I was engrossed in the task at hand, carefully slicing the steak, each movement precise and deliberate. Then, a prickling sensation on the back of my neck, a subtle shift in the atmosphere, made me pause. I felt it, a gaze upon me, an unseen presence. Slowly, I lifted my head, my eyes scanning our table.My gaze drifted across, and there was Jared. The moment our gazes locked, a slow smile spread across his face, transforming his expression from studious to mischievous."Excuse me," I announced, my voice a little higher than usual, "I'm going to make a quick trip to the powder room." I pushed back my chair, the sound of metal scraping against tile echoing in the quiet restaurant.I stood up, feeling the familiar ache in my back from sitting for too long. My eyes met Monica's, and I offered her a reassuring smile, a silent apology for the interruption. She returned the smile, her gaze warm and understanding.With a quick caress to my hair and a f
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