Chapter 9 Tangled Loyalties

The restaurant exuded warmth, its dim lighting casting soft shadows against the dark wood furnishings. A gentle hum of conversation filled the air, accompanied by the distant melody of a piano. Everything felt intimate, almost surreal, as if Suzanne had stepped into a different world—one where Charles was still the man she had fallen in love with. She barely had time to process the way his hand lingered on the small of her back before he pulled out a chair for her. She hesitated for just a second, but then she let herself sink into the plush seat. It was easy to pretend tonight. Easy to believe in this version of him. As he settled across from her, a slow grin curved his lips. “Do you remember that theme park trip?” he asked, his voice laced with nostalgia. “You swore you’d never get on that rollercoaster. But I tricked you into it anyway.” Suzanne let out a surprised laugh, shaking her head. “You didn’t trick me. You manipulated me.” She pointed at him accusingly, but her eyes gleamed with amusement. “And then you laughed at me the entire time!” Charles chuckled, resting his chin on his hand. “I couldn’t help it. You were gripping the seat like your life depended on it. And that scream? I think the whole park heard you.” She rolled her eyes but couldn’t suppress her smile. It was strange—this ease between them. The way they fit into old patterns so effortlessly. It made her feel lighter, as if, just for tonight, she could forget everything else. The conversation drifted between memories and playful teasing, and for a brief moment, Suzanne allowed herself to get lost in it. She laughed until tears pricked at her eyes, teasing Charles about his terrible taste in shoes and the time he had spilled an entire drink on himself at a gala. It felt natural. Comfortable. But then, something shifted. Her gaze wandered absentmindedly across the restaurant, past the flickering candlelight and the elegantly dressed patrons. And then she saw him. A man in a white coat. At first, she thought it was just a coincidence—after all, there were several doctors in the room, their crisp uniforms standing out against the dim ambiance. But then she spotted him. Liam. He wasn’t dressed like the others, but there was no mistaking him. He stood near the entrance, his coat draped over his arm, his presence striking despite the casual attire. Her breath caught. For a fleeting moment, their eyes met across the room, and something inside her shifted. A pull. A reminder. She turned away quickly, her heart pounding in her chest. Charles, noticing her sudden distraction, followed her gaze. His expression remained unreadable as he let out a small chuckle. “Oh, that’s the doctor,” he mused, swirling his wine glass lazily. “Did you know him before?” Suzanne swallowed hard, carefully schooling her features. “He was my high school classmate,” she said, keeping her voice steady. Charles hummed in response, clearly uninterested, as he launched into a discussion about work—something about high-profile clients, business expansions. But Suzanne wasn’t listening. Her thoughts had drifted. She could still feel Liam’s gaze on her, even though she refused to look back. The memory of their last conversation resurfaced—the way he had stood by her side at the hospital, the way he had offered her a choice. And now, here he was again. A coincidence? Or something more? She barely heard another word Charles said for the rest of the dinner. --- The night air was crisp when they stepped outside, the city buzzing around them. Suzanne lingered near the entrance, rubbing her arms absently as she tried to shake off the strange feeling twisting inside her. Then, a voice. Soft. Familiar. “Suzanne.” She turned too quickly, her heart slamming against her ribs at the sight of him. Liam Carter stood just a few feet away, his expression unreadable, his posture composed but his eyes—his eyes told a different story. She swallowed hard. “Liam.” He took a hesitant step forward, his gaze searching hers. “What are you doing here?” His voice was quiet, careful. She forced a small smile, though it felt hollow. “I’m on a date with my husband.” The words tasted strange on her tongue, heavier than they should have been. Liam’s jaw tightened just slightly. A flicker of something—pain, maybe—passed through his expression before he masked it. “I miss you,” he said simply, the honesty in his voice making her stomach clench. The silence between them stretched. Suzanne shivered as a cool breeze swept through the street. Before she could react, Liam shrugged off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. The warmth of the fabric, the scent of him surrounding her—it sent a jolt through her, something dangerously close to comfort. She looked up at him, her lips parting slightly, but before she could say anything, another voice cut through the moment. “Don’t worry, Liam.” Charles. His tone was smooth, but there was an undeniable sharpness beneath it. He stood by the restaurant door, his arms crossed, his gaze cool and unreadable. “I’ll take care of my wife.” Suzanne stiffened at the possessiveness in his voice. Liam didn’t move, didn’t react. He simply held her gaze for a moment longer before exhaling softly. “I just wanted to make sure she was okay,” he murmured, turned to leave. Charles stepped closer, his presence unmistakable, and then— “Your coat,” he said, his lips curling into something almost smug. “You’re leaving it behind.” Suzanne hesitated, the weight of the moment pressing down on her. Slowly, she reached for the coat, her fingers trembling slightly as she slid it off her shoulders. Liam took it from her, his hand brushing against hers for just a second longer than necessary. His lips quirked in a small, almost bittersweet smile. Then, with a wink that sent her heart racing, he turned and disappeared into the night. Suzanne stood there, watching him go, feeling a strange sense of loss settle in her chest. Charles, meanwhile, slipped an arm around her waist, leaning in close. His breath was warm against her ear as he whispered, “Come on, darling. Let’s go home.”