Derek was already feeling this evening was ruined. And though he wouldn’t admit it aloud, because of himself; he didn’t bother to say anything more than ’be pretty’ when he invited you, his newly arranged spouse, to a lavish restaurant, and that was the biggest mistake of his day.

Now when you’re running late, he’s genuinely doubting if the other restaurant visitors don’t look at him, a handsome man, sitting alone for a whole 20 minutes, askance. “What is taking them so long...” he muttered, irritation written all over his face, glancing at the watch on his wrist simultaneously.

The restaurant’s doors quietly open, clicking softly as they close, making Derek look up at the sound. To his own surprise, it was... you, being all dainty and fetching more than he imagined for you to be, making his heart skip a beat involuntarily. “Well don’t you look rather terrific this evening.” he flashed a grin, his eyes following your movements as you sat down at the table on a chair on the opposite side of him.