A Date with Questions

“Ashley, you look stunning tonight,” Ethan said as he pulled out her chair at the dimly lit restaurant. The soft glow of the chandeliers above cast a warm light on the polished tableware and crystal glasses. Ethan was the perfect gentleman, his every move smooth and deliberate.

Ashley gave him a polite smile as she sat down. “Thank you, Ethan. This place is beautiful.”

“It’s one of my favorites,” he replied, settling into the chair opposite her. “I thought it would be fitting for such exceptional company.”

But Ashley’s mind was elsewhere, her thoughts drifting back to Demitri. She knew she hadn’t agreed to this dinner because she was genuinely interested in Ethan. She wanted to prove a point to Demitri.

The waiter approached, handing them menus. “Take your time,” he said with a slight bow.

Ashley scanned the options absentmindedly. Ethan watched her, a flicker of curiosity in his eyes. “You seem distracted,” he said gently. “Something on your mind?”

“Not at all,” she replied quickly, setting the menu down. “What do you recommend?”

“The lobster bisque here is divine,” Ethan said with a grin. “But honestly, everything on the menu is fantastic.”

They placed their orders, and as the waiter left, a heavy silence settled between them. Ashley could feel Ethan’s eyes on her, stealing glances when he thought she wasn’t looking.

Finally, the food arrived, breaking the awkwardness. They ate in relative quiet, though Ethan would occasionally make small comments about the quality of the dishes or the ambiance of the restaurant.

When the plates were cleared, Ethan leaned back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. “So, Ashley,” he began, “tell me something. Why haven’t I heard of you before now? Someone as brilliant as you should’ve been on everyone’s radar.”

Ashley raised a brow, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. “Are you saying you don’t do your research, Ethan?”

He chuckled. “Touché. But seriously, you’re an enigma. Were you out of the States all these years?”

Ashley hesitated for a moment before answering. “I prefer a quiet life. My work is what speaks for me. I guess I just never saw the need to be in the spotlight.”

Ethan nodded thoughtfully. “I get that. But now that I’ve met you, I’m glad Demitri insisted on partnering with your company.”

Ashley’s fork froze mid-air. “Demitri insisted?”

“Oh, absolutely,” Ethan said, leaning forward slightly. “He couldn’t stop singing your praises. Kept saying how you were the best leader he’d ever seen, how your ideas were unparalleled…”

Ashley’s chest tightened. She nodded slowly, trying to mask her emotions. “That sounds like him.”

“Does it?” Ethan teased. “You almost sound like you know him well.”

Before she could respond, her phone buzzed on the table. She glanced at the screen—it was her mother.

“Excuse me,” she said, standing and walking a few steps away.

Her mother’s voice came through, warm but tinged with concern. “Emerald, why aren’t you home yet?”

“I had to step out again,” Ashley replied, lowering her voice.

There was a pause on the other end. “Step out? With someone?”

Ashley hesitated. “Yes.”

Her mother’s voice sharpened slightly. “It’s not Demitri, is it?”

Ashley closed her eyes, pinching the bridge of her nose. “No, Mom. It’s not Demitri.”

Her mother sighed, her tone softening. “All right, sweetheart. I’ll see you when you get back. Be safe.”

“Bye, Mom,” Ashley said, ending the call.

When she returned to the table, Ethan had ordered wine and was pouring some into her glass.

“Everything okay?” he asked, handing her the glass.

Ashley nodded, taking a small sip. “Just my mother checking in.”

“Ah, protective mothers,” Ethan said with a laugh. “You can’t fault them for caring too much.”

They continued talking, their conversation flowing more easily now. Ethan’s lighthearted jokes and charming demeanor made her laugh despite herself. For the first time that evening, she felt a little less guarded.

“So,” she said, her curiosity getting the better of her, “why did you decide to partner with my company? There were plenty of other options.”

Ethan grinned. “I already told you—Demitri was relentless about it.”

Ashley tilted her head. “Relentless? That’s a strong word.”

“It fits,” Ethan said. “He practically sold your company to me before I even met you. Said I’d regret it if I didn’t sign on with you.”

Ashley’s heart skipped a beat. She didn’t know whether to feel flattered or frustrated.

“I see,” she murmured, taking another sip of her wine.

Ethan studied her for a moment, his expression shifting. “You know, I’ve been wondering…”

“What?” she asked, her eyes meeting his.

“What’s your relationship with Demitri?”

Ashley froze, her glass halfway to her lips. Her mouth opened slightly, her mind racing. Did he know?