Lu Casa was one of the most renowned restaurants in the city, known for catering exclusively to the elite. With its luxurious ambiance and exorbitant prices, it drew only the wealthiest patrons. Reservations were required weeks in advance, making it a sought-after destination for the rich and refined.
Ethan sat at a secluded table near the window, a spot specifically reserved for him. a pianist played a soothing melody in the background. Despite the serene atmosphere, Ethan's patience was wearing thin. He glanced at his watch repeatedly, frustration etched on his face.
The minutes dragged on, and with each passing moment, his irritation grew. His gaze drifted toward the entrance, hoping to see Lucia walking in, but she remained absent. He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, exhaling deeply. He had been waiting far longer than expected, he was slowly getting irritated with everything at the moment.
As the pianist continued to play, Ethan leaned back in his chair, staring out the window at the bustling city lights.
"Thanks to Mum and her insistence on being on time ," he muttered under his breath, his frustration was clearly written all over his face. He reached for his phone to call Jason, ready to vent about the delay, when his eyes caught sight of Lucia stepping into the restaurant.
She walked in gracefully, wearing a white dress adorned with diamond embroidery. The soft glow of the restaurant lights reflected off her outfit, making her look radiant. Ethan clild not lie, she looked stunning, but no matter how beautiful she appeared, it didn't change how he felt about her. He didn't like her — and he was certain that wasn't going to change anytime soon.
As she approached the table, he stood up, forcing a polite smile to his lips. "You're here, finally," he said, doing his best to sound cordial.
Lucia barely acknowledged his effort. Instead, she sighed dramatically. "I wanted to take the bigger car, but Daddy wouldn't let me," she complained, making no effort to apologize for keeping him waiting.
Ethan took a deep breath to calm himself. "That's alright. You're here now," he replied, still holding on to his forced smile.
Lucia glanced at him with a bored expression. Her gaze sharpened, and she crossed her arms. "Aren't you forgetting something?" she asked, raising a perfectly arched brow.
Ethan frowned, confused. "What do you mean? I don't understand."
Lucia scoffed, rolling her eyes in irritation. "Aren't you supposed to pull out my chair for me? Don't you know how to be a gentleman?"
Ethan stared at her, momentarily speechless. His confusion quickly turned into a mix of disbelief and irritation. Was she serious? After showing up late without an apology, now she wanted him to wait on her like a servant?
He glanced around, noticing a few curious glances from other diners. Their little scene had drawn attention, and he knew this wasn't the right time to argue. Swallowing his pride, he forced a soft smile. "My bad," he said, walking over to her side to pull out the chair. He waited as she sat down, then returned to his seat.
"Now that's more like it," Lucia remarked casually, settling into her chair without a hint of gratitude.
Ethan clenched his jaw, his forced smile still plastered on his face. Not even a thank you? Not even a simple thank you? he thought bitterly. The irritation bubbling inside him was growing harder to suppress.
Lucia picked up the menu briefly, then set it down. "You haven't ordered anything yet?" she asked, her tone sharp.
Ethan shook his head. "Oh no, I was waiting for you."
"You should have," she said bluntly. "It would've saved me the stress of having to look through the menu myself."
Her lack of basic courtesy was staggering. Ethan took a deep breath, reminding himself to stay calm. He couldn't help but think of how entitled she sounded. This woman is nothing but a spoiled, entitled brat, he said to himself.
"Would you like to order something now?" he asked, keeping his voice steady.
Lucia waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, that can wait. We need to get to know each other better first — at least, that's what Daddy said."
Her abrupt tone cut him off mid-sentence, leaving him momentarily speechless. He leaned back in his chair, forcing another smile, though his patience was hanging by a thread.
Get to know each other? he thought, shaking his head internally. There's nothing I want to know about you.
Crossing his arms as he looked at Lucia with clear disinterest. "We've met before, haven't we? There's no use talking about ourselves again," he said flatly, his tone dismissive.
Lucia smiled, casually tucking her hair behind her ear. "That's exactly what I don't like about you," she replied without missing a beat.
Ethan raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"
"The smug smile on your face. I don't like it," she said sharply, her gaze unwavering.
Ethan let out a short, humorless laugh. This was unbearable. Every second spent with her was pushing him closer to the edge. He realized he couldn't endure this charade any longer. It was best to end things now — to save both of them, and their families, from more wasted time.
"You know what, Lucia?" he said, leaning forward slightly. "Let's just cut to the chase and stop beating around the bush. You and I both know why we're here. Our parents want us to get married. But let me be honest — I'm not interested in marrying you." His voice was calm, measured, yet firm. He watched her closely, waiting for her reaction.
Lucia didn't flinch. She stared at him for a long moment, then suddenly burst into a soft, almost mocking laugh. "Who the hell do you think you are, Ethan?" she asked, her voice laced with amusement and disdain. "Seriously. Who do you think you are?"
Ethan wasn't surprised by Lucia's outburst — he had seen it coming from the moment she walked in. Instead of reacting, he reclined in his chair, watching her with a smug smile.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" Lucia snapped, her voice sharp with anger. "What makes you think I'd want to marry you? You're an absolute nobody compared to me!"
Ethan stayed calm, unwilling to waste his energy on pointless arguments. He decided to let her vent until she was done.
"You think it was our parents who wanted this?" Lucia continued, her tone filled with disdain. "It was your mother begging for this marriage! Do you think I don't know? She's desperate to secure a future for your family. Marrying me would do you a world of good. As for me? I gain nothing from this arrangement. So get off your high horse and be humble, or I swear I'll leave right now — and that will be the last you'll ever see of me!" Her eyes blazed with fury.
"Who the hell do you think you are, huh?" Ethan asked suddenly, his voice sharp and commanding.
Lucia froze, shocked by his sudden outburst.
"You dare mention my mother's name with that condescending, spoiled mouth of yours?" Ethan continued, his gaze piercing. "Let's get one thing straight — yes, my mother may have gone to great lengths to set this up. But don't act like your father had no part in it. You wouldn't be sitting here if you didn't want to be. I know you too well, Lucia. You're not here out of obligation. You're here because you want to be."
Lucia's face twisted with anger. "Shut the hell up, you delusional idiot!" she snapped, her voice trembling with rage.
Ethan didn't flinch, keeping his steady gaze on her.
"You think I want you?" she hissed, leaning forward. "Do you know the caliber of men who are at my fingertips? Men who would kill for a chance to be with me? Yet here you are, acting like you're some sort of prize. Newsflash, Ethan — you're nothing compared to them!"
Ethan leaned forward slightly. "Are you done?"
Lucia blinked, momentarily stunned. "What?"
"I asked, are you done talking?" Ethan repeated, his tone calm but firm.
Lucia sat in stunned silence, her mouth slightly open.
"Good," Ethan said, pushing his chair back and rising to his feet. "Then I think it's time for me to leave."
Lucia's eyes burned with rage as she shot to her feet. "Sit back down!" she commanded, her voice echoing across the room. "Don't you dare move an inch, or else—"
"Or else what!" Ethan said cutting her short.
"I will ruin you!" She cried out
" Gosh!…you are so tiring" Ethan said immediately, his voice cold and unwavering. "I've had enough."
Without sparing her another glance, he moved his chair aside and walked away, his footsteps calm and steady.
Lucia stood frozen, staring at his retreating figure, her fury mingling with disbelief. For the first time, she had lost control of the situation. "you won't get away with this" she muttered under her breath.