The realization struck me like a bolt of lightning, momentarily erasing the excitement and anticipation that had previously consumed me. How could I have forgotten? How could I have overlooked the fact that he had a history of shocking me, of proving me wrong? A surge of frustration coursed through my veins, intertwining with a growing sense of self-blame. Once again, I cursed myself for my naivety, for allowing hope to cloud my judgment.
Abruptly, he slammed the brakes, jolting the car to a stop outside a restaurant. Relief washed over me as I registered that it wasn't a Chinese restaurant—a small victory in the midst of my confusion. Finally, he tore his gaze away from the road, fixing his penetrating eyes upon me. There was an intensity in his stare that unnerved me, causing me to hold his gaze unflinchingly until my eyes welled up with unshed tears. Not tears of happiness or sorrow, but the unintended consequence of forcefully keeping them open to stare into his unwavering eyes.
