"Babe," Valentina smiled.
"Tina… You look so beautiful," Ryan returned the smile.
Valentina walked to the other side of the car, opened the door, and slipped inside. She turned to face Ryan and grinned.
"You're forgetting something," Ryan pouted.
Valentina chuckled and leaned over, brushing her lips softly against his. He deepened the kiss immediately.
"I missed you," Valentina said as they pulled apart.
"Me too, babe," Ryan replied, starting the engine before driving off.
---
MELLA'S RESTAURANT
Ricardo stepped out of his car and glanced at the restaurant in front of him. With a sigh, he slid his hands into his pockets and walked in.
Inside, whispers began to spread like wildfire.
👥 "I think I'm dreaming… Is that Ricardo Thornton?"
👥 "He's even more handsome in person. Coming here tonight was a good idea."
👥 "I wish he'd just look my way…"
"Good evening, Mr. Thornton. How may I assist you?" a waiter asked with a polite bow and a practiced smile.
"Which table did Miss Fiona Jay reserve?" Ricardo asked.
"Right this way, sir. Please follow me," the waiter said, leading the way.
Ricardo followed silently until they reached Fiona's table. She was elegantly dressed in a navy-blue gown that, coincidentally, matched his. She looked stunning.
"Ricardo," Fiona beamed as she looked up at him.
She stretched out her hand, which he took and kissed politely before sitting across from her.
"How are you doing, Fiona?" he asked, wearing a practiced smile.
"I'm good. It feels amazing to be back in my home country," she replied sweetly.
"Yeah," Ricardo muttered, picking up the menu and scanning through it.
A waiter approached. "Have you made your order, ma'am?"
"Yes. I'll have the lobster soup and a bottle of wine," Fiona responded.
The waiter jotted it down, then turned to Ricardo.
"A simple beef steak will do," he said.
With a bow, the waiter left them.
"So, tell me more about you," Fiona leaned forward, placing both hands on the table, her fingers brushing against Ricardo's.
He quickly but subtly pulled his hand away, lifting his glass to his lips.
"Well, as you probably know, I'm Ricardo. I'm 27, a single dad to twins. CEO of Thornton Investments and owner of Deluxe Hotel, among other institutions."
"You're married?" Fiona asked, surprised.
"Divorced," he replied simply.
"Oh…"
Two waiters arrived and set their meals on the table. One poured the wine into two glasses before leaving.
Ricardo began eating silently. Fiona watched him, then smiled at her food.
"He's handsome, intelligent, filthy rich… and I bet he's good in bed too. I need to make this date work," Fiona thought to herself.
---
Just outside, a sleek car pulled up to the restaurant. Ryan stepped out and walked over to open the door for Valentina.
More murmurs erupted inside.
👥 "Is there something special going on today? Ry Browns is here too!"
👥 "Who's that girl with him? Look at her clothes!"
👥 "Don't tell me they're dating?"
Ryan, another well-known business tycoon, walked in with Valentina clinging to his arm.
"How may I help you, sir?" a waiter asked.
"VIP table for two," Ryan replied.
"Right this way," the waiter gestured, leading them.
"Here's your seat," the waiter announced.
Ryan pulled out a chair for Valentina. She smiled and sat, and he followed suit.
"So, how was your trip?" Valentina asked.
"It was amazing. The best trip I've ever had… though I missed you," Ryan said, making her blush.
Only God knew how fast her heart raced when he complimented her.
A waiter approached. "Your orders?"
They browsed the menu, placed their orders, and continued their conversation.
---
Meanwhile, Ricardo leaned on one hand, staring blankly at Fiona. Her lips moved, but he wasn't hearing a word.
He resisted the urge to yawn and simply nodded occasionally to make it seem like he was engaged.
---
RICARDO'S MANSION
Logan sat on the couch, earbuds in, phone in hand, watching Fifty Shades of Grey with a grin on his face.
The kids had already eaten, bathed, brushed, and gone to bed—thanks to him.
He was deeply immersed in a spicy scene when suddenly a hand yanked his earbud out.
He looked up to see Myles, smiling in his 'Superman' pajamas.
"Uncle Logan, what are you watching? And why is the lady crying?" Myles asked curiously, trying to peek at the screen.
Logan quickly paused the movie and stood.
"Uhm… She's being tortured by the bad guy," Logan stammered with a nervous smile.
"I love it! Can we watch it together?" Myles beamed, reaching for the phone.
Logan slipped it into his pocket. "Uh… no, my phone's really low."
"Tell me what happened in the movie first, then I'll sleep," Myles pouted stubbornly.
"Oh fcking sht… someone save me from these kids," Logan groaned inwardly.
"Okay, fine. Let's go," he sighed, leading Myles to his room.
He tucked him into bed and began narrating a story he made up on the spot.
---
"I need to use the restroom, babe. I'll be back," Valentina said, rising from her seat.
"Alright," Ryan smiled, watching her leave.
As he sipped his drink, he noticed someone familiar from the back, but couldn't see their face. He shrugged and continued sipping.
Valentina entered the restroom. A woman was touching up her makeup at the mirror.
She walked past and entered a stall. Fiona closed her mascara and scowled at her reflection.
"It's been an hour! I've tried everything to flirt with him, but nothing! No man has ever resisted me—why him?!" she fumed.
She began packing her things.
"Time to bring out all my weapons," she muttered.
Valentina came out to wash her hands. She turned the tap too forcefully, splashing water on Fiona's gown.
"B*tch! Look what you did to my dress!" Fiona screamed, mistaking Valentina for a waitress.
"I'm so sorry, miss. I didn't mean to," Valentina apologized sincerely.
"You didn't mean to? Please! You're just jealous. Take this!" Fiona slapped Valentina across the face.
Valentina held her cheek in shock.
"That's what you deserve, worthless fool!" Fiona spat, transferring her frustration.
She turned to walk away, but Valentina grabbed her forearm.
"What?! Want more? I can gi—"
A sharp, blinding slap silenced Fiona.
Valentina yanked her by the hair. "Who do you think you are? Calling me a worthless fool? Do you think you're better than me? Behind those expensive clothes is nothing but a cheap sl*t!"
"You're hurting me!" Fiona whimpered.
Valentina laughed darkly.
"I thought you were tough. Turns out, you're just a dried-up crayfish. Look at my face and remember it—every time you see me coming, shrink and disappear. I take out weaklings like you for dessert."
She landed one more slap before releasing her.
Fiona fled the restroom, hair a mess, cheek flushed red.
"She's a psycho!" Fiona panicked as she ran back to her table.
Valentina smirked at the mirror.
"Next time, don't mess with a psycho like me. I don't tolerate crap from anyone," she said, flipping her hair and walking out.