The evening air was crisp as Lillian Parker adjusted her blazer nervously.
Outside the restaurant, flashes flickered from cameras hidden behind discreet umbrellas and trees.
The soft hum of paparazzi chatter drifted in the air. Lillian's stomach fluttered.
"You're quiet," Sebastian Wolfe murmured beside her.
His arm brushing hers as he held the car door open.
"I'm… fine," she said, though her voice was tight.
"Lillian," he said, tilting his head slightly, blue eyes sharp yet calm.
"This isn't a battlefield. You're not alone."
She exhaled, feeling the tension ease slightly.
"I know."
"Good," he said, smirking faintly.
"Then let's do this."
He led her through the entrance.
Warm light spilled from the restaurant, soft music floated from the speakers, and the rich aroma of cuisine filled the air.
Their reserved table was in the corner, partially secluded, but still visible to anyone entering.
Lillian's hands fidgeted with her clutch.
She wasn't used to this level of attention.
Sebastian noticed immediately.
He leaned close, lowering his voice.
"Relax. You look beautiful. That's all that matters."
"I feel… exposed," she admitted, cheeks pink.
"You're not alone," he repeated softly. "I've got you."
Her gaze met his for a moment.
It was a look full of trust, reassurance, and a quiet acknowledgment of everything unspoken between them.
She let her fingers brush his under the table.
A waiter approached, bowing slightly.
"Good evening, Mr. Wolfe. Your table is ready."
Sebastian nodded, gesturing for Lillian to go first.
"After you," he said, voice smooth.
She walked ahead, trying to keep her head high, but the subtle glances from other diners and the faint click of cameras made her heart race.
She felt Sebastian's hand slide into hers, warm and grounding.
"You'll survive," he whispered.
"And look good doing it."
She laughed softly, leaning into his hand.
"I hope so."
They sat down.
The table was set elegantly, candles flickering gently.
Sebastian pulled out her chair with a faint smirk.
"Only the best for my partner in crime," he teased.
Lillian rolled her eyes but smiled, sitting.
"You're ridiculous."
"Maybe," he admitted.
"But it suits me."
They glanced around the restaurant.
Some diners looked their way, whispering softly.
Others pretended not to notice, but the aura of Sebastian Wolfe's presence was impossible to ignore.
Lillian felt a flutter of nerves but kept her composure.
"Are you okay?" he asked, voice low.
"I… yes," she said.
"Just… aware of the attention."
He reached across the table, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face.
"Ignore them. This night is for us. For celebrating. For… enjoying each other."
Her chest warmed at the gentleness in his touch.
"Celebrating us?"
"Celebrating you," he corrected, eyes soft.
"And us. Together."
The waiter returned with their menus. Sebastian barely glanced at his.
"I know what I want," he said.
"You?"
"I… I'll take your suggestion," she said, smiling faintly.
He raised an eyebrow, smirking.
"Wise choice."
As they ordered, Lillian couldn't help but glance around.
Her mind replayed the whispers from the office, the article draft Sebastian had shown her, and the attention they were bound to attract tonight.
"You're thinking too much," Sebastian said softly, reading her expression.
"Trust me. I've dealt with attention before. And with me, you're safe."
She exhaled, letting herself relax a little.
"I trust you."
He leaned back, studying her with a rare softness.
"Good. That's exactly where you should be. Safe. With me."
The waiter brought their first course.
Light chatter filled the air, but they focused on each other.
"You handled Dallas well," Sebastian said quietly, cutting a piece of his dish.
"I noticed. Everyone did."
"I just… tried to follow your lead," she replied.
"It wasn't easy."
He shook his head, a faint smile tugging at his lips.
"No. You did more than follow. You held your own. I was impressed. I still am."
Her fingers fiddled with her napkin.
"I just… don't want to be a distraction."
"You're not a distraction," he said firmly, his blue eyes locking with her green ones.
"You're remarkable. And I want everyone to see it. To see you."
Her heart skipped a beat.
"Even with reporters?"
He smirked faintly.
"Especially with them. But remember, you have me. Always."
She smiled softly.
"I know."
They ate quietly for a few moments, enjoying the meal and the soft music.
Lillian stole glances at Sebastian, noticing the way his sharp demeanor softened around her, how protective he was without being overbearing.
"You're a little too calm for all this attention," she murmured, voice low.
"Calm is my specialty," he teased.
"And you're with me. That makes it easier."
Her fingers brushed his again.
"You make everything easier."
"Good," he said softly.
"Then that's my goal. Always."
The waiter cleared their plates, leaving the candlelight casting a gentle glow on their faces.
Sebastian reached for his glass, raising it slightly.
"To you," he said, voice low but deliberate.
"To us," Lillian echoed, meeting his gaze.
He let their hands touch across the table, fingers entwined lightly.
Her heart fluttered. She felt cherished, protected, and… seen.
"You really don't care about what anyone thinks, do you?" she whispered.
"I care," he said softly.
"About you. About us. But not about the whispers. Not tonight. Tonight is ours."
She smiled, feeling a quiet warmth spread through her chest.
"I'm glad it's just us."
"Me too," he murmured.
"Just us."
The rest of the dinner passed in a quiet bubble of intimacy.
They shared small jokes, teasing remarks, and quiet moments of connection.
Lillian found herself laughing more freely than she had in weeks.
At the end of the meal, Sebastian leaned slightly forward.
"You know, this could be our new tradition," he said softly.
"Public dinners?" she asked, trying not to blush.
"No," he said, smirking.
"Spending time like this. Together. No distractions. Just us."
She nodded, feeling a warmth in her chest.
"I'd like that."
He reached for her hand under the table, brushing his thumb gently across her knuckles.
"Good. Because I'm not going anywhere."
Outside, the city lights reflected off the glass.
The cool New York air hit their faces as they walked back to the car.
Lillian glanced up at him.
"So… we're okay?"
He smirked faintly, pulling her close slightly.
"We're more than okay. We're us."
She laughed softly, heart light.
"Us."
And for the first time in a long while, Lillian Parker felt truly visible—not just to the world, but to the one person who mattered most.
The reporter in the corner of the restaurant remained unnoticed, notebook closed, silently taking in the evening.
But Lillian didn't care.
Not tonight.
Tonight, it was just them.
Just this.
And it was perfect.