The restaurant Scarlet chose was The Olive Oasis, a well-known fine-dining establishment across from Hope Hospital.
Crystal chandeliers. Floor-to-ceiling glass. Private booths shielded by sheer golden drapes. It was the kind of place where influential doctors negotiated research grants and CEOs closed discreet deals over a truffle risotto.
Scarlet walked slightly ahead, her heels clicking confidently against the marble floor. Shay held Ares' hand.
She had positioned herself on his other side.
Close enough for their arms to brush.
"Still the same," Scarlet said lightly as they were ushered to a private room. "You always preferred quiet corners."
Ares gave a neutral hum.
He had chosen corners back then because Scarlet had liked to talk about dreams that required privacy.
Medical school abroad. Big research grants. Leaving the country together.
He pushed the memory away.
They sat. Scarlet naturally took the seat beside him. Not across but beside him.
