CHAPTER 011 ADRIAN'S POV As Dora made her way toward me , my grip on my glass tightened slightly. Her confidence was as sharp as ever , her hips swaying with practiced ease , drawing more than a few lingering glances from the men in the restaurant . But I wasn't one of them . At least , that's what I told myself . James smirked , barely hiding his amusement . " And here she comes " I said nothing , merely swirling the dark liquid in my glass as she finally reached our table . Dora stopped just beside me , resting a manicured hand on the back of the chair across from mine . " Adrian , " she greeted , her voice smooth like silk but laced with something more ... something calculated . " Dora , " I replied , matching her tone . James , ever the spectator , leaned back in his chair , watching the interaction unfold with the same interest one might have in a high - stakes poker game . Dora's gaze flicked to the extravagant spread on the table . " Quite the feast , " she remarked , her lips curving into a knowing smile . " Expecting more company ? " I smirked . " You know I don't like to share ." She chuckled lightly , but there was no humor in it . She finally pulled out the chair and took a seat without an invitation , her eyes locked on mine . " I wasn't expecting to see you here tonight ," she said . " Neither was I ," I countered . " But here we are . " James cleared his throat dramatically and patted his pockets . " I think I forgot my wallet in the car , " he said suddenly , standing up . We both knew he was lying - James never forgot anything . But he wanted to give Dora and me some space , and I wasn't going to stop him . Dora flashed him a knowing smile as he walked away , leaving us alone . The waiters had just finished setting up all the dishes , and my focus shifted back to my meal . I picked up the napkin beside me , tucked it into my collar , and took my knife , slicing through the golden brown grilled chicken with precision . " May I ? " Dora asked , gesturing toward the food . " Help yourself , " I replied , dabbing the corners of my mouth with my napkin before returning to my plate./ I watched as she delicately placed a small piece of chicken into her mouth . Her expression changed instantly - her eyes lit up with , pleasure , and she let out a soft , 1/3 CHAPTER 011 appreciative hum . This is why this is my favorite restaurant I remarked . She swallowed , nodding slightly . " I can see why . " For a moment , we ate in silence . It was a strange kind of peace one that felt like it could shatter at any second . And , of course , it did . Dora placed her utensils down carefully , folding her hands in front of her as she fixed me with an unreadable gaze . " I feel like there's a bit of tension between us ," she said . you did . " I glanced up from my plate , raising a brow . " Oh ? And why do you say that ? " She sighed . " Seriously ? You've been avoiding my texts and calls , Adrian . " I smirked , taking a slow sip of my wine before responding . " You know what Dora exhaled through her nose , frustration flickering across her features . " I've apologized through text so many times . But I'm going to do it in person , because I know that was a stupid thing to do , and I shouldn't have done it without your permission . I'm sorry . " I leaned back , studying her . There was sincerity in her voice - something rare for Dora . And honestly , I couldn't stay mad at her forever . Grabbing my napkin , I wiped my mouth before finally responding . " Look , it's all water under the bridge now . I know how persistent you are , so it's fine . " I caught the way her face brightened slightly at my words , the relief in her expression unmistakable . But still , there were things I needed to know . " I have some questions , though ," I said , setting my utensils down . " What was your real endgame ? " Dora leaned back in her chair , tapping her nails lightly against the table . " Honestly ? I just wanted Olivia out of your house ." My expression didn't change , but my fingers tightened slightly around my glass . " I know you don't like her ," Dora continued . " I just don't understand why you still keep her around . " She was testing me . I let out a low chuckle , shaking my head . " That's for me and only me to know . " Dora studied me , her lips pressing into a thin line. " Well , thankfully , she wants a divorce ," she muttered , almost like she was trying to convince herself . I smirked , " Oh please , that's all noise . Just give her some time , she'll come running back ." Dora's expression shifted in an instant. Her confidence faltered for just a second before she quickly masked it . " You still want her back ? " she asked , her tone sharp . 2/3 CHAPTER 011 I didn't answer . Instead , I leaned back , raising a hand . " Waiter . " A young man rushed over within seconds , his posture stiff , his eyes flicking nervously between me and Dora . " Bring more of the grilled chicken , " I ordered , my voice calm but firm . " Yes , sir , " the waiter replied , quickly turning on his heel and disappearing toward the kitchen . Dora was still watching me , waiting for an answer I wasn't going to give . I picked up my glass , swirling the wine lazily before taking a sip . " Enough with all the questions , Dora . We're good . You're here with me , so eat all you want . Then we can head back . " For the first time tonight , she didn't have a snarky reply . Instead , she leaned back into her chair , folding her arms across her chest , clearly unsatisfied . I took out my phone and typed out a quick message . Me : "You can come back inside now . " A few minutes later , James strolled back in , looking far too pleased with himself . " Just realized I didn't come with my wallet , " he announced as he sat down , grinning like he hadn't just left me alone with a woman who had a history of stirring up trouble . Dora rolled her eyes , still clearly annoyed , but she didn't push the topic further . I smirked , finishing the last bite of my meal before setting my utensils down . She wants a divorce . But Olivia wasn't allowed to escape me that easily . She would leave when I told her to leave . Until then ... she was still mine . 3/3