Chapter 243

"T-Timothy?" I stuttered, the streetlight casting a soft glow on his features.

"I'm sorry for startling you," Timothy said, his voice carrying a hint of worry. "I wanted to surprise you, but I guess this was ill-timed all things considered. I also wanted to check on you and see if you were okay."

I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I was holding, the tension in my shoulders easing slightly at the sight of my friend. "I... I'm fine. Just a long day at work, that's all."

Timothy's brow furrowed, his concern evident. "Are you sure? I wasn’t trying to scare you. I kind of just turned up, but I’d be lying if I said was wasn’t worried about you all day."

Relief washed over me, and I smiled at him. "That’s sweet, and I promise I’m fine. What’s all this?”

He held out a bouquet of delicate roses, their petals vibrant against the night. "These are for you. I thought they might brighten your evening."

I felt a blush creeping up my cheeks as I accepted the flowers. "You didn't have to do this, Timothy."

He shook his head, his eyes earnest. "I wanted to. Consider it a small gesture after the day you've had."

I smiled gratefully, the simple beauty of the roses lifting my spirits. "Thank you. They're lovely."

Timothy took a step closer, his gaze softening. "Would you allow me to take you out tonight? Just to unwind and have a nice evening?"

I hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the sudden invitation. But his sincerity was unmistakable, and a part of me longed for a break from the chaos. "I... I'd like that."

A pleased smile tugged at the corners of his lips. "Great. There's a place I have in mind. Shall we?"

He extended his arm, and I looped mine through his, allowing him to guide me through the streets. As we walked, the familiar warmth of his presence provided an unexpected comfort, easing the lingering tension that had plagued me throughout the day.

Soon, we arrived at a grand building, adorned with elegant architecture and soft, glowing lights—the same upscale restaurant where we had celebrated after winning Timothy's case.

My eyes widened in recognition. "This place... we were here before."

Timothy nodded, a hint of nostalgia in his eyes. "Yes, it holds a special memory. I thought it might be a fitting place for a quiet evening."

We were ushered to a separate room, secluded from the main dining area—a private haven adorned with soft candlelight and plush furnishings. The intimate atmosphere enveloped us, cocooning us from the outside world.

I couldn't help but admire the elegance of the setting, feeling a sense of tranquility wash over me. Timothy pulled out a chair for me with a gallant gesture, and as I sat down, a genuine smile graced my lips.

"This is beautiful, Timothy," I murmured, taking in the ambiance.

He settled into the chair across from me, a smile mirroring mine. "I'm glad you like it. Tonight is about you, Evie. I want you to relax and enjoy the evening."

The waiter appeared, presenting us with menus and pouring us glasses of wine. As we perused the menu, exchanging lighthearted banter and sharing anecdotes, the heaviness of the day faded away, replaced by a sense of ease and comfort in Timothy's company.

Timothy's gaze met mine, and there was an earnestness in his eyes that hadn't been there before. He cleared his throat, breaking the silence that had settled between us.

"Evie, there's something I need to tell you," he began, his voice soft but filled with emotion.

I furrowed my brows, sensing the gravity of his words. "What is it, Timothy?"

"I've been scared," he admitted, his voice tinged with vulnerability. "Scared that I might lose you... Lose the love of my life."

His confession caught me off guard, and my heart clenched with a mixture of emotions.

“I already screwed it up before. It felt like that was the only things I was capable of. I just… I didn’t think I would ever be able to take you out like this, you know?”

I reached out, taking his hand across the table, feeling the warmth of his touch.

"Timothy," I said softly, trying to steady my voice, "You’ve changed so much, and for the better. You've grown into someone I admire and appreciate having in my life."

A faint smile touched his lips as he squeezed my hand gently. "Thank you, Evie. That means a lot coming from you."

I felt a rush of emotions welling up inside me—gratitude, love, and a hint of sadness at the realization of how much Timothy had evolved.

"Thank you for tonight," I told him. "For the dinner and for everything. It's been a lovely escape from everything going on."

Timothy's eyes sparkled with appreciation. "It's my pleasure, Evie. I want to make this night special for you."

Our gazes lingered, the unspoken words hanging between us. The rest of the evening unfolded like a dream—every moment etched with warmth and fondness, creating a memory I knew I would cherish.

The delectable dishes arrived, each a masterpiece on its own. We savored the flavors, engaging in light-hearted conversations that flowed effortlessly. The laughter that filled the air felt like music in the tranquil ambiance of the restaurant.

Our dessert plates were cleared away, and Timothy leaned in closer, his eyes fixed on mine. He smiled.

"Evie," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, "this has been an incredible evening."

I returned his smile, feeling a rush of warmth at the sincerity in his words. "It truly has. Thank you, Timothy, for everything."

The soft glow of the restaurant's ambient lights spilled onto the sidewalk as Timothy and I stepped out, our hands intertwined—a silent testament to the connection that had deepened over the course of the evening.

"That was an incredible meal," I remarked, patting my stomach. “I feel like I’m about to burst from all that steak.”

“Yeah, you because you barely saved me any,” he joked, judging me with his arm. “But this was a nice. We should do it again soon.”

His words stirred emotions within me, and I felt a lump form in my throat. "Timothy, I... I want you to know that I appreciate everything you've done tonight. I needed it."

He squeezed my hand gently, his eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. "Anytime. I can't wait to take you out again. How about that place downtown for our next dinner?"

I smiled, my mouth salivating at the thought. "That sounds perfect. I've heard great things about it, and I'd love to try it with you."

As we strolled towards the parking lot, our steps in tune, a sudden noise in the distance caught our attention—a grunt that seemed out of place amidst the serenity of the night. Timothy's expression shifted, his grip tightening around my hand.

“I’m sure it’s nothing,” I assured him, patting his arm. “Just another restaurant goer.”

"Right," he murmured, but his expression didn’t shift.

We cautiously approached the parking lot, and that was when Timothy jerked back completely. I gaped at him, wondering what had happened, but then I followed his attention to what was waiting before us.

Standing a few feet away were Timothy's father, tall and stern as usual, accompanied by a familiar figure—my mother.