The weekend air was light and crisp as Ever stepped into the cozy, candle-lit restaurant, her nerves buzzing with a strange mixture of excitement and guilt.
"You look beautiful, Ever," Nathaniel said warmly, standing up to pull out her chair.
"Thank you," she murmured, smoothing down her dress as she sat. "It's been… a long time."
Nathaniel smiled, his eyes crinkling in that boyish way she remembered so well from their high school days. "Yeah, too long. Honestly, I didn't think I'd ever get the chance to sit across from you again."
As they settled into casual conversation, sharing light laughs and reminiscing about their teenage years, the atmosphere grew more comfortable—until Nathaniel leaned back, eyes suddenly serious.
"I have to be honest with you about something," he began. "It's not the first time I've seen you since high school."
Ever's eyebrows furrowed. "What do you mean?"
