As they stepped into the open-air restaurant, the mood changed instantly.
Laughter and casual chatter faded. Plates were left half-finished.
Chairs scraped back as diners moved away, creating distance without a word.
No one wanted trouble—not after what they'd seen earlier.
Asher didn't like the current situation.
This wasn't how the day was supposed to go. He had hoped Mirelyn would experience the calm and charm of the island resort.
He glanced at her, ready to apologize.
But she wasn't bothered.
She stood still, her eyes moving over the space with curiosity.
The restaurant, built mostly from wood that looked like bamboo but had a weathered gray tone, stretched outward under a thatched roof.
Open on all sides, the breeze drifted through without resistance. Palm trees swayed nearby, and colorful flowers lined the edge of the wooden deck.
Smooth ukulele music played softly in the background. The smell of grilled large fishes filled the air.
