It was already 5 p.m. when the designated driver arrived to pick up Aiden from the mansion. He hesitated at first, but eventually followed him.
"Sir, we will be heading to the restaurant. Master Damien has reserved it," the driver informed.
"Okay… no problem," Aiden replied, his eyes glued to his phone.
Soon, they arrived at the restaurant.
"Wow! This is beautiful! Look at those pictures," Aiden exclaimed, snapping a few photos as proof he had been in Japan and at this particular restaurant.
He was led to the table where Damien sat. It struck him immediately—apart from the staff, there was no one else there. Curious, he asked:
"Excuse me… where is everyone? I mean, the customers? I mean, obviously, no one can resist this place… not to mention actually patronizing it."
The staff guiding him replied politely, "It's company policy not to interact with customers regarding company matters."
"Oh… okay then," he said, slightly disappointed.
Suddenly, the lady leaned closer and whispered, "But I think he's being romantic… booking the whole place for you, sir," she smiled.
"Ugh!" Aiden exclaimed, flustered.
"Yes, sir," she said again with a smile.
"Hey, I'm a guy… how can it be romantic to have dinner with another guy? Or do I look that feminine?" Aiden scoffed and walked forward.
"I'm sorry, sir," she ran after him, apologizing.
Finally, they reached Damien, who was on FaceTime with a business partner. Aiden sat opposite him and waited patiently, listening to the business conversation—even though he understood almost nothing, as it was in Japanese.
"So, let's end it here, Mr. Yakamora," Damien said politely, bowing as he ended the call.
"Well done," Aiden greeted casually.
"Hmmm," Damien nodded indifferently.
The waiter and waitress began serving food, carefully placing dishes on the table.
"Woah! They look so delicious!" Aiden whispered, beaming at the spread. These were flavors he never encountered in his university life.
"Have dinner with me before we go shopping," Damien instructed coldly, his tone indifferent.
"Hmph… like I said, I'm hungry," Aiden scoffed.
"I don't care. Just eat. I can't guarantee you'll get anything else tonight besides what I serve," Damien smirked.
"Ew! You sound cheesy… okay fine, I'll join you, just because you begged me," Aiden said, piling plates with food and digging in. He ate fast, shoving the dishes into his mouth as if they would disappear. He completely forgot about his usual manners.
"When did I beg you to eat?" Damien scoffed.
"Eh… #@#$$#$###…" Aiden mumbled with his mouth full.
"Don't bother… just take it easy," Damien smiled faintly.
Immediately, Aiden noticed the genuine smile. He had never seen Damien smile wholeheartedly before—only the usual smirk. Quickly, he swallowed his food, drank water, and said:
"Ugh! You just smiled! I thought your facial muscles were dead—you never smile!" Aiden chuckled.
"When did I smile?" Damien denied, his usual cold tone back in place.
Aiden paused mid-bite, looked Damien in the eyes, and laughed.
"I can't believe it… Mr. Damien Smith of the wide business world just lied and denied smiling!"
"How do you mean, like I never… hmmm…" Damien paused.
"Just keep eating; we don't have all the time in the world," Aiden said, returning to his meal.
Just then, Sean walked in and bowed respectfully.
"Sir!" he called.
"Yes? What is it?" Damien asked.
"Miss Jessica called," Sean reported.
Damien's expression immediately changed upon hearing the name, catching Aiden's attention. He couldn't help but wonder—who was Jessica?