Only then did I discover someone was orchestrating everything behind the scenes. To prevent further incidents and protect you, I didn't contact you for the past two months.

His narration was light and calm, but Gwenda found his words shocking. "So, he wasn't making a fool of me by disappearing, but protecting me by investigating the fire? If that's true, the last two months must have been incredibly stressful for him."

Gwenda's anger dissipated; she frowned. Olivier noticed the shift in her expression and smiled faintly. "I worked hard to uncover the masterminds, and I almost got hurt in the process. I'm sorry for disregarding your feelings."

"You got hurt?" Gwenda asked worriedly.

Olivier's smile widened. He chuckled. "Are you worried about me?"

Gwenda was speechless, realizing she'd been tricked again. Her ears burned with embarrassment and annoyance.

"It's fine," Olivier said, ending his teasing. "Minor injuries." He soothed her with a smile. "Still angry?"

Gwenda glared silently. Though she accepted his explanation, she remained miffed and distressed by his ordeal, recalling her own worry. Even after their food arrived, she remained silent.

Olivier observed her subtle expressions. Seeing her reluctance to speak, he raised an eyebrow. "Are my things still there?"

"What things?" Gwenda asked, struggling to cut her steak.

Olivier cut his own steak, passing it to her and taking her plate. "The things I left at your house."

"Oh, those? I threw them out ages ago," Gwenda said nonchalantly, though her hand movements faltered momentarily before she resumed eating. A hint of a smile flickered in Olivier's eyes. "Is that so?"

"Yeah, you left. Why should I keep them?" Her eyes avoided his—a clear sign of guilt.

Olivier's smile broadened. "No problem, I'll just buy new ones."

"What?" Gwenda looked up, astonished. "You still want to move in?"

"Of course," Olivier said confidently.

Gwenda frowned. "Mr. Petit, this is my home, not a place you can move into at will. Your wounds are healed. Why do you still need to move in?"

"To get to know each other better," Olivier said seriously, raising an eyebrow.

Gwenda facepalmed. "Oh, not again" she muttered. "Mr. Petit, we need to discuss this properly."

Olivier nodded solemnly. "Very well. What would you like to discuss?"

"You said you liked me. Two months later, do you still feel the same?"

Olivier nodded. "Yes, I do."

Gwenda pursed her lips. "What if I don't like you?"

"I can wait. I'll wait until the day you fall for me."