Breakfast  

The whole ride was silent. I was fiddling with my phone, pretending I was doing something to get myself away from the awkward situation. Fortunately, Cain didn't start a conversation as he seemed to like the silence.

We stopped in front of a restaurant that showcased its Zen-like beauty.

Green Hill (Pic)

The valet ran towards us. I didn't pay any mind at the waiters lining to greet us and guided us inside to our table, and that the restaurant was empty.

I guess we're the first customer.

The waiter handed the menu to me. Honestly, I didn't understand a thing that was written on it. I put down the menu and peered at the cold man, sitting opposite me.

"I'll be having what you'll be having." I beamed, hiding my ignorance.

Cain didn't mind my lack of knowledge and seemed to expect that this scene would happen as he ordered.

"Venison with bacon. Golden beets and foraged greens. Moreish mussels escabeche on toast. Long island duck breast with roasted acorn squash. Apples chanterelle mushrooms and figs. Grilled skate with red quinoa. Creamed kale and Cipollini onion and deviled farm eggs with Dijon mustard."

He said in one breath. And I was convinced that he ordered it all the time by the way he spoke the foreign words with ease.

I'm amazed he didn't twist his tongue.

Silence befell us after the waiter left. Cold sweat raced on my back, hands freezing while my eyes darted to the exit.

". . ."

". . ."

The silence was ruthless that it was hard to ignore. "Where's Zhane and the others?"

Cain circled his finger over the rim of his teacup. His eyes never left my face, even for a second.

"It's just going to be the two of us."

My smile froze and I gave him a confused look.

He took his time sipping his tea before he said, "The contract only needs your signature. No need for the others to be present."

This is precisely what I was trying to say last night! I could have just printed and sign the contract and emailed it back to you! No need for this breakfast! Alright?!

My lips formed an 'oh,' and I messaged Zhane.

[Me: How are you going

to compensate me?]

. . .

[WhizKid: Princess! It wasn't me!

It's all Cain! I'm innocent!]

[Me: You've failed to protect my

private information two times now]

. . .

[WhizKid: I'll add another year

of my service to the contract]

[Me: Make it two

for setting me two times]

[WhizKid: What are you talking about?

I only did it one time!]

[Me: Is it not the reason why you gave

my personal information to Mr. Fay is so

he can sweet talk me into the contract?

I'm currently having breakfast with him]

. . .

[Me: Didn't you advise him that his charms won't work on me. I won't change my conditions

for becoming your consultant just because

an otherworldly being is seducing me]

[Me: You've clearly

underestimated me]

. . .

. . .

A period of seconds that Zhane didn't reply. Confused, I put down my phone for out of the corner of my eyes, lined of waiters was about to serve our food.

Ooohh~ That was fast.

It felt like the food was already prepared even before we arrived!

The heavenly aroma swiftly engulfed the whole room, and my stomach grumbled with delight. Embarrassed, I look down at my teacup. Cain laughed into his fist, pretending to clear his throat. Thankfully, he didn't say anything.

Colorful dishes were laid on our table, and my eyes zeroed on the plate of white, creamy, soft pieces of grains.

"Oh! You serve rice?" I smiled at the old man, standing beside Cain. From the way he dressed and conduct himself, he seemed to be the manager.

The old man smiled in a polite practice manner. "It's a special request of Mr. Fay for you, young miss."