CHAPTER 97
LILY’S POV
Clad in a black evening gown with a thigh-high slit, I sat on my vanity, doing my makeup after fixing my hair. I was preparing to go on a date with Noah. He’d asked me out the day after our intense hot make-out in my office. I finally agreed to give it a shot because I know I have kept him waiting for too long. He’d been asking me out for over a year now and I keep making excuses on why I can’t accept. Accepting to go on this date with him will be like my own little way of thanking him for everything he has done for me and my kids.
He’ll be taking me on a dinner date in one of those fancy restaurants in the city. Deep down, I kind of wished it was something simpler like a movie date or sightseeing just I don’t have to waste this much time dressing up like I was going to contest for a beauty pageant.
After finishing my makeup, I used a setting spray to make sure it stayed in place. I cast one last glance at my reflection and I was satisfied with the result. I looked breathtakingly gorgeous. Noah will surely be blown away when he sees me.
I couldn’t believe I was this excited. I felt like a teenager in love for the first time. It’s been years. I couldn’t remember the last time I went on a date like this. Robert never took me out on any. He didn’t even care to introduce me to his friends and fellow CEOs. Way back in high school, Martin had offered to take me out but I didn’t accept because I was interested in Robert, and not him. I was waiting for Robert to come take me but sadly, it never happened. Because of him, I overlooked every other guy that asked me out.
Suddenly, my room door flew open, catching me unawares and making my heart skip in shock. Liam and Lila gambolled in, laughing and chasing each other. They jumped around on my bed which I had just made like they were jumping on a trampoline. I pouted in annoyance. Why do I always forget to lock my doors?
“Hey, the both of you,” I snapped as I stood up and furiously marched toward them on the bed. “Get off my bed! I just made it. You shouldn’t be barging into your mummy’s room like that!”
I used the bolster to hit them off the bed. However, they froze upon seeing me. They were stunned as their eyes widened and loud gasps escaped their lips.
“Wow, mummy, you look so beautiful,” Lila exclaimed, her voice filled with awe. “Where are you going all dressed up like this?”
“Oh…” My mood lightened up. I stopped being angry and trying to chase them. I couldn’t help staring down at myself as if to check if what she said was true. I loved it when my kids complimented me. It made me feel my efforts were worth it.
“I’m going on a dinner date with Uncle Noah,” I said and couldn’t help beaming with smiles like a teenager.
“Wow!” Liam’s eyes widened and sparkled even more. He began tugging my wrist. “Since it’s Uncle Noah can we please come along? Please…please…. please mummy, I’m tired of staying at home. I want to go on fancy dinner dates too…”
A soft gasp left my lips as I stared at him with knitted brows. I hadn’t even said anything yet when he answered himself.
“Thanks, mummy! You’re the best!! I’ll go take a quick shower and wear my suit,” he said and rushed out of the room.
I let out a sigh and shook my head. I didn’t need to stress myself telling him I wouldn’t be taking him because, by the time he was done, I’d be long gone by then.
I was hurriedly tidying up the bed they had messed up when I spotted Lila playing with my lipstick and eye pencil. My mouth dropped open in disbelief.
“Wow mummy I must say you have a lot of makeup,” she said, applying a generous amount of lipstick and puckering her lips together. She had used the eye pencil to draw what looked like a moustache on her face. “When are you going to start buying me all this makeup and the fine dresses you wear? You know I’m not a little girl anymore…”
I didn’t wait for her to finish as I rushed to her and snatched the lipstick from her. I lifted her off the floor till she was outside the door.
“Go wash that off right now!” I scolded, slamming the door shut. I didn’t want to see the frown on her face, the one that made her look like she’d been treated unfairly and was about to cry.
‘Kids,’ I puffed out a tiring breath and shook my head worriedly. Liam and Lila were becoming increasingly stubborn lately. They’re angels but at times can be a little too much to handle. If I keep them around here now, they’ll only make me talk unnecessarily and end up ruining my look which I didn’t want.
My phone beeped, drawing my attention. I checked it to see it was a message from Noah. He said he’d already arrived at the venue and was waiting for me. He sent one of his chauffeurs to come pick me up. I put on my heels and checked myself in the mirror one last time before heading out excitedly.
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Arriving at the restaurant which was located in the heart of the city, I was greeted by a stylish atmosphere. I could see people mostly couples tastefully dressed making their way in. Noah must have done his research before choosing a place like this for the date.
An ultra-slim woman with tiny eyes, dressed in a special staff uniform approached me as though she’d been expecting my arrival. Judging from her uniform, she was one of the staff members of the restaurant.
“Welcome to Heaven’s Dine,” she greeted me with a well-practiced smile. “Do you have a reservation?”
“Yes. Noah Hills. Table for two.”
“Oh yes, he’s here,” she answered and guided me in.
The interiors of the restaurant were clean and elegant. The tables, carefully arranged were covered with white cloths, and the chairs were soft and comfortable. Sparkling lights were hanging from the ceiling, giving the place a warm glow. Soft music played in the background, and the air was filled with the aroma of delicious food.
The woman led me to the VIP section where Noah had made the reservation. I saw him sitting at a table, looking around and going through his phone as he patiently waited for me. The moment I started walking up to him, he rose to acknowledge my presence.
He wore a sharp black suit that highlighted his broad shoulders, complete with a matching bow tie. His lips widened to a smile as I approached. We blew kisses on each other’s cheeks. He complimented my look, and I did the same to him before he guided me to my seat like the perfect gentleman.
We placed our orders from the menu, and not so long ago, the elegant haute cuisine dishes began arriving. As we ate, Noah and I chatted about everything and nothing, sharing stories and laughter. It was a fun dinner. Just as I was laughing at one of his jokes, his fork slipped and landed on my side.
“Oh sorry about that,” he said. “I’ll just get it…”
“It’s fine,” I replied with a small smile. “I’ll grab it since it’s closer to me.”
As I bent over to pick up the fork, I couldn’t help questioning what just happened. I could have sworn he intentionally pushed that fork off the table. He thought I didn’t notice because I was laughing and enjoying our conversation but I did. Why would he do it?
I picked up the fork and strengthened myself up. I was about to hand it to him when the sight that greeted me had my jaw falling to the table. Noah was holding out a small opened black box towards me. Inside the box was an expensive-looking diamond ring beautifully sitting on the plush casing.