The car finally stopped in front of a grand, luxurious restaurant. The building was glowing with warm golden lights, and elegant music could be heard even from outside.
Katrina stepped out of the car, adjusting her dress slightly. The place felt too fancy… almost uncomfortable.
Katrina (thinking): This isn't just dinner… Mom clearly planned something more.
Her mother smiled proudly. "Come on, dear."
They walked inside. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above them, and everything around looked expensive and perfectly arranged.
A woman in an elegant outfit waved at them from a table.
"Katrina!" her mother said softly, "that's my friend."
They walked over.
"Hello!" the woman greeted warmly. "It's been so long!"
"Indeed," Katrina's mother smiled.
Then the woman turned toward Katrina, her eyes scanning her from head to toe.
"And this must be Katrina… you are even more beautiful than I heard."
Katrina smiled politely. "Thank you, aunty."
"Sit, sit," the woman said.
Katrina sat down, feeling slightly awkward under the attention.
A few moments later—
A tall young man walked toward their table.
He was dressed sharply, confident in his steps. His presence immediately drew attention.
"Katrina," her mother said softly, "this is Hayden."
He gave a small smile as he pulled out the chair and sat down.
"Hi."
Katrina nodded politely. "Hi."
Hayden leaned back slightly, studying her with interest.
"So… you're Katrina."
There was something in his tone—slightly teasing, slightly arrogant.
"Yes," she replied calmly.
He smirked a little. "You're quieter than I expected."
Katrina looked at him. "And you're more direct than I expected."
For a moment, there was silence—
Then Hayden chuckled softly.
"Fair enough."
The elders started talking among themselves, leaving Katrina and Hayden in their own small world.
Hayden rested his elbow on the table, still looking at her.
"You don't seem very interested in being here."
Katrina didn't deny it. "I wasn't told the full plan."
He raised his eyebrow. "So… you were dragged here?"
"Something like that."
He smiled slightly.
"Interesting."
Katrina looked away, clearly not trying to impress him.
That, somehow, made him more interested.
Hayden (thinking): She's different… not trying too hard. I like that.
"So what do you like?" he asked.
Katrina replied calmly, "Peace. Simplicity."
He smirked. "That's rare."
"And you?" she asked.
He leaned back confidently. "I like challenges."
Katrina gave a small nod, clearly not impressed.
That made Hayden smile again.
Hayden (thinking): She's not even trying… and that's exactly why she's interesting.
Meanwhile – Ethan's Side
Ethan was sitting in his room, his books open in front of him—but his focus wasn't there.
His phone was in his hand.
He hesitated for a moment… then called Jessica.
Jessica picked up quickly.
"Hi Ethan!"
"Hi… are you home now?"
"Yes, I am."
They started talking casually.
Jessica's voice was soft, friendly—and slowly, the conversation became longer than usual.
"I'm really glad you came today," she said. "It means a lot."
Ethan smiled faintly. "It's nothing… I just did what anyone would do."
"No," Jessica replied gently, "not everyone is like you."
Ethan didn't say anything for a moment.
Then they both laughed about something small.
Time passed without them noticing.
Jessica's Thoughts
As she spoke, Jessica's expression slowly changed.
Her smile was still there—but her eyes had something else.
Jessica (thinking):
He is kind… caring… and now his family is doing well too…
And that girl today… Katrina… she was rich.
If he can be close to someone like her… then why not me?
Her grip on the phone tightened slightly.
"Ethan… you won't forget me after I leave, right?" she asked softly.
Ethan frowned slightly. "Why would I?"
Jessica smiled.
"Just asking."
But inside—
Her thoughts were no longer simple.
Back at the Restaurant
Dinner continued.
Hayden kept trying to engage Katrina in conversation.
"So… do you always stay this quiet?" he asked.
Katrina replied calmly, "Only when there's nothing important to say."
He laughed softly.
"You're honest."
She simply nodded.
At one point, their hands almost touched while reaching for the same glass.
Katrina pulled back immediately.
Hayden noticed—but instead of feeling awkward, he smiled.
Hayden (thinking): She's careful… I like that.
Meanwhile, Katrina felt completely different.
Katrina (thinking):
Why am I even here…?
I don't want this…
Her mind kept drifting—
To Ethan.