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Glancing at my watch, I settle into my seat, waiting for my gem.

Minutes tick by, and still no sign of her. My fingers drum on the table. Where is she? I could go to her apartment, throw her over my shoulder, bring her here, and have our date.

As I’m about to stand, a figure drops into the chair beside me. Esther Whitman, clad in a slinky black dress.

“Elijah.” She rests a hand on my arm. “Fancy meeting you here.”

“Esther. I’m waiting for someone.”

She waves her hand dismissively. “Oh, I’m sure they won’t mind.”

She won’t budge. I resist the urge to wrench my arm away. The faster we get this over with, the better. “To what do I owe the displeasure?”

"Don't be like that." Her ruby-red lips curve into a coy smile as she leans closer, her fingers trailing along my arm. “I’m here for you, of course. Have you given any more thought to our… arrangement?”

“You mean the sham of an engagement you proposed? I thought I made my opinion clear.”

Esther’s expression sours, her awfully manicured nails digging into my sleeve. “Don’t be foolish, Elijah. I know your father wants this. All you have to do is play along.”

“You never quit, do you?”

“You’ll learn to love me in time.”

“Not interested.”

“This isn’t a joke. We’re perfect for each other.”

I pry her hand off my arm, my tone turning serious. “Listen, Esther. I’ve told you before, and I’ll tell you again. There is no engagement. There never was, and there never will be.”

She opens her mouth to protest, but I stop her.

“I’m not interested in your games or your schemes. I only indulged because my father values yours. So get the fuck off my back.”

“You’re making a mistake.”

I wear a cordial mask, leaning down to whisper in her ear. “The only mistake I made was entertaining this conversation for so—”

A deafening crash erupts from the entrance. My head whips around, scanning for the source of the commotion.

Two waiters scramble to clean up what appears to be shattered dishware, bowing profusely as they frantically pick up the pieces.

Exhaling through my nose, I turn my attention back to Esther. Leaning in close again, I lower my voice to a menacing growl. “You heard me. Don’t test my patience, Esther. I suggest you leave now before this gets unpleasant.”

She huffs out an indignant breath. “This isn’t over.”

I wave a dismissive hand. “I’m sure it isn’t. But for now, do us both a favor and get the hell out of my sight.”

Esther’s lips purse, her carefully crafted composure slipping. She wants to slap me. I dare her to try.

“Goodbye, Esther.”

With an indignant huff, she snatches her clutch and storms away.

I watch her disappear through the front door. Good fucking riddance.

I pinch the bridge of my nose, closing my eyes for a moment as I regain my composure. I let out a slow exhale, my shoulders relaxing slightly now that she’s gone.

Now, where is my little gem? I check my watch again, the flicker of annoyance returning. Making me wait is one thing, but if she stands me up, there will be consequences.

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