Chapter 267 1 Year Later

Chapter 267 1 Year Later
One year later…
Millie had finally rebuilt her life piece by piece—enrolling in college, working part-time, and carving out a space that belonged to her and no one else. It hadn’t been easy. There were nights she couldn’t sleep, and mornings she almost didn’t get out of bed. But she did it.
And now, for the first time in years, the world felt like something she could meet head-on instead of hiding from.
That thought lingered as evening settled over the city, the sky a soft bruise of purple stretching above the rooftops. Millie stepped out of a cab, an invitation clutched in her hand. Her hair, once long and flowing, had been chopped to her shoulders in messy waves, with uneven bangs brushing her brow. She wore a simple long dress, the kind that moved with her instead of against her, the hem swaying just above her flat shoes.
She glanced at the invitation for the hundredth time, its elegant script announcing the grand opening of Matteo’s Seafood Grill, and, once again, her stomach twisted with nerves.
The restaurant stood ahead, its wide windows lit with warm light, the sound of laughter and clinking glasses drifting outside. Through the glass, Millie saw crowded tables and waiters moving with trays of shrimp and crab.
She took a deep breath, steadied herself, and walked inside.
The place was lively, decorated with a nautical theme—ropes and anchors on the walls. A hostess, a young woman with a friendly smile and a crisp uniform, approached her.
“Hi,” she said. “Do you have a reservation?”
Millie clutched the invitation, feeling a bit nervous. “No, I don’t,” she said, her face warming. “I’m here to see the owner, to congratulate him.”
The hostess raised an eyebrow, her smile polite. “Your name? Is Mr. Matteo expecting you?”
Millie paused at the name Mr. Matteo. Evan.
“I’m Amelia Parker,” she said, her voice calmer. “I’m an old friend. I just want to say congrats, then I’ll go.”
The hostess paused, glancing at Millie. “Please,” Millie said quietly. “I know he’s busy. I just need a minute.”
The woman nodded. “Okay,” she said. “Come with me.” She guided Millie through the busy dining area, past tables, to a quiet hallway. A plain door labeled Office stood at the end. The hostess pointed to it. “Mr. Matteo’s in there,” she said and walked away.
Millie hesitated, her hand unsteady as she knocked.
“Come in,” Evan’s voice called, calm and familiar.
Her hand lingered on the doorknob, her heart pounding as she pushed the door open.
The office was small and neat, unlike the restaurant’s lively hum, with a wooden desk covered in papers. Evan sat behind it, his shirt unbuttoned at the collar, revealing a hint of his chest, his dark hair tousled—he looked strikingly normal but still very attractive. And he looked relaxed, at ease in his own space.
Evan’s eyes widened as he looked up, his pen pausing. “Millie?” he said, surprised but warm, standing from his chair. “What are you doing here?”
Millie gave a small, nervous smile, holding the invitation as she stepped inside and closed the door quietly.
“Rose,” she said, showing him the invitation, its edges worn from her grip. “We’ve been talking. She gave me this.”
Evan glanced at it, a slight smile forming as he moved around the desk and leaned against it. “We opened last week,” he said casually, his eyes meeting hers with interest.
Millie’s smile grew, her cheeks warming. “Yeah, I’m late. I had an exam last week. Just needed this as an excuse to show up tonight.”
"Okay." Evan laughed, easing up. “How’ve you been?” he asked. “You look good. The hair’s nice.”
Millie touched her shoulder-length waves, brushing her bangs aside with a soft laugh. “Thanks,” she said. “Well, congratulations on the restaurant. It’s really something.”
“Thanks,” Evan said, his smile easy as he glanced around the office and toward the restaurant. “It’s been a lot of work, but it’s mine.”
Millie nodded, feeling more at ease as she took a step closer. “So, you’re Matteo now?” she asked.
Evan grinned, scratching the back of his neck. “Yeah,” he said. “Still my name, you know.”
Millie smiled, catching the hint of why he used it. “Suits you,” she said with a small laugh. After a pause, she added, “I’ve been asking Rose about you. Did she tell you that?”
Evan raised his eyebrows. “Nope,” he said, shaking his head. “She didn’t say a thing.”
Millie’s smile turned playful. “Guess she’s good at keeping secrets,” she said.
Evan leaned in slightly, curious. “What’s that mean?”
“I asked her not to tell you. That, you know, I've been asking about you,” Millie admitted, fidgeting with the invitation.
Evan laughed, his eyes bright. “She’s the best,” he said. “I’ve been asking her about you, too. Did she tell you?”
Millie’s eyes widened, a surprised laugh slipping out. “No, she didn’t.”
“Well, I told her to keep it quiet too,” Evan said, his look warm and familiar.
Millie’s smile softened, the tension easing into something comfortable. “Sounds like we’ve got a very reliable friend,” she said, her pulse quickening.