Noticing the late hour, she glanced at her watch. After stretching and rubbing her sore shoulder, she gathered her thoughts and left the office.
Standing by the roadside, Bianca hoped to catch a taxi when a familiar sedan pulled up.
The window rolled down, and Blake’s face appeared.
Startled, she instinctively took a step back.
“Looks like you’re working late. I was just passing by and thought I’d give you a ride home. Hop in,” Blake said with a warm smile.
Bianca bit her lip, realizing their homes were in opposite directions. His offer didn’t make sense logistically.
Trying to decline politely, she shook her head. “I’ll catch a taxi. That’ll be fine.”
Blake’s response surprised her. “What? After everything I’ve done, you will turn down my offer without even saying thank you?”
Bianca hesitated. “So, about you having dinner with Reese last night…”
“It was just for publicity,” Blake said. “I asked for the photographers.”
Just as she thought.
Feeling a bit braver, Bianca got straight to the point. “How can I repay you?”
Blake checked his watch. “Actually, I’m starving. Want to grab some dinner?”
“Just dinner?” Bianca raised an eyebrow.
“Would you rather marry me?” Blake chuckled.
Bianca fell quiet, feeling worried. Talking by the roadside during a media storm wasn’t great, but if they were seen having dinner together? That could cause real trouble.
“Relax,” Blake said, noticing her hesitation. “There’s no paparazzi. I already checked.”
Turning him down again would feel awkward. He’d done so much for her, and yet she was still hesitating.
Sighing, Bianca got into Blake’s car.
The sedan sped off into the night. Moments later, an ordinary taxi pulled up nearby and its headlights flickering on.
The driver, dressed in black, took off his mask and lit a cigarette. His eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. He dialed a number.
“They’re on their way,” he said in a flat voice. “Both of them.”
A laugh came from the other end. “Good. Get rid of them together.”
Inside the car, an awkward silence lingered. Feeling the tension, Bianca decided to break the ice. “What are your cravings?”
Blake thought for a moment before grinning. “Grilled food sounds great right now. I know a place, but it’s a bit of a drive. It might take a while to get there. You up for it?”
Bianca laughed. “Honestly, if you hadn’t stepped in with that whole Reese thing, I’d be completely lost.”
She appreciated that Blake had played along, even though it was clear he didn’t have strong feelings for Reese.
“Sure,” Bianca said with a warm smile. “Tonight’s my treat. Pick whatever you want, and I’ll be happy to join you.”
Blake gave a small, knowing smile before speeding onto the highway.
After an hour and a half, they reached a secluded outdoor grill.
Despite its remote location, the place had a romantic vibe, perched on a hill with stunning views.
The night sky above them was a vast canvas of twinkling stars. Blake led Bianca along a path lit by soft lights, passing a few tents until they reached a luxurious one glowing warmly.
Inside, the setting was breathtaking. Soft light strips decorated the white ceiling, while candlelight and the sweet scent of lavender filled the air around a nearby table. Soothing saxophone music played softly in the background, adding to the atmosphere.
Blake, who had spent the day setting up and decorating the space, stole glances at Bianca. He tried to appear cold, but his eyes drifted toward her.
Bianca was completely captivated by the beautiful scenery. Without thinking, her lips curved into a charming smile.
“This is amazing, Blake! How did you find this place?” she asked, her voice full of awe.
“It was a lucky find,” Blake replied, his tone unusually soft.
They arrived at the outdoor grill exactly at ten. Bianca couldn’t help but notice that they were the only ones there.
Was it too early? Or too late? Or maybe the food wasn’t great? Even places with slow business usually have some regular customers.
Looking at the empty lawn, Bianca whispered to Blake, “Why is no one here? It’s just us. Do you think the food is any good?”
Blake smiled and replied, “I actually like that it’s quiet. This way, we don’t have to worry that the paparazzi will find us here and put us all over the internet.”
Bianca nodded and sat down in a chair next to him.
Blake took off his jacket and placed it down. “I’ll be right back. I’m going to the restroom. Feel free to start eating when the food comes.”
Bianca nodded to show she understood.
After Blake left, Bianca leaned back in her chair, stretched out, and closed her eyes, enjoying the quiet moment.
She was feeling both physically and mentally exhausted, so this break felt like a much-needed rest. She had to admit that Blake did have a thoughtful side every now and then.
Before Blake returned, the owner showed up with the food.
Bianca gave him a friendly smile.
“Want to give it a try?” The middle-aged owner handed her a skewer of meat, encouraging her to taste it.
Bianca took the skewer, noticing it didn’t seem spicy. She took a cautious bite. It had cooled down and tasted a bit too salty, as if it had been over-seasoned and slightly undercooked.
When she saw the owner’s excited facial expression, she forced out a compliment. She couldn’t help but wonder if anyone actually came to this place.
“How’s business usually here?” Bianca asked, genuinely curious.
“It’s usually booming. A lot of times, people have to book this place in advance,” the owner replied in a proud tone.
Looking around and still puzzled, Bianca took another bite of the meat and couldn’t resist asking, “So why is it so empty today?”
With a knowing smile, the owner replied in an accent that Bianca found hard to understand, “Today, someone booked the entire place! Didn’t you see the gentleman who was here? He must really care about you, going so far as to book the whole place just for you!”
Bianca was shocked. She had thought Blake’s plans for the night were last-minute, but now it seemed everything had been carefully arranged.
“The gentleman even made these skewers for you,” the owner continued with a smile. “He spent the morning learning how to grill from me, wanting you to try his cooking. What do you think? I taught him myself. Not bad, huh?”
Bianca was speechless.
She took a sip of water, her lips barely lifting into a smile that felt forced.
“Yes… it’s good,” she managed to say.