Theodore's Pov
I tried to focus on the conversation with my client and Rebecca. But every fiber of my being was drawn to the adjacent table where Alina sat with Thea, along with a stranger who seemed to be monopolizing her attention. And I f*****g hated it.
Alina's laughter, so familiar and sweet, grated against my nerves as it mingled with the clinking of glasses and the hum of conversation in the restaurant. I couldn't help but feel a surge of jealousy as I watched her smile and engage with the intruder. He was good looking, I had to give it to him on that. But I still bagged more points than him in this department. It should have been me eliciting those melodious giggles, sharing those intimate moments with her.
My grip on the wine glass tightened as I struggled to maintain composure
