TWELVE

"Where are we going?" I asked as Elijah pulled out of the hospital parking lot.

"Lunch." He responded.

"Lunch?"

"You haven't eaten all day." He glanced at me. "And you look like you need a distraction."

He wasn't entirely wrong. My mind was still on what dad had said. I still didn't know how to figure this out but what I definitely knew was that I wasn't losing my mother's bakery.

"I'm not really hungry." Even though I was lying.

"You will be."

Twenty minutes later, we pulled up to what looked like an ordinary building that looked like it was hidden on the quiet street.

Was this even a restaurant. There was no sign of indication that there was a restaurant anywhere.

"This is a restaurant?" I asked skeptically.

"The best one in the city." Elijah got out and came around to open my door. "You just have to know where to find it."

A man in a black suit opened the door before we even reached it.

"Mr. Washington and his lady" he bowed slightly. "Welcome back, your usual table is ready."

Elijah nodded and we entered the building. I almost gasped. Definitely do not judge a building by its exterior.

The inside was so beautiful and looked like something out of a luxury movie. I gasped at the glass ceiling that showed the sky above. The beautiful adorned tables each had candles and fresh flowers. Soft jazz was playing in the background and I felt strangely at peace here.

It was like stepping into a secret garden.

"This is beautiful," I said to Elijah giving him a smile.

"I thought you might like it." He smiled back. “We're eating somewhere more private.”

We were led through the main dining area and up a staircase to a private balcony that overlooked the entire restaurant.

There was a single table that was already set.

"Your server will be with you shortly," The attendee said as he pulled out my chair.

I sat down, still marveling at the place. "You come here often?" I asked Elijah.

"When I need a good meal. I also love this place because of its privacy. Only a select few know of this place." He explained.

"And you're sharing your secret spot with me?" I widen my eyes.

His eyes met mine and something flashed in them. "Don't get ahead of yourself. I just thought you needed a meal and I don't want annoying paps flocking around us."

Oh…

Before I could respond we were interrupted by the sound of footsteps.

"Good afternoon.. my name is Isabelle and I'll be taking care of you today."

I looked up to see a stunning woman in her mid-twenties with long dark hair and legs for days. Her server uniform somehow looked like haute couture on her.

"Mr Washington," she purred. "It's been too long. You look amazing." Her eyes traveled over him appreciatively. "Still breaking hearts all over the city?"

I didn't like the way she looked at Elijah.

Elijah chuckled. "I'm going great Isabelle." He said with a very familiar tone.

What was his relationship with this woman?

"We should get drinks sometime, to catch up properly. I'm free tonight, actually." She bit her lips seductively.

Huh???

She's deadass just ignoring me.

I cleared my throat. She turned to me with a slightly irritated look on her face. The nerve of this bitch!

"And you are?" She asked.

"His wife." I said making sure to pronounce the wife clearly.

Her eyes widened. "Wife? Since when??

"Recently," Elijah responded.

"How... surprising." She smiled but it didn't'reach her eyes. "I had no idea you were even seeing anyone.." She gave me a condescending look. "Well. Congratulations."

She sounded so insincere.

"The menu, please," I said sharply. I just wanted this bitch out of here.

She flashed me a smile. "Of course, let me grab those for you."

She walked away, her hips swaying deliberately.

"Friend of yours?" I asked once she was out of earshot.

"She works here." He simply responded.

"That's not what I asked."

Elijah's lips twitched. "Are you jealous?"

"No...I'm just observing that your server is very... attentive."

She talked to him like she was so familiar with him.

"She's always like that." Elijah said. His green eyes twinkling.

"And you come here often enough to know that?"

"Breanna—"

"Here we are!" Isabelle reappeared with two menus. She handed one to me without looking, then took her time placing Elijah's in front of him, her fingers brushing his. "I'd recommend the duck today. It's rich and tender." She winked.

Was she still talking about food?

"And for wine," she continued. "we just got a 2015 Bordeaux that I think you'd absolutely love.”

I was going to throw something.

"We'll take a bottle of the wine," Elijah said. "And we need a few minutes to decide on food."

"Take all the time you need." Isabelle's hand lingered on the table near his. "I'm here for whatever you need."

I watched her walk away again.

"You are jealous." He said.

"I'm not—" I took a breath. "She was practically throwing herself at you."

"And?"

"And you're married. Fake or not, she should show some respect."

"Should I be flattered that you're defending our fake marriage so passionately?" He had that smug look on his face which irritated me.

I glared at him. "You're enjoying this."

"A little. It's funny seeing you all worked up. I told you women can't resist me for that long. " His eyes gleamed with mischief.

"I don't like you. I just think it's rude to—"

"Your face is literally flushed."

"Because I'm annoyed!" I damn near yelled at him.

"Right. Annoyed." He leaned back in his chair, studying me. "Not jealous at all."

Isabelle returned with the wine before I could respond. She took her sweet time opening it and Elijah tasted it. She stood unnecessarily close to him the entire time.

"Perfect, as always," Elijah said, his voice just like honey. "Just like I remembered."

That was it.

I stood up abruptly. "Excuse me. I need to use the restroom."

I practically fled down the staircase, my heart pounding.

What the hell was wrong with me? I had no right to be jealous. This was a contract marriage. A business arrangement. Elijah could flirt with whoever he wanted.

I found the bathroom and splashed cold water on my face.

Get it together, Breanna. You're being ridiculous.

I felt the door open and Elijah walked in