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360 Sky Garden Dinner
Chapter 360 Sky Garden Dinner
Riley’s heart trembled slightly She nodded, honest as ever, and replied with just one word, “Yes.”
A single word, yet it carried so much unspoken weight.
Looking back now, she understood Zavier’s choice much better.
Why did he make her marriage to Sebastian a condition for returning to the Harper family?
Because he knew the real value it held.
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On the surface, it seemed like a cold transaction–a father callously arranging his daughter’s future. But in truth, it was probably the most secure and meaningful gift that quiet, undemonstrative man could ever give her.
Everyone in the city knew the Torres family wasn’t just wealthy and well–established. What was even more uncommon was how simple their family dynamics were, and how the men had always cherished their wives.
If Riley married into that family, even without love between her and Sebastian, she would still live a comfortable, protected, and cared–for life.
Just as Riley’s thoughts began to drift, Sebastian’s warm hand closed over hers again, giving it a gentle, grounding squeeze.
“Let’s not dwell on the past,” he said, his tone softening. “I booked us a table. Let’s go eat.”
Riley pulled herself back to the present and studied his sharp profile. Then she remembered what he’d said earlier and arched a
brow.
“You didn’t actually invite your friends, did you? Were you really going to introduce me to them formally?”
Sebastian chuckled quietly, his hands steady on the wheel as he took a smooth turn. A teasing note colored his voice. “They’d love that. But they can wait.”
The car eventually came to a stop atop one of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers.
This was Nexopolis‘ celebrated sky garden restaurant–famous for its wrap–around nighttime views and notoriously hard–to–get reservations.
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When the elevator doors parted, the manager, dressed in a tailored tuxedo, was already waiting respectfully at the entrance.
What took Riley by surprise, though, was that as they were led inside, the restaurant wasn’t bustling with guests. Instead, it was an intimate, romantically arranged space–completely empty except for them.
Beyond the towering floor–to–ceiling windows, the city’s glittering lights stretched out like a river of stars.
Inside, fresh white roses and champagne–colored bellflowers adorned every corner, their delicate scent drifting lightly in the air.
A soft violin melody played from hidden speakers.
As they stepped forward, a line of impeccably dressed staff bowed in unison and greeted them warmly.
“Welcome, Mr. and Mrs. Torres. Wishing you a wonderful evening.”
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6:16 pm
Chapter 360 Sky Garden Dinner
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Riley was speechless. She turned to the man beside her, her eyes widening in disbelief. “You… planned all of this?”
Sebastian met her gaze openly. His deep eyes reflected both the city’s glow and her alone. He gave a slight, honest nod.
“Yes,” he admitted. “When I mentioned plans with friends back at the Harpers‘, I was giving you a polite out. I didn’t want you to feel obliged to stay for dinner.” He paused, a faint, almost shy smile touching his tips. “It might sound selfish, but
Taking her hand, he led her toward the best seat in the house. “I didn’t want to share too much of today with anyone else.”
Right then, Riley’s heart skipped a beat.
She suddenly remembered–today was the day they had signed their marriage license at the city hall.
The first official day of their life together as a married couple.
Such an important day shouldn’t have been spent entirely on that tense, complicated family gathering.
And she, caught up in old baggage and difficult people, had almost let it slip by unnoticed.
Brought back by his words, a wave of guilt washed over her.
She lowered her gaze. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have gone back there today. We should’ve rescheduled for tomorrow.”
Sebastian seemed to read her mind. He laid the elegantly designed menu in front of her and smoothly changed the subject. “Why don’t you see what you’d like to eat first?”
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