Kidnapped to love

chapter 64

Dimitri stepped into the open-air restaurant, his heart pounding in his chest. The atmosphere buzzed with laughter and chatter, but all he could focus on was the knot of tension coiling tighter within him. He rushed through the entrance, scanning the tables until he spotted her. A wave of relief washed over him as he breathed out a quiet, “Thank God.”

As he approached, his eyes were drawn to her stunning red gown, which hugged her figure perfectly as she delicately placed candles on the cake. She looked radiant, a vision of beauty that took his breath away.

“Hazel!” he called out, a smile breaking across his face.

“You came!” she exclaimed, standing up and wrapping her arms around him in an enthusiastic hug.

“How could I not?” he replied, hugging her back tightly. A smile danced on his lips as he inhaled her sweet scent.

She pulled back, beaming at him. “How am I looking?”

“Just like my angel,” he said, his heart fluttering at her joy.

Hazel giggled, her cheeks flushed with happiness. “Come on!” She grabbed his hand and led him to the table, where a beautiful cake awaited them. “Happy 16th anniversary!” she said, her eyes sparkling.

“Congratulations to you too,” he replied, his smile genuine as he looked into her eyes.

“Let’s cut the cake!” she said eagerly.

“Sure,” he agreed, feeling a warmth spread through him. They sat together, excitement bubbling between them as they cut the cake. She fed him a piece, and then he reciprocated, the playful moment drawing them closer.

“What about my gift?” she asked, a hint of innocence in her voice.

“Hmm, I not prepared  anything ” he admitted sheepishly.

“Why not?” she pouted, making her best innocent face.

“I was kinda busy,” he said, glancing away,

“It’s okay! You can bring me one next time,” she said, her smile returning.

“Yeah, we can wait for next time for next gift ,” he replied, cause he spotted one of his guards approaching with a box in hand.

“Here, sir,” the guard said, handing over the box.

Dimitri smiled toward Hazel, who was watching curiously. He opened the box to reveal a dazzling diamond bracelet. “You like bracelets a lot, right?” he asked, holding it up.

She nodded, eyes wide with delight. “It’s beautiful!”

He gently took her hand, fastening the bracelet around her wrist. “Not more than you,” he said, and they exchanged shy smiles, a moment of connection sparking between them.

Hazel held onto his hand, reluctant to let go. “You know, I found something online,” she said, her eyes bright with excitement.

“And what’s that?” he asked, genuinely curious.

“Wait, let me show you,” she said, reaching for her phone, leaving his hand momentarily.

As she searched, Dimitri’s phone buzzed with a message. He quickly replied, that he had found Hazel and everything was okay. When he looked up, Hazel was showing him her phone with a picture on the screen.

“Isn’t it pretty?” she asked, her eyes shining.

“Yeah, indeed,” he replied, looking at the ring displayed on her screen. “Do you know what it’s called?” she began to ask.

“Knot ring,” he said, his voice mingling with hers.

“You knew about it?” she asked, surprised.

“Yes, I do,” he confirmed

“Then buy one for me!” Hazel said, her excitement palpable.

his mind drifting for a moment to the conversation he had with Crystal. Must have bought it for your fiancé too

she saw the silence fall over him, her expression shifted. “I want one, from you, for our relationship,” she insisted, her eyes pleading.

The memory of Crystal’s face flashed in his mind. Gosh, Crystal… were you asking me or telling? he pondered, feeling a pang of guilt.

“What are you thinking? Will you not buy it for me?” Hazel asked, her eyes nearly filling with tears.

“Of course I will buy it for you,” he promised, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach his heart.

Hazel’s face lit up, her tears turning into joy. “Thank you!”

“Hungry?” he asked, trying to shift the mood.

“A bit,” she replied, still smiling.

“Let’s order something,” he suggested, relief flooding through him as they perused the menu. But even as they laughed and chatted, the weight of his thoughts about Crystal lingered, a shadow in the back of his mind that refused to fade.