethan's seat."When a woman decides to take revenge, even the devil sits down to take notes."She spoke her voice barely a whisper.

Elena's feet seemed to float across the floor, as she walked back to her seat, a gentle smile playing on her lips.

As she moved, Ethan's gaze followed her, and a slow matching smile spread across his face.

Ethan's hand shot out, his fingers wrapping around Elena's wrist like a gentle breeze. He pulled her close, Elena's body swaying toward him as he stood up, his grip guiding her.

With a gentle tug, he drew her closer, his face inches from hers.

"Elena Wellington," he whispered, his voice low and husky, "will you marry me?"

Elena's eyes widened, her pupils dilating in shock as Ethan's words hung in the air. Her lips parted, and a soft "Huh?" escaped her voice barely audible.

Elena's eyes fell to Ethan's hand, her eyes fixed on the small, velvet box he opened, revealing a diamond ring that sparkled like a star.

Her breath caught in her throat as Ethan slid the ring onto her finger, the diamond's facets glinting in Elena's hand trembled, her fingers closing around the ring, as she stared at it.

"Darling, let's put on a show for the Lockwoods and Alan," he whispered, his breath caressing her ear.

Elena's head jerked up,her eyes locking onto Ethan's.A slow smile spread across her face, and then she nodded,her lips curling upward in a sly, playful arc.