She Turned Her Grief Into Wings novel Chapter 23

Shera smiled softly. "It's fine. The hardest part is already over."

She had the divorce agreement in hand, Evegrace was finally getting back on track, and things were looking up.

Yes, everything was going to be fine.

By the time they walked out of the hospital, the sky had grown dark.

The April evening breeze carried a sharp chill, and Rhys draped his coat over her shoulders.

The fabric still held his body heat, carrying the faint, comforting scent of his cologne.

He opened the car door for her, and Shera slid into the passenger seat.

"Hungry?"

Shera touched her stomach, realizing she had barely eaten anything all day. A bagel for breakfast, a quick banana in the afternoon, and nothing else.

Now that he mentioned it, she felt completely empty.

Rhys asked, "How about that upscale bistro? I remember it's your favorite."

Shera answered without hesitation, "Sounds perfect."

The night lights of Aurelia City sparkled brightly. The late-blooming cherry blossoms lining the streets were in full glory, their petals swept up by the wind, fluttering down onto the car.

She loved Aurelia at night; the scattered city lights always gave her a sense of profound peace.

She rolled down the window, letting the evening breeze run through her hair. The Gate of Aurelia stood silently in the twilight, the shifting lights making the entire city feel alive.

Soon, the car pulled up to the entrance of the Seasons Hotel. As they stepped out, the hotel manager was already waiting at the doors.

They walked through the lobby and headed straight for the second-floor dining room. As they settled into their booth, the server began walking them through the menu.

Helga Sutton, who was just returning from the restroom, immediately spotted the familiar figure ordering at the booth.

When her eyes shifted to the man sitting across from Shera, surprise flashed across her face.

"That's not Caden?"

Almost reflexively, she pulled out her phone and snapped a series of photos of their table. Once she was certain the faces were crystal clear, she finally stepped out from behind the pillar.

The moment she sat down, her dinner companion gasped dramatically.

"Look over there, that's Rhys Jewell!"

Helga turned back around. Her friend was pointing directly at the man sitting across from Shera.

Given how incredibly striking the man beside her was, it was inevitable that she would become a subject of gossip by association.

It was true when she was with Caden, and it was true now with Rhys.

Today, Rhys was wearing a deep burgundy silk shirt, the sleeves rolled up to his forearms, showcasing his lean, defined muscles.

His dark hair was styled effortlessly, falling naturally across his forehead. His sharp features exuded a relaxed, aristocratic elegance.

He picked up a piece of meat and placed it on Shera's plate, the gesture as naturally intimate as it had been years ago.

"Try this. The signature roasted chicken here is incredible."

"Thank you," she said instinctively.

Rhys looked at her, his eyes warm with amusement. "I've been serving you food for years, and that's the first time I've ever heard you say thank you."

Shera's fingers paused for a second. She lowered her eyes, took a bite, and nodded. "It really is delicious."

Sensing her slight discomfort, Rhys smoothly changed the subject. "That competition—how confident are you?"

She nodded. "I checked out their theme, and it aligns perfectly with my vision. Galen is hosting an exhibition in a few days. I'm planning to go check it out, maybe grab some inspiration."

"You're incredibly talented, and you have Lenny's eye for design. If you can make it to the finals and take home the championship, Galen might just take you on as a protégé."