Bound by the Past, Locked by the Heart novel Chapter 83

Well before the lunch hour began, Randal's message came through.

[Come down.]

Willa checked the time. It was eleven-forty.

She grabbed her bag, let Iris know she was heading out, and took the elevator down.

Outside the office building, Randal's black Maybach was already parked by the curb.

He was leaning against the car door, looking down at his phone.

The sunlight hit him perfectly, casting a soft, radiant glow that made him look undeniably striking.

For a split second, Willa felt like she was looking at the Randal from five years ago.

The bruise on his cheekbone had faded significantly; you could barely see it unless you were looking closely.

Willa walked straight toward the passenger side, but just as she reached for the handle, his cold voice stopped her.

"Sit in the back."

With that, he pulled open the rear door.

Willa froze, hesitating for a moment.

"What? Are you afraid I'm going to eat you?"

She let out a helpless sigh and ducked into the backseat.

Randal got in right after her and asked flatly, "What do you want to eat?"

"Didn't you have something to tell me?"

"We'll talk while we eat." He glanced over at her.

Willa thought for a moment. "Whatever is fine."

"Then head to Dreamwater Garden," Randal instructed the driver.

Hearing that name made Willa's heart skip a beat.

She remembered the place. It was a cozy spot by the river that specialized in traditional regional cuisine.

Her mother was from the south, so Willa had always favored sweet comfort foods, and Randal used to bring her here all the time.

He always called ahead to reserve her favorite honey-glazed BBQ ribs.

The owner smiled. "The usual, then? Do you want to try any of our new additions?"

Randal nodded. "Bring whatever you recommend."

The owner smiled and backed out of the room, leaving behind a silence so thick you could hear a pin drop.

Willa stared down at her teacup, desperately searching for a topic to break the tension.

"You must have lost a lot of money buying this place."

Randal took a sip of his tea and replied flatly, "It's fine."

When he didn't elaborate after a few seconds, she pressed on. "Why would you buy it if it doesn't make money?"

Randal looked up at her. His gaze was subdued, hiding a trace of unreadable tenderness that made her heart skip a beat against her will.

A playful smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "What, are you hoping I'll say I bought it for you?"

"No, I wasn't..." she quickly defended herself.

Randal cut her off. "Don't flatter yourself. I just like the food here."

Willa was rendered speechless. She had no idea when Randal had developed a sweet tooth.