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The Dinner
Alexander Mansion – Dining Room – 7:00 PM
The dining room was bathed in soft candlelight.
Crystal glasses sparkled. Silverware gleamed. The centerpiece of white lilies and pink hydrangeas seemed to float above the table like a cloud.
Amara sat at the head, her red dress catching the light. She looked like a painting – beautiful, composed, untouchable.
Liam sat to her right, his navy suit crisp, his expression neutral. He held his wine glass but didn't drink.
Zara stood in the corner, pressed against the wall, trying to be invisible.
The first course was served.
A young waiter – new, nervous – placed a bowl of lobster bisque in front of Amara. His hand trembled. The spoon clinked against the bowl.
"Careful," Amara said without looking at him.
"Yes, ma'am. Sorry, ma'am."
The waiter retreated.
Liam picked up his spoon. "The house looks beautiful."
Amara smiled. "Imani arranged everything. She has excellent taste."
Imani. The housekeeper. Zara's mother.
Liam glanced toward the corner. Zara stood with her hands clasped in front of her, her eyes on the floor.
"She works really hard," Liam said.
"Who?"
"Imani."
Amara waved a hand. "She's paid well. That's thanks enough."
Liam said nothing.
He took a sip of his soup.
It was good. Rich. Creamy.
But he barely tasted it.
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Alexander Mansion – Dining Room – 7:30 PM
The second course arrived.
Roasted chicken with herbs, surrounded by glazed vegetables. The smell filled the room.
Zara watched from her corner as the servers moved around the table, refilling water glasses, clearing empty bowls, replacing spoons with forks.
Amara ate delicately, small bites, dabbing her lips with a napkin after each one.
Liam ate mechanically, his eyes occasionally drifting toward the corner of the dinning room
"Liam," Amara said.
He looked at her.
"You're quiet tonight."
"I'm always quiet."
"Quieter than usual." Amara set down her fork. "Is something wrong,you don't
Like the food?
Liam forced a smile. "Just tired. Long week at the office,and the meals is perfect "
Amara studied him. Her eyes were sharp, searching.
"Your father says you're restructuring the European branch."
"He talks too much."
"He says you're working too hard." Amara picked up her wine glass. "He's worried about you."
Liam's jaw tightened. "I'm fine."
"Are you?" Amara leaned closer. "Because you've been distant. Canceling plans. Ignoring calls." Her voice dropped. "I'm not stupid, Liam."
Liam held her gaze. "I never said you were."
"Then tell me the truth. What's going on,don't you like me?"
The room seemed to hold its breath.
Zara pressed her back against the wall.
Don't look at me, she thought. Please don't look at me.
Liam set down his fork.
"Nothing is going on and I don't hate you either ," he said. "Work is stressful. The wedding is stressful. That's all."
Amara stared at him for a long moment.
Then she smiled.
"Okay," she said. "I believe you."
She picked up her fork and resumed eating.
Liam did the same.
But Zara saw it.
The way his hands tightened around his knife.
The way his jaw flexed.
He was lying.
And Amara knew it.
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Alexander Mansion – Dining Room – 8:00 PM
The main course was cleared.
Dessert was served – chocolate mousse in small crystal cups.
Amara was on her third glass of wine. Her cheeks were flushed. Her laughter was louder.
"Remember when we were children?" Amara said. "Your family used to come for summer barbecues."
Liam nodded. "I remember."
"You were so shy. You wouldn't talk to anyone."
"I wasn't shy. I was bored."
Amara laughed. "Same thing."
She reached across the table and touched his hand.
"I'm glad we're doing this," she said. "Getting married. Combining our families. It's right."
Liam looked at her hand on his.
It's right.
The words felt hollow.
"I should go," he said. "Early meeting tomorrow."
Amara's smile faltered. "Already?"
"It's late."
"It's eight o'clock."
Liam stood up. "Thank you for dinner. The food was excellent."
Amara stood too. Her eyes were cold. "You're leaving already."
"I have to."
She walked around the table and stopped in front of him.
"Kiss me goodnight," she said.
Liam hesitated.
Zara watched from the corner.
Don't look at me please ,she thought. Please don't.
Liam leaned down and brushed his lips against Amara's cheek.
"Goodnight," he said.
He walked out.
Amara stood alone in the dining room.
Her hands were shaking.
"Zara," she said without turning around.
Zara stepped forward. "Yes, ma'am?"
"Clear the table."
"Yes, ma'am."
Zara began gathering the dishes.
Her hands were trembling too.
---
Alexander Mansion – Front Driveway – 8:15 PM
Liam sat in his car, gripping the steering wheel.
His heart was pounding.
Kiss me goodnight.
He had kissed her cheek. Barely. It felt like a betrayal.
Not of Amara.
Of Zara.
He closed his eyes.
This is insane. You're engaged. She's a servant. There's no future here.
But his heart didn't care about futures.
It cared about the girl in the corner.
The girl with sad eyes and a hidden bracelet.
The girl who poured his wine and said his name like it was precious.
Liam started the car and drove away.
He didn't look back.
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Alexander Mansion – Dining Room – 8:30 PM
Zara cleared the last of the dishes.
Amara had gone upstairs. The servants had retreated. The dining room was empty.
Zara stood alone in the middle of the room.
She touched the bracelet under her sleeve.
Kiss me goodnight.
He had kissed her cheek.
It meant nothing.
It had to mean nothing.
But Zara's heart ached anyway.
"Child."
She turned.
Mrs. Patmore stood in the doorway, a dish towel in her hands.
"Go to bed," the old cook said gently. "You've done enough."
Zara nodded.
She walked to the staff quarters.
Her room was cold. Dark. Silent.
She lay on her mattress and stared at the ceiling.
Liam.
Why did you look at me?
Why do you keep looking at me?
She closed her eyes.
She didn't sleep.
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