Emily sat somberly in Ethan’s car while he drove her to the hospital, she had searched the whole ballroom frantically yet the silver bangle with a crimson gemstone was nowhere in site. 

She felt downcast and sad, and she wondered how she was going to let Orion know she had misplaced a precious antique bracelet he had given her. Had someone picked it? Or had it somehow fallen into the hands of the mysterious stranger she had kissed, she stayed baffled with her mind turning in circles and the weird guy pulling her out of her train of thoughts when she only just realized he still hadn’t told her his name.

“Was the bracelet a gift from your boyfriend?” he asked her, his eyes fixed on the road and she 
turned to face him

“You still haven’t told me your name, you could be a serial killer for all I know” she said instead and he chuckled glancing at her from his side eye.

“Fine, I’m Ethan” he told her “Ethan Jacobs.
Ethan wasn’t entirely sure why he lied but a sense of guilt suddenly settled within him but she didn’t know he was and he wanted to keep it that way for now. He glanced at her as her eyes searched his. Her eyes, pools of endless curiousity searched his gaze. She was untrusting and he didn’t blame her. But he needed her and until then, he needed to keep things the way there were.

Time passed quickly at the hospital, he had taken her to the private doctor he used and luckily she wasn’t concussed or bore any kind of injuries that were physically visible.

“I guess I’ll drop you off at yours” he said to her as the approached the parking lot at the hospital.

“You really don’t have to” she told him “I could take the bus”

“Why would you do that Emily, when I’m offering to drive you. Do you like suffering that much my dear”
That question hit a nerve to Emily, and he wasn’t wrong. Did she really enjoy suffering or was she not used to getting help from people.

“I’m not used to people offering to help me” her eyes were cast low as she spoke, not wanting to meet the strong gaze he threw in her direction, he was after all still a stranger and she wondered why she opened up to him.

“Let me take you out to lunch then”

“You really don’t have to Ethan, I mean….”

“I want you to get used to receiving help” he went around to open the car door for, her eyes questioning him.

“Just because” he replied to her questioning gaze. 

“Come on, get in Emily”

Getting to the restaurant, the air was imbued with an exquisite blend of sophistication and luxury as they stepped through the grand entrance of a fancy restaurant . Crystal chandeliers cascading from the high ceilings, casting a soft glow upon the plush velvet drapes. A symphony of murmurs and clinking glasses resonated throughout the ornate dining room, creating an ambience of refined elegance. Emily stared in awe at the elegance of it all, she had never experienced anything so fancy in her life. She noticed how ordinary and out of place she seemed, contrasting highly with the delicate ambience and throng of people dressed fancily, even Ethan looked expensive in his polo shirt tucked into some fancy pants but he didn’t seem to mind, his placed on the small of her back guiding her on. He guided her to their table, which was draped in crisp white linen, surrounded by a backdrop of whispered conversations and the gentle melodies of a pianist’s fingertips caressing the ivories. There was the rich aroma of freshly baked bread and delicately seared meat wafting through the air, tantalizing Emily’s senses and suddenly awakening her appetite.

“Right now Emily, you’ll embark on a culinary journey like no other, allow me” he said to her, signaling a waiter and she smiled 

“Trust me, I wasn’t going to have it any other way”
Suddenly he was captivated by her natural beauty, her radiant smile suddenly illuminating the room and making it impossible for him to look away.
As the sommelier approached with a knowing smile, an extensive wine list and Ethan carefully selecting a bottle of vintage Bordeaux to accompany their meal. For the first course, they indulged in a delicate tray of hors d’oeuvres, each one a work of art on its own. Savory smoke salmon atop a bed of buttery brioche, adorned with a dollop of caviar, danced on their plates. The vibrant colors of a tomato and mozzarella salad, drizzled in a tangy basil infused dressing.
Emily took a bite, savoring the delicate balance of textures and tastes. Her eyes widened as the flavors burst in her mouth and she whispered 

“These tastes so good”

“Of course, this is my favourite restaurant, Emily”
Next came a medley of beautifully plated entrees. A succulent filet mignon, cooked to absolute perfection, boasted a luscious red wine that delicately intertwined with the tender meat.

“This is so much food Ethan, I can barely eat it all” she took more bites and Ethan couldn’t help but notice how her eyes twinkled with warmth and kindness he hoped was genuine, they held a certain depth that drew him in, as if they held a universe of stories waiting to be told. Her tousled hair cascaded gently around her face, framing her delicate features and adding to her effortless charm.

After they were done eating, Ethan offered to take her home while she thought of resisting thinking he had done a lot in the short time they’ve met each other, she nodded her head anyways, somehow she was drawn to him already. He bore a charm that was in fact reckless, unpredictable but kind. 
She directed him to her place, her belly and heart full, grateful and even more curious about him.

“Who are you Ethan Jacob, and why are you nice to me when you barely even know me”

“I have no idea Emily, I just feel drawn to you in ways I can’t n explain and I’m meeting you for the third time so I feel fate is speaking to me”

“We’ve met before?” she turned to him puzzled “I mean apart from you staring weirdly at me The Luxe, when?”

“At the park” he told her “Your knees were bleeding, and I offered you flowers”

“Oh” the memories suddenly rushing back, the unpleasantness of that day suddenly engulfing her but she held it down, she didn’t need it to ruin her mood and cause her to throw up all the delicious food she had just eaten. 

“That was you, you’re definitely a weirdo” she cackled and he returned her cheer

“Would you let me see you again, Emily?” he asked hopefully while she stayed pensive for a minute. At this point he had reached her house 

“Maybe next time, I’ll let you come up for coffee. If you don’t mind”

“Absolutely” he said 

“I’ll call you” he announced as she got down from the car, offering him a big smile. He knew absolutely in his heart, he couldn’t let her out of his sight again

He needed her