The restaurant was perfect—an intimate Italian bistro tucked away on a quiet street. Soft lighting illuminated the tables, and the air was filled with the tantalizing aroma of garlic, herbs, and freshly baked bread. Avery Kane Deveraux couldn’t remember the last time she had enjoyed herself like this.
Ryan Hayes sat across from her, looking relaxed and confident in a navy blazer and crisp white shirt. His hazel eyes sparkled with humor as he recounted a particularly awkward moment from his early days in Korea, earning a genuine laugh from Avery.
“And then,” Ryan said, grinning as he leaned forward, “I realized I’d been bowing to a coat rack the whole time. I don’t think I’ve ever heard so much polite laughter in one room.”
Avery laughed, shaking her head. “You’ve really come a long way, haven’t you?”
“Hopefully,” he said with a smile. “But enough about me. What about you? Do you ever get time to just enjoy life outside of Kane Enterprises?”
Avery tilted her head, considering the question. “Not often,” she admitted. “But I’m trying to make more time for it. Nights like this help.”
Ryan’s smile softened. “I’m glad to hear that.”
After finishing their meal, Ryan suggested they grab dessert at a nearby café known for its decadent chocolate soufflés. Avery agreed, intrigued by the idea of extending the evening.
The café was charming and cozy, with small, candlelit tables and the intoxicating scent of cocoa in the air. Ryan held the door open for her, and she stepped inside, her emerald dress catching the light as she walked.
They ordered two soufflés, accompanied by espresso for Avery and a cappuccino for Ryan. As they waited, the conversation continued, light and effortless.
“This place is amazing,” Avery said, looking around. “How did you find it?”
“I stumbled across it when I first moved back,” Ryan said. “It’s become my go-to spot for guilty pleasures. I figured you’d appreciate it.”
“I do,” Avery said with a smile. “You’re full of surprises tonight.”
Ryan grinned, about to reply, when the bell above the café door jingled, signaling a new arrival.
“Fancy seeing you here, Ryan,” a melodic voice said, interrupting their conversation.
Avery turned to see a striking woman standing just inside the doorway. She was stunning in every sense of the word—long, sleek black hair that shimmered under the soft light, flawless olive-toned skin, and high cheekbones that gave her an air of sophistication. She wore a figure-hugging white dress that exuded elegance, paired with nude heels and a designer clutch. Her red lips curved into a confident smile as she approached their table.
Ryan’s expression froze for a fraction of a second before he stood, his smile turning polite. “Ji-Yeon,” he said, his tone guarded. “What are you doing here?”
“I could ask you the same thing,” she replied, her voice lilting with a faint Korean accent. “I didn’t expect to see you all the way back here in the States.”
Avery’s heart sank as she felt the vibe between them. The easy, lighthearted mood of the evening shifted instantly, and she felt a knot form in her stomach.
“I moved back a few months ago,” Ryan said, his tone even. “What about you?”
Ji-Yeon’s smile widened, her gaze flicking briefly to Avery before returning to Ryan. “Just visiting for business. I didn’t think I’d run into you here, though. Small world, isn’t it?”
“It is,” Ryan said, his tone still polite but distant.