Chapter 73

For dinner later that day, we decided to visit the busy little beach town. It was bustling with activity as we stepped into the lively restaurant, and I was surprised to see so many people out.

Everyone was dressed in breathable clothing, like flowy summer dresses or white linens.

I was looking forward to enjoying a delicious dinner with all of my friends, old and new. As much as I loved James's cooking over the past few days, I was ready to just have a meal where all of us could relax without dirtying up the kitchen.

We found a cozy corner table, and as fate would have it, the seating arrangements hadn't changed. James was once again next to Victoria and Emily, and I couldn't help but wonder if their conversations would result in another clash.

After their movie this morning, I thought that they had settled their differences once and for all, but unsurprisingly, the two of them got into another argument. Except then, they were fighting over the remote.

After about forty-five minutes of them squabbling, they finally got over it and ended up being friendly again.

I couldn't quite understand what was going on between the two of them. They were so bipolar with each other, and had a love/hate relationship like siblings would.

But as we settled into our seats, the air seemed charged with a strange mix of tension that was impossible to ignore.

Even though the two of them acted like siblings, I felt as though their relationship was anything but...

It felt as if something was brewing between the two of them, but I couldn't be too sure yet.

The underlying dynamic between James and Victoria was like watching a real-life rom-com unfold.

"This is nice, guys," Lucas smiled once all of us had our hands on a menu.

I couldn't disagree with that.

"Yeah, now if only it isn't interrupted with some arguing—" Emily started to say, but was cut off by Victoria.

"Don't put the blame on me." Victoria's eyes twinkled with a hint of mischief. "James is the one who starts every argument."

James let out a dramatic scoff. "What? That is such bullshit. If anyone's starting the arguments, it's you!"

Emily rolled her eyes playfully. "Oh, no. What have I done?"

I smirked, letting my eyes travel between Victoria and James. "Don't worry, Emily. This is just their way of flirting."

Both James and Victoria gasped, trying to look away from one another.

"Trust me, I am not flirting with him." Victoria jabbed a thumb in James's direction.

"Yeah, and I would never flirt with someone who doesn't like watching superhero movies," James retaliated.

"Superhero movies are so boring," Victoria turned toward him, already growing annoyed again. "They're so predictable. The same thing happens every single time. There's a problem that the hero has to solve, he fights against evil, he wins, the end."

"There's so much more that goes into the story!" James argued. "It's about the journey and the lessons the hero has to learn along the way."

"Bo-ring!" Victoria chimed, a smile starting to take over her lips.

"Ah, the love-hate relationship is strong here," Lucas grinned, gesturing dramatically between James and Victoria.

Victoria leaned in, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You've got it all wrong. It's just a hate-hate relationship."

"Awe, that's so sweet!" James teased, bumping Victoria with his shoulder. "I hate you, too!"

Their banter continued and I was confused as to how the two of them could constantly have something to argue about. It also confused me how they didn't realize that their arguing might mean something more...

My attention was momentarily diverted away from their bickering when I noticed an older couple at the next table. The two of them were lost in their own world of whispers and affectionate glances.

The two of them were clearly madly in love — the kind of love that had stood the test of time.

Victoria's voice pulled me back to the conversation. "You know, I've always looked at older couples like that and thought, 'Wow, that's the kind of love I want.'"

I glanced at her, intrigued by the vulnerability in her tone. "Really? No offense, but you seem like the last person who would desire a romantic relationship."

She let out a deep sigh, her gaze distant as she surveyed the couple. "Yeah, well, appearances can be deceiving. My parents, they're business partners, more like business acquaintances. Their marriage is nothing but a strategic alliance for financial benefits."

I raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that the same thing they're trying to do to you and Lucas?"

Victoria smiled painfully. "Pretty much. It's all they've ever known, so forcing me into a similar situation has no effect on them whatsoever."

I frowned, deep in thought. Hearing Victoria say that made me feel sympathetic to her. "So, you're saying you can't really imagine being in a relationship like that?"

"Exactly." Victoria's eyes flickered as she looked at me. "But there's a part of me that secretly hopes for something more... Some kind of alternative."

"You know, Victoria, you don't have to listen to your parents," James chimed in, his tone genuine. "You can find someone who loves you for you, not for business contracts." James looked at Lucas. "Same with you, man."

"I think genuine romance is hard to find in a lot of Alpha families," Emily confessed, resting her hand on her chin. "Even my parents aren't in love. They're just in love with their wealth."

I shook my head. "I don't want a love like that. Why would you want to be with someone who doesn't even love you?"

Victoria's gaze was contemplative. "I agree, Shana. I think everyone deserves to spend their lives with someone who really, truly loves them."

Emily added with a soft smile, "Yeah, and who doesn't deserve that? We only have one life. Why spend it with someone you don't even love?"

I felt the urge to add to Emily's comment. "I'm with Emily on this one. You're a strong, beautiful, smart, independent woman. You deserve a love that's real, not just a partnership."

Everyone around the table agreed, nodding in unison.

Victoria seemed to be touched by our words, silently worrying her bottom lip.

After a brief moment of silence, I couldn't help but share my own thoughts. "My mom used to be a hopeless romantic. She believed in love like the kind you see in movies. And she always told me that someday, I'd find someone who would make me feel like I was living in a fairy tale."

Lucas's voice broke the quietness, his words soft. "I've never really thought about it that way before."

Victoria's gaze turned to him, her curiosity evident. "What about you, Lucas? What do you think about all this?"

Lucas's eyes were distant. "I guess... I never really imagined myself in a fairy tale romance. I've always been more focused on the business and my responsibility. The idea of love has been more about... business. It's been more of an obligation."

There was a weight to his words, a glimpse into a world I hadn't fully understood.

I had no idea Lucas viewed love in such a negative light. A marriage is a union of two souls who deeply understand and love one another.

It's not just a business transaction. It's so much more than that...

As we ate our dinners and let the topic of love slip away, I couldn't shake how much that conversation had affected me.

All of us deserved love. We all yearned for something more, something real.

And why shouldn't we be?

Why couldn't Lucas and Victoria see that and rise above their parents?