The Billionaire's Contract Wife

Chapter 5 - A Dinner For Three

Lily stared blankly at the chandelier glimmering brightly above her. The brunette then shifted her gaze to the her surroundings, the room was tastefully decorated in a way that still highlighted it's expensive quality. The spacious room only housed their single table, the wall next to it having been converted into floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the city lights. Seeing as they were separated from the main dining area. their table housed a small button that they could use to call over a waiter once they had decided on their orders.

Initially, when the man had said that they had a reservation for dinner she thought it would be at a nearby family restaurant. Instead, here they were, seated inside one the many private rooms that the Palazzo del Re; a well-known upscale Italian establishment located near the outskirts of the city and boasting a magnificent lake view even during the night. Lily was pretty sure that the restaurant enforced a strict dress code even on their guests, however that rule apparently did not apply to Conrad Walter. Seeing as despite the odd looks they received from the other patrons as they walked in the establishment in casual wear, with some of the woman eyeing her hoodie and skirt combo oddly. 

Well, it wasn't as if she had been expecting her weekly grocery trip to turn into an impromptu fancy dinner.

However, it did seem that money is indeed power. As the staff had been nothing less than polite having barely done a cursory glance as they gave them a quick slight bow before ushering them towards the private room they were now in. 

A light cough broke her out of her thoughts, bringing her attention towards the man seated across from her who apparently had been staring at her in silent amusement. 

"We couldn't have gotten dinner somewhere less fancy?"

"No," Conrad replied curtly despite the growing smile on his face. "Michael asked for pasta, and this restaurant happens to serve his favourite." Blinking incredulously, Lily turned to the child seated on her right who grinned back at her, tiny hands clutching at the menu he was given.

"Is your daddy telling the truth sweetheart?"

Michael nodded eagerly in response. He shifted, bringing the menu closer to her before insistently pointing at one of the many dishes offered. Lily made a noise of understanding before ruffling the pleased boy's hair, once the child was once more occupied with the intricate menu she turned to stare flatly at the raven haired man.

"It's mac and cheese. Your son's favourite pasta dish isn't even an authentic pasta dish."

"Lobster mac and cheese," Conrad corrected, smile growing into a grin at her pointed look. "It's just temporary anyways, we just haven't found a time to bring him over to Italy in order to try out more dishes."

The brunette sighed, exasperated. "Again, why are we here when there are tons of places, less expensive places might I said, that sell lobster mac and cheese?"

"And risk Michael getting sick from eating food of less quality?" The man retorted, face scrunching up at the thought. "I don't think so. Besides it's not like I can't afford it,"

Knowing she was fighting a losing battle, Lily shifted her attention back to the menu she had at hand. "I fear for what Michael would become if you're already spoiling him rotten right now,"

"I don't think you have any right to say that wife, it's not like your any better at not spoiling the little menace." He retorted lightly, ignoring the indignant noise she made in protest. "That aside, have you made your choice? I fear that our son might try to eat his napkin if you take any longer,"

Lily blinked lightly in surprise at the sudden change in conversation before the words registered themselves in her head. Worriedly, she glanced to her right noticing how the boy was gloomily staring at his empty plate, one hand clutching at his stomach. The brunette closed her menu and reached over to rub soothingly at the raven locks, something the child eagerly leaned into.