Mysteries of Riverwood

Chapter 36 :- Secrets on the menu

With a resounding click, she disappeared from sight, leaving me with a heart full of gratitude and anticipation. Tonight would be the beginning of something new, a chance to set things right and forge a deeper connection with the one who had stolen my heart.

After a brief absence, Alice reappeared, her presence filling the room once more. With a newfound energy, she drew closer to me, her proximity causing me to instinctively lean back against the pillows. Her words danced on the air, filled with excitement and anticipation.

"I reserved us a table at 'Il Bolognese,' it's an Italian restaurant. I've always wanted to try that one. You should go to your place and get changed. I'll meet you right at the restaurant, okay?" Her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm, mirroring the fluttering butterflies in my stomach.

A faint blush tinted my cheeks as I nodded in agreement, overwhelmed by her proximity. But before I could respond, she took a step back, her own cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She nervously fidgeted with her fingers, a rare display of vulnerability that tugged at my heartstrings.

"I'm sorry, I got a little too excited. It's been a while since, umm... you know..." Her voice trailed off, leaving the unspoken words hanging between us. Despite her attempt to brush off her enthusiasm, her genuine concern shone through.

Feeling a surge of affection, I reassured her, "Um, yeah, I'm fine." With a gentle smile, I rose from the bed, a newfound strength coursing through my veins.

"I'm feeling better now, so I'll go to my room, okay? Tell Elizabeth about this."

She nodded in understanding, her gaze softening as she enveloped me in a warm embrace. Returning the gesture, I savored the moment, relishing the comfort of her arms around me.

As I made my way out of the room, a sense of purpose filled me. Though I could have lingered in Alice's presence, I chose to depart intentionally, eager to avoid encountering Miss Pervert.

Navigating the expansive corridors of Elizabeth's mansion, I descended the grand staircase, my thoughts consumed by the upcoming evening. Yet, my reverie was abruptly interrupted by the sight of Robert ascending the stairs, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Running away from Elizabeth, aren't you?" he taunted, his voice laced with amusement.

I didn't bother hiding my disdain as I retorted, "Yeah, so what? I don't want to see her face."

Robert's smirk widened, relishing in my discomfort. "Well, you should get out of here quickly. She's on her way to your room," he informed me with a gleam in his eyes.

Grateful for the warning, I nodded curtly. "Sure, thanks for the heads up," I muttered, eager to escape Elizabeth's impending presence.

Hurrying down the stairs, I made my way out of the mansion grounds, the cool breeze of freedom washing over me. Robert's unexpected act of kindness lingered in my mind, momentarily overshadowing my frustration.

As I walked along the familiar streets towards my apartment, I pushed aside thoughts of Robert and Elizabeth, focusing instead on the excitement of the evening ahead. Half an hour later, I arrived at the doorstep, greeted by the familiar faces of Shoyo and K.

Their warm welcomes eased the tension that had been building within me, and without wasting any time, I delved into recounting the events following my fainting spell. Shoyo's reassuring words and K's decisive action in carrying me to the waiting car brought a sense of relief.

With a sigh of gratitude, I glanced around, noticing Rachel's absence. Inquiring about her whereabouts, I learned that she was dutifully attending to her tasks within the mansion.