Cali makes a beeline for her house when she leaves Nik's office to get her phone. She doesn't want to be unaware of any messages that Nik might send her since she doesn't want to miss them. Even though she is aware of who he is and where he is, she is still concerned about missing his messages since it gives her the impression that they will never have the chance to see each other again.
The remainder of the day is spent presenting invitation cards to essential figures in the community while growing increasingly anxious with each passing minute as she waits for Nik's texts.
Cali's phone rings at 5 o'clock in the afternoon, and she grabs it from her desk as soon as she hears it. It's a message from Nik if you're interested.
To Nik: Do you mind if we meet at 8:00 p.m.? Before I can do anything else, I have to finish some work.
Cali sends a text message with a grin on her face, saying, "Yes, absolutely."
To Nik: Will you please meet me at Le Boudoir? You can expect to be picked up by my driver at 7:30.
Cali: Yes, I can make it to the top alone.
Nik: I beg you, please.
Cali could not suppress the enormous grin as she conceded, "Okay, you win."
Cali is shocked at how quickly so many things have evolved in just one day. She had the sensation of floating on clouds. Before today, she had been struggling with depression and self-doubt regarding Nik's sentiments towards her. She believed that she was overthinking everything or perhaps imagining some events and that the few fleeting moments they had together in Germany meant nothing to him. But tonight, she is going to Nik, the man she hardly knows but keeps pining after. They are going to have dinner together. Fate indeed enjoys playing people.
The moment Cali steps out of the limo, Nik makes the necessary preparations and moves towards the entrance of the fancy French restaurant; she does it with the same level of nervousness as a young woman on her first date. Cali tells herself, "Get it up, act like a mature woman," as a self-talking reminder.
"Miss, you have arrived at the wrong place. Our restaurant requires that guests make reservations in advance. Cali's attire is evaluated in a nonchalant manner by the receptionist, who is wearing a short skirt.
Cali is offended by the receptionist's gaze and responds, "I'm with Mr. Pierre."
The receptionist becomes agitated as a result of the reply. Cali casts a searchlight-like gaze throughout the lavishly decorated restaurant to spot Nik.
Nik is the first one to notice her presence. He gets to his feet and gives a wave. Cali gives him a smile in return and then walks up to the table.
From the very close proximity of the door to where Nik was standing, Cali found that she could not tear her eyes away from Nik. She noticed he was still dressed in the costly black suit she saw him wearing in the morning. The custom suit does nothing to hide the rippling muscles in his arms. Cali's cheeks turn red as a result of what she observes. Nik emanates leadership, power, and confidence throughout his body, even standing there.
Nik moves closer to her as she approaches the table and gives her a peck on the cheek. The sensation of his soft touch causes Cali's heart to race frantically.
Nik pulls the chair out for her. Both of her previous lovers had never done anything like that before. She takes the compliment in stride. "Thank you," she tells Nik. "I really appreciate it."
The table is approached by a waitress dressed in a short skirt and high heels. Cali could sense that she was putting on her most alluring smile for Nik to get him to flirt with her.
"The usual."
"Of course, Mr. Pierre," the speaker said. The hostess beams a warm grin to the patrons as she serves them. Next, she addresses Cali, asking, "And you, Miss?"
Cali takes a glance at the dinner menu. Since she has never eaten in a French restaurant, she is clueless about how to place an order. It was an unnecessary luxury that she could not afford. She has a blushing sensation.
"She will have whatever it is that I have." Nik comes to her aid in this situation.
"I am grateful. This is actually the first time I have ever eaten in a French restaurant. Cali comes clean when the waitress has left the table.
"If that's the case, we can visit this restaurant as often as you like," He said. When he gives her the signal, Cali reddens her face. Does he seem to be hinting that he would like to see her in private more frequently?
Nik's face suddenly breaks into a brief smile of enjoyment. He inquires, "How is your first day at work going?"
"It is wonderful. My mentor, Susie, has been really kind to me."
"Susie is a very charitable person." Nik is in agreement.
"How are you doing today?" Cali is interested in learning more about Nik, including his career and life.
"The most significant day of my life." Cali is the target of Nik's keen gaze. It's as though his gaze is trying to consume her. His eyes are blue, but they seem to be hungry. Cali's physical state is adjusting as a result of his comments. Her chest appears to be tightening.
Their tight stare is broken up by the waitress who brings the food and the drinks. The meals are delicious. Cali's stomach makes a loud grumbling sound. Nik lets out a giggle. Cali can't help but be captivated by his smile because it emits such assurance and sexiness.
"You ought to try the onion soup." When Nik speaks French, it has an alluring and seductive tone.
"Are you able to communicate in French?" Cali couldn't help but inquire further.
"Remember, my mother..." Nik comes to an abrupt halt, and his expression becomes more serious. Cali had an instantaneous pang of guilt after asking that inquiry. According to what Susie had informed her, Nik's mother had passed away.
"My mother taught me French. She studied in Paris for a few years." Nik takes a moment to clear his throat.
"I'm sorry, but I shouldn't be asking this question."
"Don't worry about it, the..."
"Well, well, who exactly is this girl that the most wanted bachelor Niklaus Pierre brings tonight?" A woman walks towards them and disrupts their conversation as she gets closer.
The blonde woman is seen dressed in a slinky red dress with no straps and black high heels. She has a figure reminiscent of an hourglass, which every man covets. Her massive bust seemed to verge on bursting through the top of her low-cut dress. Every lady would be envious of her lengthy legs and round behind.
She sneaks up on Nik from behind, places her arms on his shoulders, and then kisses him on the cheek in a playful manner. Cali senses that the monster with the green eyes is raising its head. She is looking her over from head to toe.
Nik jerks his head to the side and says in a chilly tone, "Hands off, Rene." Cali is taken aback by the sudden relief that washes over her.
"Getting a little close, don't we?" Rene rises and continues teasingly, "So this is your new girl? You don't plan on introducing the two of us, do you?"
"Cali, this is Rene, and Rene, this is Cali." It looks like Nik is aggravated.
"It's such a pleasure to meet you, Cali. Niklaus and I were a couple for a while. But it appears that he has changed into a different type." Rene gives a knowing wink.
Cali finds it challenging to process both the facts and the allusion at the same time. Nik interrupts Rene before she can say anything by asking, "Are you going to leave your boyfriend Dave and sit with us?"
"That's ridiculous. I wanted to stop by and say hello. I'm going to give the happy couple some space."
But before leaving, she approaches Cali and leans close to say in her ear, "You are a lucky girl. Nik is exceptionally skilled in the bedroom." The color of a tomato comes to mind when I think about Nik's face.
"We are just having dinner. I'm not his date." Cali makes an effort to explain herself and clear up the confusion.
"He never fails to get what he desires." Rene gives a wink and then walks away.
"What did she say?" Nik asks with an inquisitive tone.
"Nothing." Cali is lying and making a concerted effort to divert her attention to the wine on the table and get rid of the images running through her head. She must refrain from thinking about what Rene just whispered to her.
"Rene and I dated for a few months a few years ago before we realized we were not meant to be with each other," said Nik.
"You are under no obligation to provide an explanation to me."
"In some way, I feel like you should be aware of this." Their gazes meet. Cali has the impression that a great deal has been communicated between them despite very little being stated.
"I am so grateful that you asked Kris to look after me a month ago," Cali smiles at Nik in a soft and endearing way.
"Were you upset with me for not giving you a proper farewell?"
"No, actually I was...It made me sad. Since that day, I have longed that I might have another chance to speak with you." Cali reveals her secret. She is being honest about how she feels for Nik now. She is unable to explain the source of her bravery. However, she is obligated to tell him. She is acting recklessly and ignoring all warnings.
"At the time, I had a valid justification. Cali, I am not the same person as the man you believe you know. I pose a threat to others." In an instant, Nik morphs into a completely different person who is emotionless and icy.
Cali experiences a sense of being rejected. She looks for traces of the concern she had seen earlier on Nik's impassive face but finds nothing. Is Nik's behavior a rejection, even though she never uses the terms "like" or "love" to describe their relationship?
"You need to stop working for my dad." The stern and insistent tone that Nik used.
The question came out of nowhere, surprising Cali. She is at a loss for words over how to react to it.