Chapter 928

Rosalind's breath caught in her throat as she realized Lucian had been waiting for her all along.

It was her he'd wanted to meet at Harmony Bistro last night.

The revelation sent a jolt through her. Memories of his furious return flooded back—the way he'd pinned her to the bed, his punishing kisses branding her skin.

Had he mistaken Vivian for her? That couldn't be possible... could it?

Didn't he despise her?

After all, she'd been the one to end things so brutally years ago. She'd always assumed resentment still simmered beneath his polished exterior.

Lucian's gaze lifted, silver eyes glinting. "What would you like to order?"

"Your choice," Rosalind murmured, fingers tightening around her napkin.

With effortless command, he selected several dishes. The maître d' beamed. "Excellent selections, Mr. Graves. We'll prepare them immediately."

As the man retreated, Rosalind dared to ask, "Last night... you were truly waiting for me?"

One dark brow arched. "What do you believe?"

If he'd intended their meeting... did that mean he still wanted her?

Her heart hammered against her ribs. She yearned to bridge the distance between them, but fear of rejection kept her lips sealed.

Soon, the waiter presented their steaks—perfectly seared, juices pooling on the china. Lucian methodically sliced the meat into precise portions before sliding the plate toward her. "Eat."

The intimate gesture stole her breath. No man had ever—

She took a tentative bite.

"Good?" His voice was velvet-wrapped steel.

"Mmm." The flavors exploded on her tongue—rich, savory, perfection. Pregnancy had stolen her appetite for weeks, yet somehow, sharing this meal with him made everything taste exquisite.

A ghost of a smile touched his lips. "Then finish it."

This gentler version of Lucian fascinated her. The ruthless CEO had two faces—the predator who took what he wanted without mercy, and this attentive man who cut her steak with meticulous care.

As they exited the restaurant, Rosalind hesitated. "Could you take me home?"

He checked his platinum watch. "It's barely seven-thirty."

"Then where—?"

"I have plans for us."

Thirty minutes later, his Bentley purred to a stop before The Celestial Theater's private entrance.

Rosalind blinked at the neon-lit marquee. "A movie?"

Amusement glinted in his eyes. "What else does one do at a cinema?"

Her pulse skittered. An actual date?

During their previous relationship, they'd never had time for such ordinary pleasures between his corporate takeovers and her medical residency.

Lucian captured her hand. "Come."

Inside, he gestured to the posters lining the lobby. "Choose."

She pointed blindly at a romantic drama's glossy advertisement. "This one?"

"Done."

Their private screening room was all plush recliners and ambient lighting—no chatter, no rustling strangers. Just them.

He handed her a crystal bowl of caramel popcorn. The sugary aroma enveloped her. This—the shared treats, the stolen glances—this was what real couples did.

She nibbled a piece. Perfectly sweet.

Lucian watched her with unnerving focus. "Good?"

Rosalind held out a golden kernel. "Try it."

Instead of taking it, he leaned closer, his breath warm against her fingers. "Feed me."