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The late afternoon sun was casting long, golden shadows across the production parking lot when the sleek, polished black SUV pulled up.
Emma stood near the edge of the pavement, nervously adjusting her clothes.
Today, she was dressed comfortably but effortlessly stylish, a pair of loose-fitting, faded vintage denim jeans, a simple ribbed white crop top, and a chunky, oversized knit cardigan falling casually off one shoulder.
She had paired it with classic white platform sneakers and a dainty silver necklace.
The rear door of the SUV opened, and Michael stepped out.
He was wearing a printed full sleeve shirt and jeans.
He looked effortlessly handsome.
"Hi," Michael smiled, walking up to her. He looked her up and down, his eyes softening. "You look amazing. I really like the cardigan."
"Thank you," Emma beamed, a rosy flush creeping onto her cheeks.
She looked at his rolled-up sleeves and the relaxed fit of his shirt.
"You clean up pretty well yourself. Much less intimidating."
A few yards away, partially hidden behind the catering truck, Asha and Yali were practically vibrating with excitement as they spied on them.
"Look at her," Yali whispered, leaning on Asha's shoulder. "She is literally glowing. She's totally acting like a high school girl in love."
"I know, right?" Asha grinned, watching Emma nervously tuck a strand of hair behind her ear.
Asha crossed her fingers and whispered to herself, "You can do it, Emma. Reel him in."
"Shall we?" Michael asked, stepping back and holding the car door open for her with a sweeping, gentlemanly gesture.
"We shall," Emma giggled, climbing into the plush leather backseat.
Michael closed her door and walked around to the other side. When he slid into the seat next to her, he suddenly reached down to the floorboard and pulled up a massive, breathtaking bouquet of pastel peonies and white hydrangeas.
"For you," Michael said, handing them to her.
Emma gasped, taking the flowers and burying her face in the soft petals.
A huge, radiant smile spread across her face. "Oh my god, Michael, they are beautiful! Where did you even get these? We're in the middle of nowhere!"
Michael just offered a charming, mysterious smirk. "A magician never reveals his secrets, Ms. Myers."
Emma laughed, holding the bouquet closely to her chest for the entire ride, her heart fluttering every time Michael glanced her way.
Fifteen minutes later, the car pulled up to a cozy, ambient Italian bistro tucked away in a quiet Somerset village.
Michael had deliberately chosen it over a Michelin-star, ultra-luxurious establishment.
He wanted to talk to her, to know her, not to overwhelm her or make her feel like he was shallowly flashing his wealth.
They walked inside, greeted by the warm glow of fairy lights and rustic oak tables.
Michael pulled out a chair for Emma in a quiet corner booth, waiting for her to sit before taking the seat across from her.
They ordered their food, and Michael leaned forward, ready to strike up a conversation, when a tiny, high-pitched voice interrupted him.
"Up!"
Michael blinked, looking down.
A little girl, no older than three, wearing a bright pink tutu, was standing right next to his chair, holding her arms up to him demandingly.
Michael was entirely bewildered.
He looked across the table at Emma, his eyes wide with silent panic.
Emma just covered her mouth, her eyes crinkling in pure, delighted amusement.
"Uh... hello there," Michael said awkwardly.
He carefully reached down and picked the toddler up, sitting her on his lap. The moment she was up, the little girl wrapped her tiny arms around Michael's neck in a fierce, tight hug.
Michael froze, completely unaccustomed to random displays of toddler affection, but he gently patted her back.
"Oh my goodness! I am so, so sorry!" a frantic voice called out. A young mother rushed over, her face pale with embarrassment.
She quickly scooped the little girl off Michael's lap. "She just learned how to walk and she runs up to everybody! I am so sorry to interrupt your meal-wait."
The woman stopped, her eyes landing on the girl sitting across the table.
Her jaw dropped. "Are... are you Emma Myers? Enid Sinclair?"
Emma smiled warmly, her celebrity persona naturally taking over. "Hi! Yes, I am. It's so nice to meet you."
"I am your biggest fan!" the mother gasped. "Could... could I possibly get a picture?"
"Of course!" Emma agreed readily, standing up.
"Allow me," Michael offered, taking the woman's phone.
He happily snapped three photos of Emma posing with the flustered mother and the tutu-wearing toddler, ensuring the lighting was perfect before handing the phone back.
After the mother walked away, profusely thanking them, Michael and Emma settled back into their booth.
"You're very good with kids," Emma teased, resting her chin on her hands. "Underneath all that brooding author vibes."
"Don't tell anyone," Michael dryly replied. "It ruins my mysterious brand."
The food arrived, and their conversation flowed effortlessly. Emma, feeling completely at ease, started talking about her hobbies.
"So, does the great Michael Owen play video games, or do you just read dusty philosophy books by candlelight?" Emma asked before taking a bite of pasta.
"I have been known to pick up a controller," Michael smiled. "What do you play?"
"I am a massive nerd for puzzle and mystery games," Emma admitted proudly. "I am obsessed with Professor Layton and Ace Attorney. I basically grew up yelling 'Objection!' at my DS."
"Ah, Phoenix Wright," Michael nodded, impressed. "A classic. Though I imagine your cross-examination skills are much more terrifying in person. I've seen you interrogate people on set."
"Oh, you have no idea," Emma laughed. "I'm also a huge fantasy fan. Massive world-building,lore, all of it."
"Noted," Michael smiled warmly, committing every single detail to memory.
They were so engrossed in their conversation they didn't notice the normal-looking guy sitting two booths away.
He was holding his phone up casually, pretending to text, but the camera lens was zoomed in straight at them.
Click.
In seconds, the picture was uploaded to a notorious celebrity leaks X account with the caption: SPOTTED: Emma Myers on a very cozy, very secret dinner date with the world renowned author Michael Owen. #NewCoupleAlert
After finishing their meal and ordering two slices of tiramisu for dessert, Michael set his napkin down.
"Emma, close your eyes," he said softly.