Chapter 21: Interrupt
(Aspen's POV)
The private dining room buzzed with a low hum of conversation and clinking utensils. Their polished silver gleamed under the soft amber glow of the overhead chandelier.
Ethan had taken it upon himself to recommend dishes, his voice overly enthusiastic and deliberate as he spoke about each plate. His focus on me was intense—almost desperate—as if ensuring my comfort would make amends for his mistake at the black market.
"Try this," he said, pointing to the grilled venison with a glimmer in his amber eyes. He pushed the dish closer to me, tapping his finger against the edge of the plate. "You'll love it. Trust me."
I nodded softly, allowing a gentle smile to tug at my lips. "Alright, if you say so," I murmured, maintaining the practiced facade of
