WHO ASKS ABOUT YOU?🌚🤷‍♀️

995 Words

HIS POSSESSION Chapter Twenty-Four: WHO ASKS ABOUT YOU? Friday evening arrived wrapped in cool autumn air. The city bustled as another workweek came to an end. Inside Le Château, however… The world slowed. Candles glowed against polished glass. The scent of rosemary and fresh bread drifted from the kitchen. The familiar melody of the piano welcomed another evening. “You look awake today.” Noah leaned against the service station with a grin. Ethan adjusted the sleeves of his white shirt. “I actually took Chef Marcel’s advice.” “You rested?” “I slept until nine.” Chef Marcel appeared from the kitchen carrying a tray. “A miracle.” “I heard that.” “You were meant to.” The three of them laughed. For the first time in several days… The shadows beneath Ethan’s eyes had begun to fade. Just before eight o’clock… The entrance doors opened. The hostess smiled warmly. “Good evening, Mr. De Luca.” “Good evening.” As Adrian walked toward table nine, Ethan noticed something immediately. He wasn’t carrying a book tonight. “Good evening.” “Good evening, Ethan.” “No book?” “I left it at the office.” “I’m surprised.” “So am I.” Their shared smile was brief but genuine. Dinner began as usual. The restaurant filled steadily. Guests chatted over wine. Chef Marcel called instructions from the kitchen. Everything moved with practiced rhythm. Yet Ethan noticed something different. Between courses… Adrian’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen. Then silenced it without answering. A minute later… Another call. Again… Ignored. By the third time, Ethan couldn’t help wondering who would keep calling during dinner. Adrian never once looked annoyed. Only… Tired. Later, while clearing the appetizer plate, Ethan spoke carefully. “Busy day?” “It usually is.” “You’ve had several calls.” “They can wait.” “You don’t have to ignore them on my account.” Adrian looked at him calmly. “I wasn’t.” “I choose not to work while I’m here.” The answer surprised Ethan. “You don’t?” “No.” “I spend enough hours at the office.” “So this place is…” Adrian glanced around the warmly lit dining room. “…quiet.” Ethan smiled softly. “I like that answer.” As dinner continued, Chef Marcel walked over carrying a basket of warm bread. “No criticism tonight.” Adrian looked amused. “Nothing to review?” “Not unless you want to inspect the butter.” “I’ll leave that to the experts.” Chef Marcel nodded approvingly. “Excellent decision.” The older man wandered off, muttering dramatically about impossible customers. Ethan laughed quietly. “I think he enjoys pretending to complain.” “I’ve noticed.” Near the end of the evening, an older gentleman dining alone struggled to stand from his chair. Before anyone else could react… Adrian was already beside him. “Take your time.” The gentleman accepted the offered arm with quiet gratitude. “Thank you.” “My pleasure.” Once the man was steady again, Adrian returned to his table as though nothing unusual had happened. He never looked around. Never waited for acknowledgment. He simply resumed his meal. Ethan had watched the entire exchange. No hesitation. No audience. Just kindness. It felt… Familiar. As Ethan refilled Adrian’s coffee, he smiled. “You notice people.” Adrian looked up. “I’ve been told the same about you.” “I think it’s true.” “So do I.” For a moment, neither spoke. Then Ethan asked quietly, “Does anyone ever ask how your day was?” The question escaped before he had time to stop it. His eyes widened slightly. “I’m sorry.” “I didn’t mean to—” “It’s alright.” Adrian’s voice remained gentle. He considered the question for several seconds. Finally… “Not very often.” The answer was honest. Perhaps more honest than he intended. Ethan lowered his gaze briefly. “I think that’s a shame.” Adrian looked at him. “Why?” “Because…” Ethan hesitated, searching for the right words. “…you always ask other people.” The dining room seemed to fade into the background. For one quiet moment… There was only the table. The coffee. And two men who had slowly begun seeing each other more clearly. Adrian smiled. A real one. “Thank you.” Ethan blinked. “For what?” “For asking.” Closing time arrived. As Adrian stood to leave, Ethan walked him toward the entrance. “I hope tomorrow is quieter.” Adrian slipped on his coat. “I hope so too.” Then, after a brief pause, he added, “And I hope your shoulder is feeling better.” Ethan looked genuinely surprised. “You remembered.” “I did.” “It is.” “I’m glad.” No more words were needed. Sometimes… Remembering was enough. The sedan pulled away into the Manhattan night. Luca glanced in the mirror. “You look lighter.” “I was asked an unusual question.” “What was it?” Adrian looked out at the city lights. “‘Does anyone ever ask how your day was?’” Luca smiled knowingly. “And?” Adrian’s expression softened. “I realized…” “…I couldn’t remember the last time someone did.” Back inside Le Château, Ethan folded the final napkin onto table nine. He paused for a moment. Mr. De Luca. Adrian. One of the most successful men he’d ever met. Yet somehow… One of the loneliest. The realization settled quietly in his heart. Not as pity. But as understanding. Perhaps… People carried burdens that couldn’t be seen. And perhaps… Kindness belonged to everyone equally. Whether they wore an expensive suit… Or a waiter’s apron. End of Chapter 24 🖤

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