Dishes were served one after another, and the waiter quietly withdrew, leaving an air of tension that seemed to freeze between the two of them.
Phoebe pretended to be engrossed in the food before her, eyes darting away from Alexander's intense gaze, her focus reduced to the sound of her own nervous chewing.
Alexander, however, ignored the lavish spread entirely. His elbow rested on the table, one hand propping up his chin, his eyes never leaving her.
His gaze felt tangible, a heavy weight pressing down on her.
As the food on her plate dwindled, Phoebe could feel the burning heat of his stare more acutely.
She tried to steel herself, willing her head to stay down. Yet, an inexplicable pull defied her resolve, and her neck lifted ever so slightly against her better judgment.
"Why are
