Following Charles's lead, they entered a shop that seemingly appeared as a castle. Cakes and mannequins with floral dressing are showcased on the exterior. Shoving open the massive wooden doors ushered them into a five-star restaurant where high-class families dining on luxurious food. The interior was bathed in the warm, golden glow cast by diamond chandeliers. The air was permeated with the aroma of an array of delectable dishes growing Charissa's hunger into a burning flame.
"What's with this place? Are you sure we came to the correct restaurant? Don't tell me your clingy bride is some fancy noble!" Charissa inquired skeptically.
Charles averted his gaze, "what if that's the case?" He mumbled.
"What did you say? Why are mumbling? Are you telling me that is the case?!" Her mouth dropped open in disbelief.
Charles covered his face with his hand, his voice muffled, "Yeah."
"What the hell?! Why would you miss on such a glorious chance?! Aren't you guys still indebted--" Charissa cut short her own words. She knew something that she shouldn't mention.
"Huh?"
"N-never mind. Let's dine in. Hope the food is cheap by a little in here." She swiftly changed the subject.
They sat at a table close to the door. The tabletop was adorned with a soft red cloth that bore intricate golden vine patterns at its edges. The seats were cushioned with black leather. A waiter brought two large red-covered menus and place them on the table. He sported a black bowtie and a crisply pressed white shirt tucked into his black trousers. Another server, a woman in a black pinapo dress and under it a white shirt, approached with a tray in hand. On it, an assortment of spoons, forks, knives, wine glasses, and handkerchiefs were arranged. Methodically, she positioned the spoons and forks on one side, nestled the handkerchief in the center, and then aligned the knives. With a steady hand, she poured water from a jug into the awaiting glasses.
"What would you two like to eat?" The male waiter asked.
Charissa flipped the pages of the menu. To her surprise, the prices weren't that high. Only over 2000 when her monthly allowance was just 2000.
She hesitated for a moment, "Umm...Can I have a moment, please? I'll call you when I decide." She requested. The waiter nodded and left. With everything set up in front of her, she can't choose the option to leave.
"So I have to use my entire allowance to eat one meal?" She whispered with frustration.
"One small bite can fill your stomach. I guarantee." Charles replied, smiling.
"So you've been here before?"
"I've been looking for a candidate while going out on dates with her for a while now." He groaned.
"Candidate? Seem to me like you've been here more than once and yet, you told me you haven't been on dates?" She sighed, looking through the menu again.
Raising her hand, she caught the waiter's attention, "Waiter" She called, "I would like to order please."
The waiter walked toward her, "what would you like to order mam?" he asked.
"I'd like two cheesy macaroni, please."
Drawing from the memory of comics and tv shows, Charissa expected her order to have a very little portion.
Before long, the waiter returned, holding the tray aloft. The aroma of warm, melted cheese cascading over the macaroni wafted through the air, setting Charissa's mouth to water. As the waiter artfully placed the plates of food on the table, Charissa took out her phone to snap a photo. The food was beautiful. The delicate aroma of freshly grated Parmesan dances in the air, mingling with the rich scent of creamy Alfredo sauce. The pasta strands, bathed in a luscious golden-hued sauce, glisten under the soft glow of the warm lights, inviting you to take a bite.
After taking the photos, Charissa inhaled deeply, savoring the enticing aroma of the dish. With deliberate care, she speared a forkful of the cheesy macaroni and brought it to her lips. Charles observed her.
"Mmm...." Charissa hummed in delight. "Delicious...!" She looked at Charles who hadn't touched his food. "Why aren't you eating? That is for you." she pointed out, "It's your pay. I'll pay for mine."
"I just wanted to make sure it isn't poisonous." He replied in half-truth. He just wanted to see her reaction.
He also took a bite. "You were right. It is delicious..." He admitted.
"I thought you came here before." She remarked.
"I did come, but to show her my refusal I didn't eat anything."
"Oh, I see." She chuckled, though a bit of food caused her to cough suddenly.
"Be careful!" Charles exclaimed, reaching for the glass of water and offering it to her. He leaned in slightly as she took a sip, gently patting her back to alleviate her coughing.
While this scene occurred, a tall woman wearing a knee-length yellow gown complemented by a chain belt and a matching yellow handbag, watched in awe. She had a tall man in a black suit and black sunglasses behind her. Her cascading blonde hair partially obscured her ocean-blue eyes as she gazed down at Charles and Charissa.
"Huh? Who is this woman?! What are you two doing?" She exclaimed, her voice laced with urgency.
Charles smoothly returned to his seat and turned around, "You came in early." he quipped with a smirk.
"... Is this Maria?" Charissa questioned, wiping her mouth with a handkerchief.
"That's lady Maria Fenwick for you." She boasted.
"Oh, my sincere apologies, Madame Maria Fenwick..." Charissa responded with a touch of disdain. She held no fondness for Maria whatsoever.
"You should be! Though that won't be enough for me to forgive you for flirting with my husband out in public! Who are you?" Maria's tone dripped with an air of aristocracy.
"Husband? I thought you were his fiancée. I wasn't told that you were married. While at it, let me introduce myself. I am, my dear Charles's girlfriend, Charissa Ainsworth." Charissa sneered, rising from her seat and offering a mocking bow.
"Charles dear! What are you watching? Explain" Maria completely ignored Charissa.
"I think my girlfriend already explained what you needed or should I officially introduce to you again? We just come out on a date." Charles responded nonchalantly.
"B-but today was our date?" she whimpered.
"I don't remember ever agreeing. Not to today's date or the wedding."
"Why--" Before Maria could continue, Charles cut her off, "Let's leave, Cherry, ask for the waiter to pack this food. Our date was interrupted." Charles pretended to be angry.
While Charissa waited, Charles asked the waiter to pack the food, settled the bill at the counter, and marched out with Charissa. Maria was frozen, confused, and sad as she watched them leave. The man accompanying her answered a call as she began to weep. He was her guard, attentive to every detail. That's the power of nobles for you...
Once Charissa and Charles went off to a safe distance, Charles halted and burst into laughter "Haha..." he chuckled heartily.
"Pfftt..." Charissa couldn't hold in her laughter either, "That was ridiculous. You said she was clingy, but she looked more or less mean to me...She ticked me off..."
"That's the first time I've seen her that mad. Normally, she'd brush off my taunts and carry on with her chatter...Didn't you see how she changed tones when she talked to me?"
"I guess so... though I feel kinda bad."
"Yeah. But this is the only way..." Abruptly, Charles received a message on his phone. He checked it, and in a second his smile faded.
He let out a deep sigh and said, "Let's go back home. That's enough for today."
"Why so serious all of a sudden?!"
"Nothing.." His expression showed disappointment.
"Laugh and you cry," she sighed, "I'll leave you with your business. You don't seem to tell want to tell me anyways. I'll leave, but if you have a problem, call me. You did pay for my part." She gestured to her bag of food and parted.