Our Accidental Forever
Chapter 83: Dinner Date

Chapter 83: Dinner Date

Ella’s POV:

I shook off the lingering tension and focused on the evening ahead, though the thought of going on a date with Arec filled my mind like an unstoppable current.

This was different. Spending time with him beyond our usual roles was both exhilarating and terrifying, a vulnerable unknown I hadn’t anticipated. I could feel my pulse thrumming with anticipation.

The afternoon slipped by as I pored over the wardrobe, discarding dress after dress in search of something perfect. The where all new clothes, Arec got me after the fire. I haven’t even had the opportunity to try them on. Now seems to be a perfect time.

I settled on a soft, light blue piece with intricate embroidery at the hem. It clung to my frame in a way that felt both simple and sophisticated, with sheer sleeves that flowed down my arms, creating an effortless elegance. As the dress fell just above my knees, I felt the lightness of the fabric swish gently against my skin, a reminder that tonight was something... special.

I kept my makeup soft, just a hint of blush to highlight my cheeks, a touch of mascara to lift my gaze, and a pink hue on my lips. My hair was loose, flowing in gentle waves that cascaded over my shoulders. There was an intimacy in this preparation, the quiet hope that maybe, just maybe, Arec would notice the effort.

When the clock struck seven, a gentle knock pulled me from my thoughts. My heart surged as he opened the door, and there he was, Arec, standing with a quiet confidence, dressed in a dark blazer over a fitted shirt that emphasized his broad shoulders. His dark hair was neatly styled, and there was a calm but unreadable look in his eyes as he took me in.

"Ella," he murmured, his gaze softening as his eyes met mine, lingering with a warmth I hadn’t expected. "You look... really lovely."

The quiet sincerity of his words sent a blush creeping up my cheeks. "Thank you," I replied, my voice almost a whisper. "You look nice too, Arec."

We stood there, caught in a lingering silence as our eyes held. His lips curved into a small, almost bashful smile, and for the first time, I saw a softness to him, a vulnerability he rarely showed. He extended his arm with a subtle tilt of his head, his smile growing as I reached out to take it.

"Shall we?" he asked, his voice gentle.

I slid my arm through his, feeling the warmth radiate through the fabric of his sleeve as we moved toward the elevator. The nearness of him made my pulse race, and though silence filled the space between us, it wasn’t the uncomfortable quiet I had known before. This silence held an energy, a tension that built slowly with every breath.

"So," he said, finally breaking the silence as the elevator doors closed, "how’s everything with you? And... the baby?"

His voice held genuine concern, and I felt something flutter within me. "We’re both doing well. The little one’s been moving around a lot lately. I think they’re just as restless as I am."

His chuckle was soft, almost melodic, and the sound wrapped around me, warming the air between us. "That’s good to hear."

Our arms were still linked as we walked out of the building to the car waiting outside. The evening air was cool, and I could feel the steady rhythm of his breath as he held the door open for me. He settled in beside me, our arms brushing for a brief moment, and I found myself sneaking glances at him, trying to decipher the unusual gentleness in his demeanor.

Our destination turned out to be a quiet, intimate restaurant away from the crowded streets, a warm, cozy space with dim lighting casting a soft glow over the wooden tables and delicate floral arrangements. This wasn’t the kind of place I’d imagined for Arec. It was personal, unpretentious. It felt... real.

He gestured for me to sit first, and as he settled across from me, I noticed his eyes kept drifting my way, a barely concealed warmth flickering in his gaze. I looked down, pretending to study the menu, but my heart pounded at the intensity of his attention.

"You’re being very... un-Arec tonight," I teased, letting a small smile play on my lips as I glanced up.

A small chuckle escaped him, his hand rubbing the back of his neck. "Un-Arec?" he repeated, arching an eyebrow. "Is that a compliment?"

"Oh, it is," I replied, leaning forward. "It’s nice to see you... relax. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this side of you."

His smile faded slightly, replaced by something softer, a vulnerability that caught me off guard. "I suppose I’m still figuring out what that looks like," he said quietly, his fingers tracing the edge of the table. His eyes lifted to meet mine, and there was a sincerity in his gaze that made my heart skip. "But tonight, I wanted it to be... just us. No titles, no obligations. Just... you and me."

The words lingered in the air, heavy with unspoken emotions. His eyes held mine, and for a moment, the world outside seemed to fade, leaving only the connection between us. My heart thudded, each beat more intense as his gaze flickered to my lips, almost instinctively.

The meal passed in a soft blur, filled with laughter and quiet glances, each moment building something unspoken between us.

When we finally stepped back outside into the night, a light breeze stirred around us, carrying the faint scent of flowers. Our shoulders brushed as we walked, and though the car was only a few steps away, neither of us seemed in a hurry.

The ride back was filled with a comfortable silence, yet each glance in his direction made my heart race. His hand rested near mine, so close that I could feel the warmth radiating between us, a barely-there connection that sent a thrill up my spine.

As we reached the penthouse, he walked me to the door, his steps slowing as we reached the threshold. His gaze met mine, his eyes lingering with a depth that made my breath catch. He took a step closer, his hand lifting almost unconsciously to tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear. His fingers brushed my cheek, lingering just a moment too long.

"Thank you for tonight, Ella," he murmured, his voice low and warm. "I... enjoyed it."

The intensity in his eyes held me captive, and I found myself leaning in, caught in the warmth of his gaze, the feeling of his hand so close. My heart pounded as I looked up at him, our faces mere inches apart. His hand slipped to the side of my face, his thumb gently brushing my cheek, and I felt my breath hitch as he leaned in, his gaze flicking to my lips.

Just as our faces nearly touched, I felt his breath ghost over my skin, warm and tantalizing. Every nerve in my body seemed to ignite, every thought melting away, leaving only the intoxicating pull of his presence. The world narrowed, shrinking to the space between us, to the charged silence holding us suspended in that moment, neither of us daring to move, to breathe, to break the spell.

But as his eyes met mine, the faintest smile tugged at the corners of his lips, and he stepped back, his hand dropping slowly, reluctantly.

I felt the absence of his touch as if it were a physical loss, a shiver trailing over my skin as reality seeped back in. I blinked, heart still racing, trying to steady myself as he stood there, his gaze lingering with an emotion that remained unspoken, lingering in the air between us.

"Goodnight, Ella," he whispered, his voice barely audible, filled with something that left my heart aching, yearning.