AN EMPTY CHAIR đŸ„ș

929 Words
HIS POSSESSION Chapter Fifteen: AN EMPTY CHAIR Sunday evenings carried a different kind of elegance. Families celebrated milestones. Friends lingered over dessert. The soft notes of the piano floated through Le ChĂąteau, wrapping the dining room in quiet warmth. For Ethan, Sundays were always busy. Busy enough that the hours slipped by unnoticed. Until
 He glanced at the clock. 7:55 p.m. Without thinking, his eyes drifted toward the entrance. The doors remained closed. He smiled to himself. It’s still early. He picked up another tray and returned to work. Five minutes later
 The clock struck eight. The front doors opened. A young couple entered, laughing as they shook the rain from their coats. The hostess welcomed them warmly. Ethan looked away. Of course. He wasn’t expecting anyone in particular. By 8:15
 Table nine remained empty. Noah noticed first. “That’s unusual.” “What is?” “Your regular hasn’t arrived.” Ethan kept arranging glasses. “He might be busy.” “I’m sure he is.” Noah watched him for a moment. “You looked.” “I did not.” “You absolutely did.” Ethan shook his head, laughing softly. “I was checking the entrance.” “Exactly.” Across Manhattan
 Adrian sat at the head of a long conference table. Around him, executives discussed contracts, investments, and international negotiations. The meeting had already run thirty minutes longer than scheduled. “
we’ll need your approval before Monday morning.” Adrian signed the document without looking up. “When is the next item?” “There are three remaining.” He glanced at the antique clock on the wall. 8:22 p.m. For reasons he couldn’t explain
 His thoughts drifted elsewhere. To warm lights. Soft piano music. And a familiar voice saying, “Good evening, Mr. De Luca.” Luca, seated near the end of the table, noticed the distant look in Adrian’s eyes. “Shall we continue, Boss?” Adrian blinked. “Yes.” The meeting resumed. But his concentration never fully returned. Back at Le ChĂąteau
 Chef Marcel emerged from the kitchen carrying a freshly baked soufflĂ©. “Table nine?” The hostess looked toward the dining room. “It’s still empty.” Chef Marcel frowned. “Hm.” He looked at Ethan. “I suppose we’ll save this one.” Ethan nodded. “It’ll keep.” Though somehow
 The empty table made the restaurant feel slightly different. Not quieter. Just
 Incomplete. By 8:45
 The dinner rush had reached its peak. Ethan barely had a moment to breathe. Yet every so often
 His gaze found its way toward the entrance. Each time
 It was someone else. The meeting finally ended shortly after nine. As the executives gathered their papers, Luca approached Adrian. “You missed dinner.” “I noticed.” “There was nothing you could do.” “No.” Luca hesitated. “Would you still like to stop by Le ChĂąteau?” Adrian looked at his watch. 9:18 p.m. Dinner service would be nearing its end. He considered it for a moment. Then slowly shook his head. “No.” His answer surprised even himself. “If I arrive now
” He paused. “
it would only disrupt their evening.” Luca inclined his head. “As you wish.” As the car pulled away from the building
 Adrian looked out at the city lights. Somewhere across Manhattan
 Le ChĂąteau was continuing without him. And strangely
 That thought left him feeling disappointed. Closing time arrived. Guests departed one by one. The chandeliers dimmed slightly as the staff began resetting tables. Ethan carefully folded the napkin from table nine. The chair had remained empty all evening. “You look disappointed.” Chef Marcel’s voice was gentle. Ethan looked up. “Do I?” “A little.” “I suppose
” He searched for the right words. “
I hope everything’s alright.” Chef Marcel smiled knowingly. “So do I.” Monday arrived. Le ChĂąteau was closed. For the first time in weeks
 Neither Adrian nor Ethan would have expected to see the other. Yet somehow
 The absence felt familiar now. Not painful. Just noticeable. Adrian spent the afternoon reviewing reports in his office. Twice, he found himself checking the time. Eight o’clock. Out of habit. Across the city, Ethan and Lily sat at their small kitchen table, a chessboard between them. “You’ve lost your knight again,” Lily said with a grin. “I was distracted.” “You never get distracted.” Ethan smiled as he moved another piece. “Maybe I’m having an off day.” “Maybe.” She studied him curiously. “Everything okay at work?” “Yeah.” “You sure?” “I’m sure.” He was. Mostly. Tuesday evening arrived at last. The familiar lights of Le ChĂąteau glowed against the darkening sky. As Adrian stepped through the entrance, the hostess’s smile widened. “Welcome back, Mr. De Luca.” “It’s good to be back.” This time
 He meant every word. Across the dining room, Ethan looked up. For the briefest moment
 Relief crossed his face before it disappeared behind his usual professional smile. “Good evening, Mr. De Luca.” “Good evening, Ethan.” “It’s nice to see you.” The words came naturally. Simple. Honest. Adrian held his gaze for a heartbeat. “It’s nice to see you too.” Neither man said anything more. They didn’t need to. The routine had returned. And somehow
 The restaurant felt complete again. End of Chapter Fifteen đŸ–€
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