Chapter 182
Chapter 182:
Before long, the waiter arrived, carefully setting their dishes on the table one at a time. Cristian deftly sliced the steak and slid the plate in front of Fernanda.
She took her first bite, savoring the tender, flavorful meat that left a delightful aftertaste lingering on her tongue.
After sampling a few bites of the side dishes, she nodded appreciatively. “You were spot on with this suggestion. It’s fantastic.”
Cristian smiled warmly. “I’m glad you like it. This place has so many amazing dishes. If we come back, we can try something new.”
The delicious meal seemed to brighten Fernanda’s mood, prompting her to tease, “Not even done yet, and you’re already planning our next visit?”
“Absolutely,” Cristian said, his tone soft. “Every time we meet, I find myself looking forward to it.”
Fernanda felt a slight warmth rise to her cheeks, but thankfully, the soft, dim lighting concealed her blush from Cristian.
Choosing not to respond, she turned her attention back to her plate. For her, savoring each bite with focus was the best way to honor a good meal.
Once she had cleaned her plate, Fernanda rubbed her stomach, realizing she might have overindulged.
“I’ll handle the bill,” she offered.
However, when she signaled the waiter, she discovered Cristian had already taken care of it.
“When did you manage that?” Fernanda asked, clearly surprised. He hadn’t even moved from his seat, so how could he have possibly paid?
“I’m a VIP here,” Cristian explained casually. “So they simply charged it to my account.”
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Fernanda frowned in disapproval. “Weren’t we clear that I’d treat you this time? If you always pay, it’ll seem like I’m taking advantage of you.”
“You mentioned treating me to thank me for celebrating your birthday. If I let you pay, wouldn’t that take away my reason to meet you again?”
Fernanda stared at him, at a loss for words. Could she confess she hadn’t thought about it in that way?
“That’s why I can’t let you pay,” Cristian said, leaning in slightly, his voice softening. “I want you to feel like there’s still something to repay, even if it’s just a meal, so you’ll say yes when I ask you out again.”
Fernanda was completely at a loss. How could he read her thoughts so effortlessly?
With a playful grin, she gave Cristian’s arm a gentle pinch.
It was a light, harmless gesture, and Cristian only responded with an even brighter smile.
“Let’s get moving,” Fernanda said with a playful nudge of her nose in his direction. “Thank you for treating me to a meal.”
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