Chapter 34 TWO-WEEKS ANNIVERSARY

Chapter 34 TWO-WEEKS ANNIVERSARY
VERONICA POV

“I told you not to use endearments,” I glared, narrowing my eyes at him.

Xavier answered with that slow, lazy smirk—the one that made it perfectly clear he had zero plans of ever listening to me. I rolled my eyes and looked away, already knowing it was pointless.

A young server appeared silently and led us deeper into the quiet, candle-lit restaurant. The air smelled faintly of roses and warm vanilla.

“Right this way,” she said softly, guiding us toward a sleek, leather-upholstered booth set against a polished marble wall, partially screened by tall green plants. It felt effortlessly luxurious—private in a quiet, understated way.

“Why a private booth?” I asked, glancing around as I slid in. “And where are the others?”

“They’ll join us later,” Xavier replied smoothly. He pulled out my chair with practiced ease before settling into the seat across from me.

The server returned moments later with two elegant crystal flutes. Instead of wine, she poured a pale golden liquid that sparkled with tiny, lively bubbles. The scent was crisp — citrusy with a hint of delicate flowers. She then handed us matte black menus embossed in gold.

I passed mine back immediately. “We’re expecting more people,” I told her with a polite smile.

Her gaze flicked nervously to Xavier. A flash of confusion crossed her face before she nodded and turned back to me.

Xavier ignored my comment completely. “I’m starving,” he said. “Let’s start with the first course.”

The server looked visibly relieved to have a clear direction. “Of course, sir.”

“First course?” I arched a brow at him. “Aren’t we waiting for the others?”

He didn’t even glance my way as he spoke to her. “We’ll have the chef’s seasonal tasting to start, followed by the grilled sea bass and the lamb cutlets.”

“I’ll bring the first course right away,” she said, slipping away quickly.

Xavier lifted his glass slightly in my direction, his dark eyes gleaming. “That, Kitten, is a vintage French champagne — straight from the Champagne region. Aged to perfection. I had it brought in specially for tonight.”

I hesitated, then took a cautious sip. 

The bubbles felt delicate and almost silky against my tongue, bright with notes of green apple and toasted brioche. A soft, involuntary sound escaped me.

“Mm…” I exhaled, surprised. “Okay… this is actually incredible.”

Xavier’s eyes darkened as he watched me, intense and unwavering. Heat crept up my cheeks. I quickly dropped my gaze to my phone, pretending to scroll. The minutes dragged on. No one else arrived. I took another sip of the champagne, letting the cool fizz calm my growing irritation.

When I finally looked up, Xavier was still staring at me — like he’d stolen the moonlight and poured it into his eyes just for this moment. The intensity made my neck grow warm. I looked away, scanning the empty restaurant again. Even the staff moved like quiet shadows, barely noticeable.

“Okay,” I said finally, setting my glass down. “What the hell is going on? Where is everyone? You said we’re here for a meeting.”

He only lifted his glass to his lips, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his mouth.

Before I could push further, soft music began drifting from hidden speakers — slow, sultry jazz with a low saxophone that wrapped around the room like smoke.

The server returned, pushing a small silver cart. On top sat a glossy passionfruit cheesecake, its golden glaze catching the candlelight. Delicate swirls of cream and fresh berries decorated the top with almost artistic precision.

She placed it carefully in front of me and disappeared without a word.

I stared at the dessert, confused. “Why is there a cake?”

Xavier slid a small silver knife toward me, his expression maddeningly pleased with himself. “Because it’s our two-week anniversary.”

I blinked slowly. “Our what?”

“Two weeks since you came back into my life.” His voice dropped, low and warm. “I wanted to take you out on a proper date. So… this is a date.”

Anger slammed into my chest like a wave. My jaw tightened. “What? Absolutely fucking not.” I pushed the knife back toward him and stood up, grabbing my purse. “I’m leaving.”

He didn’t move. His voice came out calm, commanding, and dangerously quiet. “Sit down, Veronica.”

I froze.

“If you walk out right now,” he continued, eyes locked on mine, “I will announce to the world that we’re dating. And we both know that’s something you really won’t like.”

My eyes widened. “Is this a threat?”

“You can call it whatever helps you sleep at night,” he said with that calm, infuriating smirk. “I will do exactly what I want. And what I want… is you back in my life.” He lifted his glass again, never breaking eye contact. “I’ll go to any length to have you back.”

Then, almost playfully, he tilted his head toward the untouched cheesecake. “Go on. Cut it, love.”

I inhaled slowly through my nose, fighting the urge to explode. Yelling would only feed his possessiveness and probably land me on tomorrow’s headlines again. One look into his eyes told me he wasn’t bluffing. He had me neatly trapped—by the contract, by his refusal to accept no, by his ridiculous good looks… and by a feeling I refused to name.

“Fine,” I gritted out. “We cut the cake. Then you explain yourself like a normal human being.”

“Deal,” he said instantly.

I stood and reached for the knife. The music swelled softly, as if the invisible saxophonist was in on the whole ridiculous plan. Xavier rose from his seat, came around the table, and stopped right behind me. Close. Too close. I could feel the heat of his body through the thin fabric of my dress, his breath brushing the side of my neck.

My hand trembled slightly when he slid his arms around my waist and covered my hand with his own on the knife.

“Together,” he murmured, voice low against my ear.

“This is highly ridiculous,” I whispered, but I didn’t pull away.

We pressed the knife down together. For a moment we just stayed like that, hands stacked on the handle, the music softening to a hush. I felt his breath at my temple. My own breath hitched.

Without letting go, he said gently, “Happy two-week anniversary, my queen.”

I set the knife down carefully. He cut a piece, lifted it to my lips, and fed me. Then he turned me around, took a bite from the same slice, and returned to his seat with that satisfied look still on his face.

“You ambushed me on a date,” I huffed, wiping my mouth with the napkin, trying desperately not to let him see how affected I was. My body was betraying me completely—heat pooling low in my belly, my pulse racing.

“I call it a celebration,” he replied, leaning back.

The server returned as if on cue, sliding our plates in front of us along with a small scoop of chocolate sauce beside each slice of cake. “Congratulations,” she said with a bright spark in her eyes before fading away again. I shot her a glare.

Xavier chuckled, low and rough. “You’re beautiful when you’re mad at me. Keep that fire up and I might have to bend you over this table right here.” His gaze dropped for a second, then returned to my face. “I can practically feel how wet you are. Are you ovulating? You were squirming last night… and now this. Or is it my presence that does this to you?”

My God. The audacity. My traitorous body reacted instantly—my core clenched hard, heat flooding my cheeks.

“Stop,” I hissed, sitting down quickly and pressing my thighs together. “I am not horny. I wasn’t last night, and your presence definitely doesn’t make me horny.”

He smirked. “ Why were you blushing at the ceiling before you fell asleep? Thinking about me?”

My eyes widened in shock. “What?”

He shrugged, completely unbothered.

My mouth fell open. “Are you watching me? Stalking me? How the hell do you know that?”

Another casual shrug, accompanied by that dangerous, criminal smile.

“Will you stop it?” I growled. “You don’t get to watch me when I’m not with you. That’s not normal, Xavier.l

“Do you really want me to stop?” he asked, tilting his head.

“Yes! Stop acting like a possessive beast!”

“Then be mine. Mi amor.”

“Be yours?” I lashed out, voice rising before I could catch it. “Just because you’re stupidly handsome and look like triple-X trouble, you think I’ll just fall at your feet?”

The words were out before I could stop them.