Chapter 20
Ten minutes later, they pulled up to a swanky, upscale restaurant,
Virgil took the menu from the waitress and placed it in front of Moira. She skimmed through it quickly before ordering a handed the menu back to him.
Virgil raised a brow as he studied her. That’s it? Just pasta?”
plate of p
Moira picked up her water glass, taking a casual sip before flashing him a small smile. “Yup, that’s all I’ve got a small stomach”
Virgil didn’t respond immediately, just stared at her, his expression unreadable.
pastacti
then
Moira shifted in her seat, feeling a liute self–conscious under his focused gaze, Blushing, she quickly added, “Don’t look at me like that. Hurry up and order already. Don’t keep the waitress waiting.”
Virgil glanced at the waitress and handed the menu back. “Sorry, we’re not ordering yet.”
The waitress, Carly sinisten by Virgil, smiled politely and backed off. “No problem, just let me know
I you need anything”
As soon as the waitress left, Virgil’s eyes locked back onto Moira’s, his tone serious. “Sorry, I didn’t realize you didn’t like the food here. If you want. we can go somewhere else.”
Before she could fully process his words, Virgil started to push back his chair, looking ready to stand,
Moira blinked in surprise. She hadn’t meant to imply that and quickly shook her head. “No, it’s not that. I like it here.”
He paused mid–movement, has sharp gaze flicking back to her before he sat down again. Then why just pasta?“
She hesitated, knowing he wasn’t going to let it slide. “Well… honestly, the prices here are pretty steep. I just don’t think it’s worth splurging on Whore. One plate of pasta is enough. No need to go overboard”
Virgil’s lips twitched into a small smile. “So you’re trying to save me some cash, huh?”
Moira didn’t deny it. She gave a small nod, glancing up at him. “Well, you’ve got that mortgage to think about, and 1 figured the pressure might be tough. No need to blow a ton of tadi every time we go out.
“I know a bunch of affordable spots that are just as good.”
The second the words left her mouth, she felt a twinge of embarrassment. He’d gone out of his way to bring her here, and now she was talking about cutting costs. Way to kill the vibe:
But instead of looking annoyed, Virgil’s s smile widened, his tone teasing. “Alright, Moira. Next ti
time, you pick the place”
The way he said her name–Moira–sent a flutter through her chest. He wasn’t just good–looking, but his voice had this warmth that made her feel all sorts of things.
Her cheeks flushed, and she nodded, then added with a hint of seriousness. “And I’ll treat you next
ext time. By the way, I’m a pretty decent cook, too. We could just eat at home sometimes”
Virgil was taken aback, touched by her words. When she talked about home, it stirred something inside him. He’d always thought it didn’t really matter to him who he married, but right then, he couldn’t help but think his wife was pretty adorable.
He gave her a sof, almost tender smile. “You’re right. From now on, we’ll do things your way
Then, with a light chuckle, he added, “But tonight? Don’t worry about saving a dime. We’re already here, so let’s enjoy it. Next time, we’ll saver
Moira’s heart skipped a beat at his words. Looking at his handsome, chiseled features, her pulse quickened. She nodded lightly, turning her gaze out the window, her chin resting in her hand, trying to hide the sunile tugging at her lips.
Virgil called the waterss back to place their order. Maira picked a few more dishes, and Virgil added his own choices, making sure to get a variety of dungs
After dinner, the awkwardness between them had cased up a lot. Moira felt more relaxed, maybe because she’d finally spoken her mind earlier. She was starting to feel more at ease in her role as his wife, even with the subtle touches of intimacy they were gradually growing into..
Virgil drove her back to Emberfall Heights. After parking the car, he got out and followed her into the elevator
As the doors slid shut, Moira glanced up at him, her curiosity getting the better of her. “Aren’t you leaving tonight?”
655 PM c c
Chapter 201
The moment she said it, she realized how it sounded–vague and awkward. She winced inwardly.
Virgil cocked his head slightly, his lips curving into a faintly amused smile. “This is my home. Where else would I goo
“I didn’t mean it like that she blurted, her cheeks heating up. Scrambling to explain, she added quickly, “I just figured you’re always so swamped with work. You don’t have to feel obligated to come home just because of me. I get it if you can’t
For a second, he just looked at her, his sharp gaze thoughtful, unreadable. Then, his tone soft but steady, he said. Tve cleared most of my work for now. From this point on. I’ll be home every night.”
There was a beat of silence, and then he added. “And if I do have to stay late, I’ll call so you’re not waiting around for me to eat.
Moira blinked, momentarily stunned. Wait, does he really mean he’ll come home every night for dinner now she thought.
It was such a simple thing–something most married couples probably didn’t even think twice about. But given how rushed and unconventional their relationship had been, she hadn’t expected them to settle into a routine like this sO SODI
In that moment, it hit her—Virgil, just
t like her, was actually trying to make this marriage work.
Her gaze sofchied, and she turned her head slightly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. She couldn’t quite contain the joy bubbling up inside
her.
Virgil caught her smile, and his eyes darkened, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his expression
曲
