Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 173

Silas briefly introduced them, and the chef offered Willow a polite greeting before diving into an animated conversation with Silas. Since they spoke entirely in rapid French, Willow couldn't understand a word. She did, however, notice the chef casting several pointed glances in her direction. Maintaining her manners, she offered a polite smile each time their eyes met.

The conversation eventually wound down, and as the chef turned to leave, he wished her a pleasant meal in English—only to shoot her one final, lingering look that left her utterly bewildered.

Their starter was a beautifully plated spread of cured salmon and foie gras. Silas took the lead in explaining the dish. "Thomas is a master in the kitchen. He's taken home gold at several international culinary competitions. See what you think."

"Thank you." Willow took a delicate bite. The flavors were incredibly bright and rich, melting perfectly on her tongue. "This is absolutely incredible."

Yet, despite the exquisite food, her curiosity about the chef's strange behavior was gnawing at her.

After a few more bites, she couldn't hold back any longer. "When you were speaking with the chef just now... did I come up in conversation?"

A slow smirk tugged at the corner of Silas's mouth. "What gave you that idea?"

"He kept looking over at me," she replied honestly.

Her deadpan sincerity caught Silas off guard, drawing a low chuckle from him. "And why do you think he was looking at you?" he teased.

"I have no idea." Willow shook her head, genuinely perplexed. "Do I have something on my face?"

Silas was simultaneously amused and baffled. "Why on earth would that be your first assumption?"

As for the staring, Silas had caught that, too. He had practically ordered Thomas to rein it in before he spooked her, but the chef had been too fascinated by the woman who had managed to thaw his infamously icy friend.

To push Silas's buttons, Thomas had even brazenly declared that if Silas wasn't going to make a move, he would gladly step in and ask her out himself, warning Silas to stay out of his way.

Backed into a corner by the chef's relentless prodding, Silas had been forced to drop the ultimate buzzkill: he informed Thomas that she was currently married. Only then did the chef finally retreat, looking utterly disappointed.

Naturally, Silas kept all those colorful details to himself.

Willow was completely blindsided by the compliment. Flustered and unsure of how to navigate the sudden shift in atmosphere, she opted for silence, ducking her head to focus intently on her meal.