Three Years Forgotten, Why Go Crazy When I Say Goodbye? novel Chapter 50

Vivienne had been dying to try this exact restaurant and had begged Julian to take her for weeks. Since he finally had the evening free, she was ecstatic, clinging to his arm and giggling coquettishly as they walked down the avenue.

Just as they neared the entrance, she froze. A familiar silhouette was walking out the door.

By the time she fully turned her head, the figure was already walking away, disappearing into the shadows of the street.

Noticing her pause, Julian asked softly, "What is it?"

Vivienne hesitated. "I think I just saw Willow."

She pointed in the direction the woman had vanished.

Julian barely spared a glance down the block before dismissing it entirely. "Impossible."

"But it really looked like her."

"It wasn't her," Julian stated with absolute certainty. "Knowing Willow, she's either chained to her desk at the office or slaving away on her laptop at home. She doesn't go out. Besides, she can't afford a place like this."

That reassured Vivienne instantly. "You're right."

Julian tapped her nose playfully. "Come on, stop worrying. You've been talking about this place for months. Let's go see what's on the menu."

Outside, Willow had planned to walk Arthur all the way to his car, but he stopped her halfway down the block, insisting she head home.

She didn't push it. She waved as he walked off, waiting until the Bentley finally pulled away before turning to head to the subway.

Inside the car, Silas had his eyes closed, leaning against the plush leather headrest. Arthur sat stiffly on the opposite side, breaking the silence with a cautious, "Mr. Thorne."

Silas didn't reply, keeping his eyes shut.

Unsure of the mood, Arthur tried again. "Do you want me to give you a verbatim recount of everything Ms. Horgan and I discussed?"

Arthur stared at him, utterly bewildered. What?

If memory served, Silas had explicitly commanded him to be impeccably polite to Ms. Horgan.

Now he was getting death glares for shielding her from the wind?

Swallowing hard, he nodded frantically. "I'll be more mindful in the future."

"Mindful of what?" Silas demanded, clearly unsatisfied with the answer.

Arthur was legitimately sweating now. Mindful of what? I don't know! Breathing too close to her?

"Whatever you want me to be mindful of, sir."

Silas ignored the panicked response, dropping his gaze back to his phone. Displayed on the screen was a photo he had snapped through the tinted window just moments ago. Though it was slightly blurred by the glass, Willow's side profile and delicate frame were unmistakable.