Chapter 29
Chapter 29
“Audrey, Danielle is just a bit reserved. Don’t overthink it,” Joseph said, his tone sharp.
“Exactly, Audrey. You’re overreacting,” Vivian added, her voice calm and detached.
86%1
+13
Audrey looked around at her family. Everyone seemed to be siding with Danielle, making it feel like she was the one in the wrong. She knew she couldn’t argue anymore. “I get it. I was overthinking. I’m sorry, Danielle.”
“Danielle, Audrey was only trying to help. Don’t hold it against her,” Sienna said, her expression soft and innocent as she glanced at Danielle.
Danielle didn’t miss the hidden undertone. Sienna wasn’t just defending Audrey–she was implying Danielle was too
sensitive.
“I’ve barely said a word since I got here,” Danielle said, her voice cool. “What exactly makes you think I’m holding a grudge?”
“Joseph, you know that’s not what I meant.” Sienna shot Joseph a helpless look, silently pleading for him to back her up.
Danielle simply watched her little performance, unimpressed.
“Enough, Sienna. Danielle’s not the type to hold grudges,” Joseph said firmly, his frustration starting to show.
Just then, a servant appeared at the doorway. “Mr. and Mrs. Darling, Mr. Charrington has arrived.”
A tall, commanding figure stepped into the room. David, dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, exuded an effortless air of sophistication. His lips curved in a polite smile as he greeted Howard and Vivian with a nod.
”
“David, what brings you here? Come, have a seat,” Howard said warmly, his face lighting up.
“I’m here to take Danielle out for dinner,” David replied, his eyes twinkling as they found Danielle.
Since David walked in, Audrey had been sneaking glances at him, envy twisting her thoughts. ‘How can someon like him be with Danielle? Why did the engagement go to her? I’ve treated Howard and Vivian like my real parents, but they clearly don’t see me as their real daughter. Why do they favor her so much?‘
Audrey’s gaze lingered on Danielle, jealousy clouding her mind.
“Done with work already?” Danielle asked with a small smile.
“There’s always time for dinner with you,” David replied, his lips curling into a slight smirk.
Under his steady gaze, Danielle felt heat rush to her cheeks.
The Darling family watched the interaction with mixed reactions. Howard and Vivian exchanged amused smiles, while Joseph and Xavier stared daggers at David. ‘He’s stealing our little sister right in front of us,‘ they thought.
“Danielle, go enjoy your date with David. Don’t worry about us,” Vivian said, her voice full of encouragement.
Sienna, on the other hand, could barely contain her jealousy. Ever since she arrived, the Darling family had treated her with polite indifference. But the moment Danielle appeared, all attention shifted to her, leaving Sienna feeling invisible–even Joseph barely acknowledged her anymore.
“We’ll head out now. I won’t stay out too late,” Danielle said sweetly, looking at her family.
08.18
86%
Chapter 29
“Danielle, you’re ditching your brothers to have dinner with some random guy?” Xavier whined dramatically, putting on a pout.
“Stop it, Xavier. Let your sister go,” Howard said, giving him a playful swat on the head.
“Dad! Ow! That hurt–and you messed up my hairl” Xavier complained, rubbing his head with an exaggerated grimace.
“I’ll have Danielle home early,” David said smoothly, his tone carrying a hint of teasing confidence.
Joseph and Xavier shot him matching glares, their faces red with frustration.
+13
Starlight Restaurant,
The entire restaurant was designed around a starry night theme, and the quiet evenings made the ambiance even more enchanting.
When David and Danielle stepped inside, they were immediately captivated. The twinkling “starlight scattered across the restaurant ceiling, paired with the warm glow of the lights, created an atmosphere so romantic it could be the definition of the word.
Danielle glanced around, noticing the absence of other diners. “Did you rent out the whole place?” she asked, her voice laced with surprise.
David’s deep eyes locked onto hers, his lips curving into a slight smile. “It’s our first date. I didn’t want any interruptions.”
Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she stammered, “W–who said this is a date? We’re just having dinner!” Her heart betrayed her, thumping harder with every word. It felt like a tiny deer was leaping around in her chest.
‘Why does this man have to look so perfect?‘ she wondered. ‘Is it really fair for someone to be this good–looking?‘
A waiter stepped forward and asked politely, “Mr. Charrington, shall we begin serving?”
David gave a small nod. “Yes.”
Danielle glanced at the man seated across from her, his polished demeanor amplified by the soft light. She smiled faintly. “This place is beautiful. Do you come here often?”
“Do you like it?” David asked, his sharp gaze softening. “If you do, I’ll bring you here whenever you want.”
Soon, a line of servers appeared, each holding a dish. They set the plates down carefully, their voices calm and respectful. “Mr. Charrington, Miss Darling, your meal is ready. Please enjoy
David nodded again, then said, “Open a bottle of red wine and bring a glass of juice.”
“Right away, Mr. Charrington,” the manager replied before stepping away.
Danielle’s eyes
lit
up
at the mention of wine. She wasn’t much of a drinker, but she enjoyed a glass now and then.
The manager returned shortly with a bottle of wine, uncorking it with practiced ease. He poured a glass for David and moved to pour another–only for David to stop him.
“She’ll have juice,” David said firmly.
उ
86%1
Chapter 29
Danielle’s jaw dropped. Her much–anticipated wine was gone in an instant. She frowned. “Why can’t I have wine?”
David’s smile turned knowing, “Remember the last time you drank? At the club?”
Her face turned crimson as memories of her drunken behaviors came flooding back. The thought alone made her cringe. “That… that was just a one–time thing!” she muttered.
David, looking effortlessly elegant in his black suit, crossed his legs and swirled his wine before taking a leisurely sip. “Sure.”
Danielle huffed, sipping her juice reluctantly, but David didn’t seem to notice. Instead, he kept placing food on her plate, his actions thoughtful and natural. “How’s it been, settling back with the Darling family?” he asked after a pause.
She shrugged lightly. “It’s fine. Dad, Mom, and my brothers have all been really kind to me.”
David studied her expression for a moment. “Why did you try to bid on the Crimson Lily?”
Danielle’s response came casually. “I’m working on a remedy and needed it as one of the ingredients.”
“In a week, I’ll have time to perform the surgery on your grandmother,” Danielle blinked her clear, beautiful eyes, gazing at David.
David smiled, his lips curving into a grin. “Great. Let’s go together in a week. Do we need to prepare anything?”
“Nothing at all.” For Danielle, this surgery was simple; there was no need for any preparation.
“Good,” he replied, his lips curling into a faint smile that lingered just long enough to make her heart flutter again.
SEND GIFT
