Lissa's POV
"We're already closed for the day," I said again, forcing my voice to stay steady. His gaze didn't leave mine.
Sebastian tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. "According to the signboard outside, you close by nine."
My fingers tightened around the edge of the counter.
"There are still a few minutes left."
Before I could respond, the door opened again. Megan walked in majestically. And then… him.
My breath caught in my throat as I froze. His best friend--Zachary, the same one everyone believed I had cheated with, the same one who ruined everything, walked in like he owned the place. His eyes scanned the room until they landed on me, and then slowly, a smirk spread across his face.
I swallowed hard and forced myself to move, to act normal, as if nothing had happened.
"Table for…?" My shaky voice almost failed me.
Sebastian didn't answer. He simply walked further in and took a seat, his friend following behind.
Megan walked toward me and hugged me. "I tried calling to tell you, but you weren't picking up. I was selected to model for his product. Sebastian said he was really hungry and needed to eat dinner. Almost all restaurants were closed, and I thought of you and your neighbor. But considering the relationship between you two, I decided to take him to your neighbor; unfortunately, their shop was locked. Then Sebastian saw the signboard and came in, even while I tried stopping him. I know you and Sebastian already have a bad relationship, but this is the past. Please don't get worked up, okay?" she whispered.
"It's okay. I have already forgotten everything about my past," the lie rolled out from my mouth easily.
"I trust you."
"I'll… I'll get you the menu," I said quickly, my hands trembling slightly as I reached for them.
Serving them felt like walking on broken glass. Every step I took, and every movement I made, I was aware of their eyes on me, especially his.
As I placed the plates down one after the other, I felt it: a hand on mine.
Zachary, the bastard.
His fingers brushed against mine, then squeezed my hand deliberately. I froze for a second, then quickly pulled away. You could practically hear the pounding in my chest.
"So," he leaned back in his chair, a smirk playing on his lips, "who would have believed you'd end up as a small restaurant owner?"
I tensed immediately. "We all thought you were going to make it big." The words hit harder than they should have.
"She is an actress," Megan cut in quickly. Zachary turned toward her. "If you haven't watched her film," she continued, already pulling out her phone, "then you're missing out."
My stomach dropped. "Megan…" But it was too late. She held the phone up, showing a scene. Me, covered in fake blood, groaning and walking like a zombie.
Laughter erupted. Zachary burst out laughing loudly, like the he-goat he was. Megan joined in lightly. "She is amazing," she said, smiling. "A great actress. She's going to make it big soon."
Zachary's laughter didn't stop. If anything, it grew louder.
"Then what's so funny?" Megan asked, tilting her head. "I bet if she didn't have a child early, she would have been number one in this industry."
Silence fell again. I mentally facepalmed myself.
"A child?" he asked, suddenly interested.
"Yes," Megan replied easily. "She has one."
My chest tightened. I didn't dare look at Sebastian. He remained silent, just eating, like none of this concerned him, like I didn't exist.
Jeremy walked in. "Hey, Liam is already asleep," he said, then paused, seeing my expression "What's going on? Why all the noise?" Then he realized we had customers. "Oh… hi."
Megan smiled quickly. "That's her boyfriend."
My head snapped toward her. "He's very supportive of Lissa," she added smoothly. "And he takes care of her and their kid."
Another round of laughter broke out from Zachary. I felt sick.
"Amusing," Zachary said, wiping tears from his eyes. Then he glanced at Sebastian's plate and paused. "Well, that's new, Sebastian's plate is almost empty. He hardly ever finished his meals."
"This is my favorite. I hardly find it in UK," Zachary commented, obviously bored.
His voice? Damn!
Zachary smirked. "Then get him another plate."
My hands trembled slightly. "O-okay."
Going there a second time… I shouldn't be nervous, right? I've served hundreds of customers before. But this, this was different.
As I carried the plate toward him, my grip faltered. I quickly steadied it, but not before some of it spilled on my hand. Pain shot through me instantly. I sucked in a sharp breath.
Sebastian stood up abruptly, walking towards me, but Jeremy was faster.
"Careful!" he said, holding my hand gently. "You're hurt."
I couldn't speak. I didn't dare look up, because I could feel Sebastian's eyes on me.