Page 165 of Divine Obsession

I laughed softly, averting my gaze.

I hadn’t done full glam on purpose – almost as a statement that I wasn’t getting ready for him. That we weren’tthereyet.

“Come closer,amai. I want to see you properly.” He rasped, extending his hand.

Stepping forward, I adjusted the off-shoulder neckline of my blush-pink dress, letting the soft fabric drape elegantly across my collarbone. The material hugged my waist and hips, while the long sleeves added a touch of softness. The subtle shimmer of the fabric sparkled whenever it caught the light.

My sparkly, blush-pink stilettos matched the dress, along with my pink-diamond heart necklace.

Despite finding out the truth about the piece of jewelry I’d worn for the past five years, I couldn’t bring myself to take it off.

“You lookperfect,amai…” His heavy palms settled on my waist, pulling me into him. He gave me one of his perfect smiles. “Too perfect. Should I be worried?”

My cheekbones blushed. I’d forgotten how easy-going Trevor could be.

His hands lingered for a moment, firm but gentle, before he stepped back, keeping one palm on my lower back. “Let’s go before I change my mind and decide to keep you all to myself tonight.”

“Where are we going?” I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear, trying to ground myself, but the way he looked at me made it impossible.

He smiled. “On a date, baby.”

“I thought I told you we weren’t together?” I raised brow, but stepped out and locked my door anyway. When I turned around, I was faced with Trevor’s chest as he pressed me into him.

“Which iswhyI’m trying to take you on a date.” He leaned down, placing a soft, lingering kiss on my neck. “Let me show you what we could be.”

When he pulled back, I looked him in the eyes. “You’re lucky I’m hungry.”

A breath of amusement left him. “Let’s go.”

The soft hum of a jazz saxophone floated through the dimly lit restaurant, flowing with the low murmur of conversation. Golden light reflected off polished wood surfaces, casting a warm glow that should’ve soothed me. But it didn’t. Not with Trevor sitting so close, his arm resting casually along my back, his Armani cologne wrapping around me like a reminder I’d never quite been able to shake off.

He leaned in slightly, his voice low and intimate. “What’s on your mind,amai?”

I shifted in my seat, fingers fidgeting with my necklace. “Just... Taking it all in.”

“Good.” His lips quirked into that easy, self-assured smile that used to make my heart race. “I want tonight to be special.”

I gave him a small smile in return, but my gaze drifted to the band on stage. Their effortless charm and the steady rhythm of the bass felt like a lifeline, something to hold onto while my thoughts spiraled.

“Trevor…” I started, my voice quieter now.

He frowned. “Yes, baby?”

I simply looked into his cold eyes for a moment –which were burning me alive– trying to figure out if I could trust him. “Why did you leave?”

The words felt heavier out loud, as if the music paused for a beat to let them settle between us.

He inhaled slowly, his jaw tightening. “I knew this would come up.”

My gaze hardened, but he didn’t let me put any distance between us. “Of course, it would.Four years, Trevor. No goodbye. No explanation. Just…Nothing.”

His hand slid from my back to my waist, tentative but firm, stopping me from slipping away. “I can’t explain everything right now, Natalia. But I need you to believe me when I say it wasn’t my choice.”

I shook my head, a crack in my chest. “Not your choice? How can you even say that?”

“There were things going on,” – A rough palm came up to my face – “People involved,” – His thumb moving in slow, deliberate circles over my cheek – “That made it impossible for me to stay.”

The words hit me like a splash of cold water. I blinked, pulling back slightly. “What do you mean?”

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