Weeks later
Knoxville sat alone in the lavish restaurant, rented by his father for this ill-timed date. Despite his reservations, he had no choice but to be there. The elegant decor and soft lighting did little to ease his apprehension.
He checked his wristwatch for what felt like the hundredth time, wondering why his mysterious date was running late. To pass the time, he pulled out his phone and began scrolling mindlessly.
Suddenly, the sound of heels clicking on the marble floor caught his attention. He didn't bother looking up, indifferent to the woman's arrival.
That was, until she sat directly across from him.
Knoxville's eyes lingered on his phone for a moment before he took a deep breath, pocketed his device, and raised his gaze.
His eyes locked onto the woman's, and his jaw
