Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 41

Willa arrived at the restaurant first. A few minutes later, Sophie strutted over in a stunning red dress and stilettos, pulling her into a massive bear hug without a word.

"Congratulations, babe! As much as I'd love for us to both just slack off, seeing you shine makes me so happy."

She linked arms with Willa and steered her inside. "Come on, come on. I'm popping the most expensive bottle of red wine to celebrate you tonight."

This French restaurant was famous for its romantic ambiance. Most of the patrons were couples, making two women dining together a somewhat rare sight.

The waiter approached them, a flicker of surprise on his face. "Just the two ladies for tonight?"

Sophie leaned playfully against Willa, batting her eyelashes and speaking in a sweet, lilting tone. "Just two gorgeous women. Is that a problem?"

The waiter chuckled and shook his head, escorting them to a prime window seat.

Sophie enthusiastically ordered the signature dishes and a vintage bottle of wine.

Willa let her take charge, simply watching her with a quiet smile.

Sophie popped a piece of steak into her mouth and mumbled as she chewed, "Wills, did you ever figure out who that idiot with the millions of dollars was?"

Willa was just about to bring up Randal when her gaze accidentally landed on a booth nearby.

A couple had just taken their seats. She recognized the woman vaguely, but the man was unmistakably familiar.

He was wearing an impeccably tailored suit, a sharp contrast to his casual attire from that morning. It was obvious he had dressed up for this date.

The woman beside him was absolutely breathtaking. Dressed in a champagne silk gown, she radiated an elegant, intellectual aura that easily made her the center of attention.

They sat incredibly close, their interactions natural and intimate. It was exactly like the scene she had witnessed at the auction house five years ago.

"Is the woman next to him his fiancée?" Sophie lowered her voice, though her tone grew even more indignant. "What is his problem? Pretending he doesn't know you when his fiancée is around, but acting like a possessive jerk behind her back?"

Willa watched Sophie's lips move, but the protective words went entirely unheard.

All her senses were completely hijacked by the picture-perfect couple in front of her. Her heart felt as if it had been slashed open, letting the freezing wind howl through her chest.

The sensation was agonizing. It made her stomach cramp and sent a wave of nausea washing over her.

The images from five years ago crashed into her mind with startling clarity.

She remembered standing in the corner of the auction hall, watching Randal win a multimillion-dollar ruby necklace and place it directly into Scarlett's hands.

Eleanor Yates had told her that the necklace was meant for the future daughter-in-law of the Yates family.