6: The Allure of a Mysterious Stranger

Arda stared blankly across the table, her emotions swirling as the revelation about Jacob and Karina settled in. “I don’t understand. Why would they keep their relationship away from me?” Her voice faltered, carrying both hurt and confusion. “I’m their friend.”

Luke sighed, leaning back in his chair. “Maybe they had a reason. You should ask them directly.” He reached out, placing his hand over hers in an attempt to soothe her. “Don’t overthink it. There’s probably a good explanation.”

“Three years, Luke. We’ve been friends for three years. I just… I thought we were closer than that.”

Luke squeezed her hand gently. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you by telling you.” His brows furrowed, regret clear on his face. “I hate seeing you like this.”

Arda’s expression softened slightly, the weight of his concern cutting through her disappointment. “Thanks,” she muttered, managing a faint smile.

“That’s better.” Luke smiled back, his eyes twinkling as they locked onto hers. “Let’s enjoy the evening. You can talk to them later, but don’t be too hard on them.”

“I’ll try,” she said with a sigh, her mind still reeling from the betrayal. Luke's playful grin, however, made it harder for her to stay upset.

“Good.” His eyes traced her lips, his voice dropping slightly. “You know, you look pretty even when you’re mad.”

The air between them shifted as their gazes lingered. Luke’s thumb brushed over the back of her hand as he leaned in, his eyes darkening with intent. Arda felt her breath catch, her pulse quickening as their faces inched closer. She could almost feel the warmth of his lips when—

“Ah—” Luke groaned, his hand flying to the back of his head, wincing in pain. “Damn, not again.”

Arda’s heart sank, the moment ruined once more. Concern quickly replaced her earlier anticipation. “That headache again?”

“Yeah.” He sat back, rubbing the back of his head with frustration. “It’s happening too often.”

“I think you should see a doctor,” she said softly, unable to shake the unease creeping in.

Luke nodded, his hand still massaging the area. “I’ll make an appointment tomorrow. I don’t want this getting in the way of us.”

His words were meant to be reassuring, but Arda’s mind raced. This wasn’t the first time something had interrupted them. Was it really just a headache?

Luke attempted to move them past the awkward moment.

"Let's just enjoy our lunch" he said.

"Yeah, let's not ruin this date."

"You can say that again."

They continued with their lunch and Luke steered the conversation, asking about her parents.

Boma told him about her mum and dad a younger sister. chatting about

Arda’s gaze drifted over Luke’s shoulder to the street outside.

A sleek, black SUV had just parked by the curb. From it stepped a man who immediately caught her attention.

He was tall, muscular, and dressed in a sharp, tailored black suit that accentuated his broad shoulders. His dark brown hair, tied back in a neat ponytail, gave him an air of sophistication. But it was his presence—commanding and magnetic—that caused her heart to flutter.

She couldn’t tear her eyes away as he removed his sunglasses, revealing striking grey eyes that scanned the area with a cool, calculated air. There was something about him that was both unsettling and alluring.

“What are you staring at?” Luke turned, following her line of sight to the man across the street.

“Hm.” He chuckled, turning back to her. “He’s good-looking, I’ll give you that.”

Arda quickly snapped her attention back to Luke. “You’re good-looking too.”

“I know.” Luke grinned, though his playful tone held a trace of jealousy. “But you’ve been staring at him for too long.”

She flushed slightly, embarrassed by how captivated she had been. “That’s not true.”

Luke leaned forward, brushing his thumb gently over her cheek. “I’m just teasing. But don’t forget, I waited three years to be with you. I’m not going to let some random guy distract you.”

His possessiveness made her smile, but it didn’t erase the strange feeling in her chest. The dauntingly attractive man from the SUV had now crossed the street, heading straight for the restaurant. As he walked past their table, she caught the subtle scent of his cologne—earthy and musky, rich with intensity.

Arda’s gaze flickered to the stranger once again, now seated at the table behind them. She could feel his presence, like a shadow looming close. Her curiosity got the better of her, and when she stole another glance, she was caught. Their eyes met.

His grey eyes were sharp, almost predatory, and Arda felt a chill race down her spine. She couldn’t look away, transfixed by the depth of his gaze. It was as though he could see through her, peeling back layers she didn’t even know existed.

Her breath hitched in her throat, and just as quickly as it had started, the moment was over. He broke the connection, turning his attention to the waiter who had approached his table.

“Arda?” Luke’s voice pulled her back to reality. His hand had found her wrist, and his grip was firm, a silent reminder of his presence.

She blinked, focusing back on Luke, guilt creeping into her chest. “I’m sorry. I wasn’t… It’s nothing.”

Luke narrowed his eyes slightly, but a smirk played on his lips. “Let’s get out of here before you embarrass me more.” He stood and helped her up from her chair, pulling her into a warm hug. His hold on her felt tighter than usual, almost possessive.

“You don’t have to worry about him,” she whispered as they embraced. “I’m with you.”

He chuckled, pulling back to look at her. “I know. But I still can’t help marking my territory.”

Arda laughed softly, though her mind was still distracted by the brief, intense exchange she’d shared with the mysterious man. She let Luke guide her out of the restaurant, their hands entwined, but her thoughts lingered on the stranger’s grey eyes, the chill of his gaze still prickling at her skin.

As they reached the sidewalk, Luke turned to her, a playful smile on his lips as he leaned in for a kiss. Arda closed her eyes, letting the moment wash over her—

“Damn it,” Luke groaned again, his hand flying to his head as pain shot through him.

“Luke!” Arda’s worry spiked, her hand resting on his arm. “This is getting worse. You have to see a doctor.”

“Yeah, I will.” His voice was tense, clearly frustrated by the repeated interruptions. “Let’s just get home.” He laced his fingers with hers, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze despite the pain that etched his face.

Arda nodded, though her mind remained tangled in a web of concern for Luke, the shock of her friends’ secret, and the unsettling attraction to the enigmatic man.

As they walked away, she risked one last glance back at the restaurant. The man was still there, his eyes fixed on his watch, but as if sensing her gaze, he looked up and caught her staring. Her heart skipped, and she quickly looked away, but the intensity of his gaze lingered, threading itself through her thoughts as they continued down the sunlit street.