Stella sat across from Benjamin, her mind racing with thoughts of William, but she forced a smile as Benjamin returned to the table.
"Hope I didn't keep you waiting," Benjamin said, sitting down with a warm smile.
"No," Stella replied, faking a smile, her thoughts still lingering on the man she had just seen—William, the ghost from her past.
Benjamin glanced around the restaurant, a hint of suspicion in his eyes. "I thought I saw someone with you earlier."
Stella's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her composure. "No, I've been alone the whole time," she lied, hoping her voice didn't betray her.
Benjamin's eyes lingered on her for a moment, searching for something, but then he shrugged it off. "Okay, I'm sorry for the delay."
