Chapter 4

As Emily walked into the restaurant, the soft sound of classical music played in the background. Her eyes scanned the place, and that’s when she saw him.

A tall man stood near the large window, one hand in his pocket, the other holding a phone to his ear. He was dressed in a dark suit that fit him perfectly, and even from behind, he looked powerful — calm, composed, in control.

He didn’t turn immediately, but when he noticed her presence, he gave a slight nod and used the hand in his pocket to motion for her to sit. He continued speaking on the phone, his voice low and firm, though she couldn’t hear the words.

Emily walked to the table and sat down quietly. Her heart was beating fast, not out of fear, but something about his presence made her nervous. There was something commanding about him. His calmness, the way he stood, the quiet strength he carried — it was different from any man she had met before.

He ended the call shortly after and walked over to his seat. She noticed he already had a cup of tea in front of him. He sat down slowly and looked at her with calm eyes. They were sharp, dark, and deep — like they could see through lies.

"Hello, you’re Emily, right?" he asked, his voice deep but smooth.

Emily gave a small smile and nodded. "Yes, I am."

He brought out his hand for a handshake. "I’m Denovon. Nice to meet you." Emily took his hand. It was warm and firm.

"Nice to meet you too," she replied politely.

There was a brief silence after that, but it wasn’t awkward. Denovon didn’t rush to speak. He just looked at her with quiet interest, like he was trying to read her — not just her face, but her heart. Emily sat up straighter, refusing to let her nervousness show. She wasn’t the same broken woman from months ago. Not anymore.

Denovon looked calm on the outside, but deep down, he didn’t want to be there either.

This blind date wasn’t his idea. He was thirty years old, successful, and focused — but in his family’s eyes, he was late.

“Thirty and still not married? What are you waiting for?” his grandmother would say.

“You need a wife to help build the future,” his mother often reminded him.

But it was his grandfather’s voice that mattered the most. His grandfather, the head of the family and the founder of Rowland Corporation, had made it clear:

“You’re back now, Denovon. It’s time. And this girl — she’s the granddaughter of an old friend. She’s well-mannered, educated. Meet her.”

Denovon had just returned to the country one month ago after spending five years in America, handling the company’s branch over there. He worked day and night, grew the business, and earned the respect of his family — especially his grandfather.

Now he was back to take over the main company. It was a big responsibility, and marriage was not on his list — at least not now. But his grandfather had asked politely, and Denovon always respected him. That’s why he agreed to this blind date.

Just one dinner, he told himself.

He didn’t expect much from it. Maybe a few polite words, and then both of them would walk away. Quietly. No pressure. But when he saw Emily walk into the restaurant — simple, calm, beautiful in a soft way — something inside him paused.

She didn’t dress to impress. She didn’t walk like someone trying to get attention.

She was quiet, and yet... strong. Like someone who had gone through a lot and was still standing tall.

He found himself watching her closely, even after the handshake.

Maybe this dinner… wouldn’t be so simple after all.

Denovon picked up his tea again and took a slow sip before speaking.

“So… do you usually go on blind dates?” he asked casually, looking at her with a small, polite smile.

Emily gave a soft laugh and shook her head. “No. This is actually my first one.”

He nodded. “Same here.”

They both smiled lightly. The silence between them didn’t feel awkward — just calm. Peaceful, even.

“What do you do?” Emily asked, trying to keep the conversation going.

“I work in business. I just came back to the country a month ago. I was in the U.S. for five years managing a company branch there,” he explained.

“That sounds big,” she said.

“It was busy,” he replied simply. “But it taught me a lot.” He sipped his tea again, eyes still on her.

“And you?” he asked. “What do you do?”

Emily hesitated for a second before answering. “I'm a manager at Rowland corporation"

Denovon noticed the way her voice dropped slightly when she spoke. It wasn’t much, but he could tell.

She looked fine on the outside — dressed nicely, polite, smiling — but her eyes were tired. Like someone carrying something heavy inside.

He didn’t want to make her uncomfortable, so he spoke softly.

“You don’t have to tell me what's wrong,” he said gently, “but… whatever it is, don’t let it break you.”

Emily looked at him, surprised.

Denovon leaned back in his chair, voice calm and steady. “I’ve seen people carry pain like it’s their skin. It eats them slowly. But you… you’re stronger than that. I can see it.”

Emily stayed quiet for a moment. His words touched her, more than she expected. No one had said something like that to her since everything fell apart. She gave a small smile — the real kind. “Thank you.”

He nodded once, serious. “Just don’t forget who you are. Whatever happened before, it doesn't defines you."

The blind date ended smoothly, with both of them feeling more relaxed than when it started.

As they stepped out of the restaurant, the evening air was cool and calm. Emily mentioned she would call a cab, but Denovon shook his head gently.

" I'll drop you," he said simply. "It's late, and I don’t think I’d feel right letting you go alone."

Emily hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright… thank you." They walked toward his car together, quiet but comfortable.