Liam chuckled, shaking his head “Don’t get used to it.”
She laughed and took the seat he offered, allowing herself to soak in the atmosphere. Everything about this moment—the hidden garden, the warm glow of the lanterns, the quiet night air—felt surreal, almost like a dream.
Liam took the seat across from her and poured them both a glass of wine “To a night with no interruptions,” he said, raising his glass.
Elena raised an eyebrow but clinked her glass against his “That almost sounds like wishful thinking.”
Liam smirked “Call it optimism.”
They sipped their drinks, the silence between them comfortable, filled with the distant hum of the water and the rustling leaves.
“So,” Elena started, setting her glass down “Why did you plan this date suddenly out of nowhere?” Her voice was calm but filled with curiosity.
Liam gave a mischievous smile as he s
