5

Evelyn's POV

I turn around to see Leonard standing at the door. He looks more handsome than usual under the neon pink light. His thick brows glister like diamonds. His massive shoulders fill his coat he's wearing in a way that's annoyingly appealing. I can't count how many times I've fallen for these looks. 

“You are here” he says and starts coming closer to me. 

But I don't speak.

When he's close to the bed, he lowers himself at the edge of the bed to meet me “I told you I'll make up for our anniversary, right?” 

I  shift my eyes away, fixing them on the silk robe draped over the chair by the window. I try not to look at him. If I look at him too long, I’ll cave. I’ll forgive him. And I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet.

But then, damn it—he smells so good. That cologne, the one I love, curls around me like an embrace I never asked for. I can’t stop myself. Slowly, I turn my head to meet his gaze. 

“This dress will look so lovely on you” he says. “I picked the perfect color,”

His voice is smooth, effortlessly seductive, and it drips with the kind of confidence that tells me he already knows the dress will fit me like a second skin. He’s probably imagined it.

I nod, unable to resist the small smile tugging at the corner of my mouth. Of course, it will look good on me. Leonard has an eye for fashion—one of the many things I can’t fault him for.

I nod my head in response to his observation. The dress will look good on me for sure. Leo has an eye for fashion. 

After a few seconds pass and neither of us say anything, Leonard steals a quick kiss and stands to his feet. “I'll let you get dressed. I'll be waiting outside” he says and walks out of the room. 

An uninvited smile crawls up my face. At least he wants to make up for what he did. Maybe I should just let him. Maybe I should just enjoy this, it's been a while.

I have a quick shower. By the time I step out, I feel lighter, as if this night might actually mean something. I apply a minimal, makeup before taking the dressing and slipping my body in. 

I look glamorous. I like the feeling of the fabric against my skin as I stand and look at the dressing mirror while I run my hands down my body. The dress illuminates my jutting breasts and narrow waist. 

I curl my hair and wear a perfume—the one that he likes. When I'm done, I take my purse and step out of the room to meet Leonard. 

“You look good” Leonard says. 

I smile at him “thank you” 

He takes my hand and helps me into the car. 

The drive to the restaurant is quiet and short. Shorter than I had expected. 

Leonard's phone keeps ringing on our way. Each time it does, he presses the button and looks away. But when I can't take it anymore, I turn to him to tell to pick up if the call is so important but he ignores me. He says it's nothing and not important. 

For a second I'm forced to wonder who was—is—calling because the phone is still ringing. It didn't stop till we got to the restaurant but he didn't pick at all. He also doesn't say who it was when it finally stops or as we walk to our reserved table. 

For the first time in years, Leonard pulls out the seat for me with a sly smile on his face. It feels good. Therefore, I don't hesitate or resist. 

“Thank you,” I say before sitting. 

A waiter comes to us and we place our orders. Seconds later, Leonard's phone starts ringing again but he doesn't make any attempt to look at the phone or pick the call. 

“Are you going to ignore your phone all night?” I ask

“I'm sure it's just business. I'll handle it later” he replies. 

But the phone doesn't stop ringing which keeps me uncomfortable even when our food has arrived. 

“But I think you should just pick and—” I stop at his first words when he picks the call

“Yes?” He says to the caller. 

“Yeah. Okay, cool. No problem” the call comes to and end after that. 

“What was it about?” I ask instinctively. 

He dismisses the talk  with a raise of his hand “I told you it was nothing serious” 

“Do you like the food?” He asks

I nod my head “the food is nice. The place is, too. I like it” I smile.

“It's a new place. I'm planning on investing some money. So I thought you should try the place first. I'm glad you like it. I can confidently invest now” he says looking around the place with an expression of pride as if he built the place. 

I feel a little bit of disappointment hit my chest. 

Of course, it's always business for Leonard. I'm about to ask him if he brought me here to hear my opinion but someone’s jovial voice call out my husband's name in this very friendly casual manner shuts me up before I can even speak.

I turn around to see who it is but I'm not sure I'm impressed by who it is.