As Aldrich and Maggie arrived at the restaurant, Aldrich furrowed his brow. He was about to suggest finding another place when he heard a voice in his mind, a voice like that of a wolf, interrupting his thoughts. “Aldrich, this is a date Maggie arranged for you. Don’t spoil the mood.”
Aldrich glanced at Maggie, whose cheeks flushed with excitement and joy. He could tell she was thrilled about this date. Aldrich chose to heed the wolf’s advice and kept his words to himself, maintaining his silence.
Despite the enthusiastic crowd’s attention, Aldrich remained calm and polite. He nodded, wearing a warm smile, displaying a friendly and natural demeanor.
Aldrich noticed Maggie’s unease and offered her a reassuring smile. He understood the scrutiny they faced but was determined to make the most of the evening and show Maggie that he was willing to step out of his comfort zone for her.
“Let’s find our table, Maggie,” Aldrich said with a touch of amusement and genuine affection in his voice. “Even though we’ve caught everyone’s attention, we came here to enjoy our night together.”
Maggie nodded, her lips curved into a grateful smile. She appreciated Aldrich’s understanding and his willingness to navigate the unique challenges of this environment.
Maggie couldn’t help but notice the envious glances cast their way. Time seemed to stand still as everyone’s eyes observed their every move. She found herself both excited and uncomfortable, acutely aware of Aldrich’s presence by her side.
Aldrich, too, felt the weight of the attention surrounding them. He maintained his composure, his gaze fixed on Maggie, filled with admiration and protectiveness. He knew he had to ensure their night was as enjoyable as possible.
“Pay no mind to the whispers, Maggie,” Aldrich whispered softly, a hint of intimacy in his voice. “Tonight, it’s just you and me. Let’s focus on creating our own world.”
Maggie’s gaze met his, and her heart quivered with the sincerity in his eyes. She nodded, her worries melting away.
The restaurant manager was taken aback by the commotion, quickly ushering them into a private dining room. Maggie was about to mention that she had already reserved a table in the main dining area, but upon seeing the manager’s anxious expression, she thought it unnecessary. She couldn’t help but feel that Aldrich was out of place in this restaurant. He belonged in lavish, upscale establishments, not this ordinary eatery. Maggie glanced at Aldrich, and to her surprise, he appeared relaxed and unaffected by his surroundings. This put her at ease.
Outside the private room, the bodyguards remained vigilant, while the restaurant manager and waitstaff entered cautiously. The atmosphere within the private dining room was warm and inviting, bathed in the soft glow of dim lighting.
Maggie and Aldrich sat at a private table, facing each other, their gaze intimate. The gentle candlelight danced on their faces as they engaged in a heartfelt conversation, allowing their words to flow freely, unimpeded by the outside world. Maggie’s emotions had been reined in.
“Aldrich,” she began, a mixture of concern and determination in her voice. “My insecurity often gets the better of me, leading to bouts of anxiety and emotional outbursts. It’s a problem I’ve been working hard to overcome.”
Aldrich’s eyes were filled with sympathy and sincerity, never once leaving Maggie’s face. He listened intently as her words reached deep into his soul. In that moment, he understood her pain, for he also carried his own burdens.
“Maggie,” Aldrich replied softly, his voice conveying a reassuring comfort. “I want you to know that your needs are important to me. I promise you that I’ll never overlook them. Open communication is vital for us, because the fact is, it tells me that without your guidance, I find it challenging to navigate the complexity within you.”
Maggie’s heart quivered at his words, their sincerity breaking through her defenses. Her insecurity seemed to lighten, replaced by a glimmer of hope. She realized that in Aldrich, she had found someone who not only accepted her flaws but embraced them, urging her to do the same.
As the conversation deepened, the atmosphere grew increasingly solemn, a weighty veil settling upon them.
“So, Maggie,” Aldrich asked in a soft and cautious tone, “are you now willing to tell me where your anxiety stems from?”
Summoning her courage, Maggie broached the topic that had been weighing heavily on her – the assault that had shaken her to the core.
“Aldrich,” her voice trembled slightly, “I need to know if there’s been any progress in finding the culprits behind the attack. I can’t shake the fear of them potentially striking again.”
Aldrich’s expression darkened, his thoughts briefly consumed by the primal instincts of the wolf within him, as he faced the threat head-on.
The Silver Wolf was on the verge of roaring, “You see, clever and sensitive Maggie surely knows something. Aldrich, she’s mustered the courage to come to you, and this is your last chance to tell the truth!”
Aldrich furrowed his brow and silently argued with the Silver Wolf in his mind, “There are no investigation results yet, and the situation is far from clear. There are too many complex factors at play. Revealing all this to Maggie will only add to her mental burden.”
“Are you sure there are no personal motives? I’m afraid you’re feeling guilty, too scared to mention Grace to Maggie.”
“Shut up! I know exactly what I’m doing, and everything is being handled professionally. I haven’t deliberately concealed anything due to the attacker’s special status! Someday, everything will be revealed, but not in the midst of this crisis!”
Aldrich used his strong willpower to suppress the Silver Wolf and turned to sit beside Maggie.
Maggie looked at him with trust and opened her heart to him, “I’m afraid of being attacked again, of our safety being threatened. This anxiety makes me lose my rationality, and even gives me extreme thoughts that you might abandon me and the children.”
Aldrich’s heart trembled. “I’m sorry, Maggie. I didn’t know your burden was so heavy.”
“Aldrich, about the investigation results, I just want you to give me an answer, or rather, a guarantee that will calm my heart.”
“I understand your concerns, Maggie,” Aldrich replied, his tone serious and steady. “The investigation has made significant progress. The attacker may be someone we never suspected. But I want you to know that your safety is my top priority. I’ll make every effort to ensure that no matter the cost, you will be protected.”
“Someone we never suspected?”
“Yes, but Maggie, please believe me, this won’t affect anything. The place you and the kids hold in my heart is much more significant than you can imagine.”
“Aldrich, can you guarantee that I won’t be harmed?”
“No, because you’re too important, so I don’t have enough confidence or assurance to give you an absolute guarantee.” Aldrich gently embraced Maggie, and this time, she didn’t resist or show indifference, softening Aldrich’s heart completely.
“Maggie, listen to me, I promise you, I’ll do my best to protect you and the babies.”
Listening to his words, Maggie felt a sense of comfort, and the weight on her shoulders gradually lifted. Aldrich’s unwavering commitment and determination to keep her safe gave her reassurance. In that moment, she knew she wasn’t alone, fighting the shadow that threatened her happiness.
As the meal progressed, the atmosphere became increasingly relaxed and enjoyable. Aldrich couldn’t help but notice the transformation in Maggie’s demeanor, her lips breaking into a sincere smile once again. The tension that had enveloped them earlier had dissipated, replaced by a new sense of ease, as if the restaurant itself had adapted to their unique bond, creating an intimate space where their worlds intertwined.
“Maggie, I really look forward to the day our babies grow up,” Aldrich reflected.
Maggie had never imagined such a distant future. “I’m sure our children will be as excellent as you.”
“Of course. But what concerns me more is us at that time.”
“Us?” Maggie looked at Aldrich with a puzzled expression, and his face wore a tender and charming smile. The depth in his eyes could captivate any woman.
“Yes, us at that time. Our love, refined and enriched by time, will be truly beautiful.”
Maggie smiled but didn’t echo his words.
“But do you know what I care about the most?” Aldrich asked.
“What?”
“It’s at that time we can genuinely understand each other’s hearts. So you can feel what my days are like.”
Maggie playfully retorted, “Why don’t you feel it? How many important matters do you handle in a day?”
“No, you feel it. How many times do I think of you in my day? How much effort and arrangement I make just to let you know how important you are to me.”
His unexpected sweet words made Maggie’s heart skip a beat. She quickly changed the topic, but it earned her a mischievous smile from Aldrich. He suppressed the initial “Maggie, I want to kiss you” with “Maggie, you’re enchanting.”
Maggie blushed even more, but her heart was filled with sweetness. She felt herself falling into Aldrich’s web of affection, and he had already captured her heart.
In the intimate atmosphere of the private dining room, their conversation flowed effortlessly, occasionally punctuated by shared laughter. They savored the delicious food and each bite, and time seemed to slow down, allowing them to relish the moment. Aldrich discovered himself drawn to every word and action of Maggie, uncovering new facets of her personality, which further piqued his interest.
By the evening, Aldrich and Maggie both felt a newfound hope and possibility, reveling in the simple joy of each other’s company.