Lost Appetite

George glanced in my direction. After a little while of his silence, he finally answered my query.

"I'm famished. Stella and Rowan will meet us at the Persephone Restaurant."

'Perse—what?' The name sounded Greek, and I didn't like it immediately.

"Do I need to join you? Can I go back to the hotel?" I shot two questions in a row. I have another plan today, so I prefer to return to the hotel. Apart from that, I am easy to talk with—he doesn't want me to be friends with Stella. Hence, I would not insist on walking into their world, which differs significantly from mine.

Thus, the question lingered in my head. Why is he keeping me in his company?

It appears this guy has bipolar.

I couldn't ride all of his trips in life at all. I will lose my sanity sooner if I continue to tag along with this guy. I could not fathom what was running through his head.

"Aren't you offering yourself as Stella's chaperone the entire day?" He pulled me out of my reverie and went on. "Are you backing out of your words now? Or it was because…."

He raised one brow and scoffed, trailing his words.

Now I understand. He suspected I would meet Florian, the reason I could not wait to return to the hotel.

"Huh." I pursed my lips and smiled. "Really? Then, who is that person who dragged me out of the store with force because he hates seeing me with Stella?"

I returned the question under my stern gaze. I added, "He even accuses me of taking advantage of her kindness."

With what I've said, Crazy George fell silent, and I don't need to guess that he was contemplating how to get back at me.

The way it darkened his face confirmed my thoughts were true. My smile broadened when he wasn't able to answer me yet.

The guy glared at me, then idly, saying, "Stop being full of yourself. I am keeping an eye on you. That's why."

'Now I'm the one who is full of myself?' I cover my mouth not to laugh. I could not reveal that his answer was ridiculous to me. At the same time, it was terrible news.

If he keeps monitoring me, then if I should be careful, eventually, he will learn my secret that I am not Florian's mistress. If that happens, he will target Camilla instead.

"Whatever," I mumbled under my breath to hide the concerns in my heart.

From here on, I must be careful when meeting Camilla tonight. Mulling over, I heaved an inward sigh.

Twenty minutes later, we finally arrived at the most luxurious restaurant in Northeastern Mainland City.

"PERSEPHONE ESTIATORIO" is a Greek restaurant just with its name alone. Thus, it will make one think that its interior decor and design are based on history.

I dreamt of visiting Greece, so I did a little research before.

My fiance George and I planned our honeymoon in Greece. Thus, my friends helped me to prepare my luggage, picking out my sexy dresses to please my future husband.

Yet, everything remained a dream.

Now I no longer desire to visit or hear anything about Greece.

If only my fiance George had not stopped in Greece to check out things for our honeymoon, he wouldn't have been missing and found dead a few weeks after he arrived in the country.

His death is a weight in my heart. Sometimes I blame myself that it's all because of me. He knew I loved visiting Greece and wanted to make me happy by fulfilling those dreams of mine.

How many times have I cursed that place?

Until now, I still hate it just thinking of its name. I dreamt of visiting that country with the love of my life. But my first time setting foot in that place was because of a tragedy.

I went to that country for the first time to pick up the ashes of my beloved man.

And now… How ironic the way Fate had a plan for me. She really knows how to play with my life.

At present…

I am standing at the entrance door, unable to force my feet to take another step. Greek gods and goddess statues surrounded us. Unfortunately, at this moment, I could no longer escape.

"How long would you stand in the door? Would you stop embarrassing me?"

"What?" I blinked my eyes. But I could not make out the man speaking in front of me.

"Stop zoning out! You look like it was your first time stepping into a grand restaurant. Is Florian being cheap to you, and he didn't date you in an expensive restaurant?"

My face darkened from his insults. I glared at him and sneered in my heart. 'One day, I can smack you in the nape and laugh in your face.'

"What are you babbling about?" He was upset because he didn't hear me. Before he insults me further, I cut him off fast.

I said, "Do you know how I hate any Greek theme? It may be a hotel, a restaurant, or a building as long as it's a Greek theme."

I added, scoffing, "But who am I? I can't be picky. Right?"

After saying that, I walked past him and did not stop, even though I didn't know where I was going. I simply glanced at the crazy man and queried, "How long would you stand there?"

I ensure I don't look obvious that I am confused. On the other hand, the crazy guy was furious when I got back at him. I curled my lips and grinned. I was pleased and felt like a winner every time he would become infuriated, every time I provoked him.

With what I did, he almost lost his temper. Unfortunately, he could not show his terrible temper and threw a tantrum when the restaurant lobby was crowded with upper-class guests waiting for their table.

"Mr. Graham, welcome! And to this beautiful lady."

Not long after, a manager greeted us. Crazy George could only nod and pursed his lips when the manager fixated on me, and he kept complimenting me. He sounded like he would curry favor with me.

So I smiled sweetly and returned the greetings. I realized that getting back to this guy is for me to behave elegantly and with class.

"Hi, Manager Shaw…"

"Hello, Miss…" The manager waited for my answer, so I responded as I extended my hand. He took it, and we shook hands.

"Krishna Palermo," I said.

"Welcome, Miss Palermo. I will show you the way."

"Thank you." I took the opportunity while George remained silent where he stood behind me. It came to my recollection of what Rowan told me. This guy cares about his image so much.

I followed the restaurant manager. The way he spoke, I could sense that he believed I had an intimate relationship with the guy walking next to me.

So, the manager kept flattering me. He was all smiles and ensured I would love the dishes after asking if it was my first time dining here. He said he had never seen me before, so he had the impression, and I replied honestly.

"Please…" The manager brought us to a private elevator and escorted us to our room when we arrived at the top floor. On our way to our private room, a few customers noticed us, and I am sure they were gossiping about me the way they were whispering to each other.

I am concerned because it has linked my name to George several times. I want to avoid lengthening the misunderstanding with everyone having wrong beliefs, so I hope it will clear out soon.

I cast a sidelong glance at the man next to me. He appeared unmoved by the attention that was given to him. Few people greeted him, but the manager immediately blocked the way and gestured at them.

I peeked at them and how they sized me up and brought discomfort to my heart. And I know what they were thinking.

"Finally, you guys are here!" When I entered the VIP room, Stella rushed to the door and welcomed me with a tight hug and endless praises. "Look at you! That dress is stunning! So perfect for you!"

"Thank you." I thanked Stella with red cheeks. But the smile on my face froze when Crazy George gave me a warning look at me. I understood his gesture, but I could not help rolling my eyes. So I chose to ignore his existence, as I wanted to enjoy a meal since I could not enjoy my breakfast.

Stella brought me to a long sofa near a floor-ceiling window. We can overlook the city and admire its scenic view of our location. The scenery was breathtaking.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Stella commented, and I concurred.

"Yes, it is."

"Come here with me while we wait for our food. Oh. We already ordered before your arrival, so I hope you like the dishes we ordered for you."

"It's okay. I'm not that picky." I replied with a smile.

"Great!" Stella clapped her hands when I looked at her with understanding. She then chatted with me without caring about our companions.

Soon, our food was served. So we moved to the dining table.

However, something is wrong, and I'm uncertain if it was intentional.

My plate was only served mostly vegetables in it, while everyone had a lamb steak. If it was not for a few pieces of shrimp in it, I'd already cried out in frustration.

"What's wrong, Krishna?" Stella noticed I hadn't touched my food yet. I looked up and smiled bitterly.

"I am not on a diet. In fact, I could have a full meal course." I reasoned as my gaze lingered on the guy seated across from me. He did not appear bothered by my complaint. In fact, he very much enjoyed annoying me by cutting his steak with such elegance.

"Um… I'm sorry, Krishna. But George texted me. He said I should only order a vegetable salad for you." Stella sounded regretful and embarrassed.

"Well, how about I call the waiter and order a set of full-course meals for you," Rowan suggested, saving the day, and I was grateful for how thoughtful he was of my welfare. However,

"Rowan…"

Everything is about to become perfect, but Crazy George sounds grumpy. He eyed Rowan with a warning gaze. Yet, he did not listen to his brother, which infuriated George.

"I am ordering more food for Krishna. It's on me," Rowan pressed on.