My breath caught. "Why does Edward keep popping up everywhere?" I thought.

"Oh? Why'd you bring me here?" I said, pretending to be curious.

"I know this place well, and the food's way cleaner and healthier than anywhere else," Ryan said as we walked into a classy private room.

Inside, the air was filled with the soothing scent of sandalwood. Just beyond the screen was a small balcony that overlooked a cozy little park.

A cool breeze blew in, carrying the calming aroma of the sandalwood with it.

Ryan lounged on the sofa, beckoned me over with a lazy curl of his finger.

I walked over and curled up in his embrace.

He gently ran his fingers through my hair and murmured, "Do you want to meet my cat? I've had her for years–she's pure white, super sweet, and totally loves people. I'll bring her over for you to play with sometime."

I nodded. "Sounds great. Just bring her by when you have time, I'd love to play with her."

Ryan chuckled softly. "Are you free this week? How about I take you to a movie?"

"A private screening?" I teased.

"Nah, nothing that fancy. Just a regular movie," Ryan said with a grin.

I playfully poked him in the chest. "Aren't you worried about danger lurking around? Still out and about like this?"

Ryan just laughed. "In Braylin, I'm pretty safe. No worries."

Hearing that, I instantly relaxed. "Alright, you pick the movie. I'm down for anything."

"Deal!" Ryan replied with a nod.

We didn't say much after that–just quietly rested together, enjoying the peaceful vibe.

Maybe it was because it was getting late, or maybe we were both tired from work. With the calming sandalwood lingering in the room, once we let our guard down, it was easy to get sleepy.

We just leaned against each other for a good ten minutes before our food was brought in.

The dishes were beautifully presented–not greasy at all, really refreshing, and tasted amazing.

Ryan patted my back twice, gentle as ever. "Dig in."

I sat up from his arms, realizing how incredibly cozy it was–honestly, I could've just dozed off right there.

We'd barely started eating when we heard a car pull up and the engine cut off downstairs.

Ryan got up and walked over to the window. "Who'd be showing up this late?"

As he spoke, he let out a surprised noise. "Wait, what's Uncle Edward doing here? Did he leave the show early too?"

My hand holding the spoon suddenly trembled.

Ryan picked up a bowl of vegetable porridge and headed downstairs. My heart was pounding like a bunch of rabbits bouncing around inside my chest.

I never saw Edward as anything more than just a guy–he's never even popped up in my dreams.

But for some reason, every time he shows up, I just get all awkward and tense.

Honestly, I'm so lame.

Ryan headed upstairs with Edward, and Edward called out, "What are you two doing here?"

Ryan grinned. "Vic said she was hungry, and honestly, this place is perfect for getting something to eat."

Edward just nodded, and the two of them stepped into the room.

Edward was still in his long black wool coat, and with his tall, commanding figure, it felt like the whole room shrank around him.

"Could you add another fork?" Edward said, glancing over at me.

I froze for a moment, but Ryan immediately told the staff behind him, "Bring a bowl and fork for my uncle."

The staff hurried off to get them.

Just as Ryan sat down, his phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and raised an eyebrow. "Uh–oh, it's Isabelle. Speak of the devil."

I looked over at him, and Ryan picked up right away.

I couldn't hear what Isabelle was saying, but Ryan said in a laid-back tone, "Vic and I have work tomorrow, so we headed out early. Good luck with your show."

"My uncle? Beats me what he's up to or where he is. If you want to find him, you'll have to call him yourself," Ryan said, straight-up lying through his teeth.

Edward shot him a frosty look, clearly warning him to quit talking nonsense.

But Ryan just ignored it, grinning into the phone. "If you want to chase after my uncle, you're on your own. I can't help you there."

"Relax, he seriously doesn't have anyone he likes right now. The guy's a total workaholic–your odds are actually pretty good."

Listening to their conversation, I couldn't stop myself from sneaking a look at Edward.