Page 45 of Code of Heart
He didn’t understand it…this relentless, inexplicable urge to touch her. To put an arm around her waist, to thread his fingers through hers…something.Anything.
Mid-stride, her eyes dropped to her hand, and a faint frown flickered across her face. That made his heart stutter.
He had putso muchthought into those rings. Hours with his jeweler, reworking every detail. He wanted them to be perfect. To make her smile. And if they didn’t, he would replace them in a heartbeat, over and over again, until he got it right. He didn’t care about the price tag.
He wanted her to love them.
Levi hadn’t expected to bethisaffected by a woman he just met. He never had to work this hard for attention. It was equally unnerving and exhilarating.
He focused on trying to appear relaxed by leaning casually against his sleek silver sports car. It was his first post-IPO indulgence, rarely used and plucked from storage just for today. Now, it felt…gauche. Arrogant, even.
Especially as he watched Aurelia’s impassive gaze flick toward the car. He told Estrella from the beginning that he didn’t want someone who gave a damn about his money. He wanted someone who sawhim.
Nevertheless, he showed up today wrapped in symbols of wealth with the car, the suit, the rings, and the restaurant behind them.
The irony made him grimace and curse himself internally.
He had pickedChez P’tit Chou-Fleurbecause he knew the menu like the back of his hand. It was familiar, comforting. A selfish choice, in hindsight.
Levi’s thoughts fell apart when she approached and stopped before him.
She was astunningmix of elegance and edge, restraint and strength. And, by some cosmic twist of fate, she was now his wife.
My wife.
It struck him like a blow to the chest. Either the universe had gifted him something rare…or was teeing him up for a hell of a punchline to a cruel joke.
He sincerely hoped it was the former.
Straightening, Levi stepped away from the car and offered his arm with his best attempt at a flirtatious smile. “Our first meal together as Mr. and Mrs.”
Aurelia quirked a brow, her face revealing nothing. “Hopefully, your friend Owen doesn’t make an appearance.”
He let out a low chuckle, grateful for the softness in her voice, and that she took his arm and didn’t try to run away again.
CHAPTER 25
Aurelia
Aurelia had only heard stories aboutChez P'tit Chou-Fleur, the kind of tabloid-glossy, invitation-only type of restaurant reserved for the rich and famous. Until today, she has never had a reason or the nerve to set foot inside.
Now, seated beside one of its expansive windows overlooking the lush emerald hills of Joia City, she had to admit the restaurant was beautiful. The rolling cliffs she loved so much framed the skyline, spilling elegance and grandeur into every corner of the veranda.
White and ivory flower arrangements, some with ornamental cabbage blooms, were tucked around the dining space. The warm light of chandeliers glittered off the fine China, polished silverware, and sparkling crystal, casting a golden hue over everything.
It was perfect.
And she hated it.
She hated how money whispered from every corner. How the atmosphere was engineered to feel airy and intimate yet somehow left her feeling stifled. It screamed,You don’t belong here, if you didn’t flaunt your financial portfolio like a designer label.
The way other diners assessed her as they walked through only confirmed it.
They hadn’t even reached their table before she had clocked the subtle double-takes, the quiet once-overs, the polite nods sent Levi’s way. Nods that stopped short of acknowledging her altogether. It was clear Levi was a frequent patron here.
Once seated, she allowed her gaze to settle on Levi, who looked downright devastating in the golden light.
She wasn’t about to let him know that, though.
