Chapter 163: Restaurant Date

Lana's POV

When I got to the apartment, Arden wanted to take me to a restaurant just to have some time away from being cooped up in the apartment. He wanted to take me out as it would be my last evening in Seattle. I didn't have time to change my clothes, he was still in his black Armani suit.

We sat at a table in the restaurant that was posh and had a romantic feel to it. There weren't too many people here, but it gave us more of a quiet space. The waiter poured wine for us, but I wasn't really keen on it, but I had no choice. Arden took a sip of his red wine after we gave our order to the waiter.

"How was your last day?" he asked.

"It was a bit busy, I had to try to get most of my work done, I just didn't want Maddie or anyone else to take over my work. I don't want to leave work, but I have to remind myself that I need this more than anything and the company will still be here when I get back. Uncle Mariko and uncle Reggie have always done an amazing job with Sternpoint and I can count on them. However..." I let out a breath, just thinking about what I saw between him and Maddie before I left work.

"What?" Arden asked, his brows furrowed.

"I think that there might be something going on between uncle Mariko and Maddie," I said as I kept my gaze on him. He looked at me with confusion.

"What do you mean?" he asked.

"When I walked through the receptionist area, I saw them on the other side and he moved her hair behind her ear and cupped the side of her face for a moment. He looked at her differently...like someone who was in love or had a desire to be with that person. He was talking to her and gave her a warm smile too, before I left. But I don't want to jump to any conclusions and I do not want to stir up anything that might not even be there. I don't want to ask aunt Amber if they are okay because they are a happy married couple. Maybe I am seeing things," I shrugged it away.

"We never know what is really going on in a marriage, because it is no one's business. Maybe it is nothing. Maybe Maddie could be going through something that you don't know about and she found comfort in him, and he was being nice to her," he shrugged. "Don't think too much into it," he said as he moved to the back on his chair.

"You're right," I let out a breath.

The waiter placed our plates of pasta in front of us and then he left. "I will miss you, I wish that I could go with you, but I will respect your wishes," he said as he took the fork.

"I wish the same, but it will only be for a month. We can get married thereafter." I said as I started to eat. I didn't actually eat today, but I wasn't too hungry either. I am having mixed emotions currently.

"True, but I will call you every night," he said.

"I will look forward to that," I smiled as I chewed. "I believe that one of your students, Lucy, will be interning for me starting from tomorrow." I said.

His brows furrowed as he swallowed, "Lucy, did she seem nervous?" he asked.

I nodded, "Yes, very nervous. She was relieved when she got accepted. She couldn't wait to get away thereafter," I smiled.

"She is the student that I was helping to calm down from a panic attack when you tried to call me...when my mother assaulted you," he said, his expression changing to serious.

"She mentioned that her parents don't want her and her brother to live off from their money, so she was forced to find something. I am happy to help. She is safe at Sternpoint if that is why you seem worried," I said as he looked past me at nothing. In thought, perhaps.

"I think that her brother does things to her, but she said that he shoves her around and I don't know what else could be going on. She is afraid to be home while he is back. I want to get my hands on him and f^cking...rip his neck off," he said through clenched teeth. I couldn't help the tinge of jealousy creeping up.

"She will be fine," I stated as I continued to eat.

"I cannot help to feel worried. We do not know to what extent things are at her house with him. As a professor, I can help and, just as you are her boss, you can help. But I do not want to think that she is fine when she could be in possible danger." he said, holding my gaze.

I swallowed, placing my fork down on the plate. "I told her that she could move in at the Stern hotel until she finds a place of her own, she will have an allowance and whatever else she needs. She will be fine. If I have to ask security to stand guard at her door and follow her around, then she needs to tell me that herself." I stated.

"I just need to find out more, okay?" he said.

I nodded. "If you don't mind, I'm tired, I would like to go home and sleep," I said.

"I'm sorry," he said with concern.

"Its fine," I placed my napkin on the table that was on my lap and I stood up. Arden signaled for the waiter to get the bill as I walked out of the restaurant.

It was dark outside and chilly with a little wind. I didn't have a jacket, so I was cold. I stepped onto the sidewalk, Arden's car was parked along the street. I felt these familiar goosebumps and this weird chill as the hair on my arms stood up again. It felt as if someone was watching me. I looked down both sides of the street, but there were only a few people walking that were oblivious to me and cars that drove past.

"Are you okay?" I jumped a little as Arden put his hand gently on my back.

"Um..." I was still getting that feeling.

"Here," he said as he took his suit jacket off and put it over my shoulders.

"I have this strange feeling that someone has been watching me," I said, "But when I look around, there is no one watching me. I had this feeling after work too."

Arden looked around, trying to see who could be out there. "I don't see anyone, but let's get going," he said as he placed his hand on my back and we walked to his car.

Once I got inside of the car, I felt more comfortable. I just hope that when I return home from vacation that this strange feeling will no longer bother me.