True Love's unexpected twist

16- 𝓗𝓶𝓶, 𝓷𝓸𝓽 𝓫𝓪𝓭

At precisely 8:00 PM, Zander and Maria arrived at the luxurious restaurant where they were meeting his mother. Both of them were nervous but also excited about this significant milestone in their relationship. They took a deep breath, straightened their clothes, and stepped inside the elegant establishment.

The restaurant was a sight to behold, with its majestic columns and high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers. The walls were lined with soft, plush fabric in shades of maroon and gold, creating an atmosphere of opulence and sophistication.

The restaurant had a grand entrance, flanked by two marble pillars. Inside, the space was divided into intimate dining areas, each decorated with beautiful artwork and fresh flowers. The floors were covered in plush carpeting, adding to the comfortable ambiance.

In the center of the room, a large crystal chandelier hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow over the elegant dining tables. It was clear that every detail had been carefully considered to create an unforgettable experience for its patrons.

As they were led to their table by a polite waiter, they could hear the soft strains of old classic music performed by a live ensemble. The delicious aroma of rich, exotic spices and expensive wines filled the air around them.

The waiter was dressed impeccably in a crisp black suit with silver buttons and a bow tie. His shoes were polished to a high shine, and he carried himself with an air of professionalism that added to the overall elegance of the establishment.

As he placed menus in front of them, the waiter politely asked if they would like anything to drink while they perused the exquisite selection of wines and cocktails.

Zander shook his head gently, "No, not right now. Someone reserved the table for us." He glanced around, taking in the beauty of their surroundings as he waited for Maria to respond to the waiter's question about what she would like to drink.

The waiter nodded politely, "Of course. May I ask the name of your reservation to ensure it's for you?" His tone was courteous and professional as he prepared to take their drink orders.

Zander cleared his throat, trying to hide a small blush. "Madam Aurelia," he said with pride, knowing that his mother had arranged this meeting. "And my name is Zander."

The waiter nodded understandingly and led them to a secluded corner of the restaurant where a beautifully decorated table awaited them. "Madam Aurelia has already ordered for you," he explained as he pulled out their chairs.

Maria gasped in surprise as she saw Zander's mother standing up to greet them. Madam Aurelia was a vision of elegance and sophistication, dressed impeccably in an expensive designer gown that hugged her curves perfectly.

Zander felt his heart skip a beat as he took in the sight of Maria. She looked absolutely stunning in a black dress that accentuated her curves and highlighted her flawless skin. He couldn't help but feel proud to be standing next to her.

"Hi, Mom," Zander said, trying to maintain his composure. "We came right on time, not too early or late." He couldn't help but notice how nervous Maria seemed as well, but he also felt a surge of excitement running through him.

Maria bowed gracefully to Madam Aurelia and said, "Hi, Madam Aurelia. It's an honor to meet you." Her voice was smooth and confident, but there was a hint of nervousness in her eyes that told Zander she was just as excited as he was.

Zander's mother studied Maria carefully, taking in every detail about her. She noticed how gracefully Maria carried herself and how beautiful she looked in her dress. When she finally spoke, it was directed at Zander. "Is this your girlfriend, Maria?"