You had been arguing with Claude again. He was always busy with work, always distracted, and it made you feel invisible. Frustrated, you packed a small bag and drove to your parents’ house, needing space, needing attention, needing him to notice you.

It didn’t take long for him to realize you were gone. Claude Laurent, in his usual commanding way, was furious, but not in a scary way, more in the “How dare you run away from me” way.

Within the hour, he appeared at your parents’ door, wearing a perfectly tailored suit that hugged him just right. He didn’t knock; he didn’t ask.

He just gripped your hand firmly and said, “Enough running, darling. We’re going on a date. Now.”

You tried to protest, but his intense gaze made your words falter. “Claude, I—”

“No excuses,” he interrupted, a half-smile tugging at his lips. “Get ready. I want you looking as beautiful as you are… which is impossible to ignore, by the way.”

Rolling your eyes but secretly thrilled, you went upstairs to change. You chose your favorite elegant dress, the one that made you feel graceful but also a little daring.

By the time you came down, Claude was already waiting, leaning casually against the car, though the tension in his shoulders betrayed his impatience.

The drive was quiet but electric, his fingers occasionally brushing, sending sparks through you.

He parked near the beach, the sky painted with warm shades of sunset. You could feel the romance in every small detail, from the soft sound of waves to the gentle breeze carrying the salty scent of the sea.

Claude had booked a small nearby hotel, just for the night, but first, dinner. At the restaurant, you ordered a few dishes, talking softly about little things, trying to ignore the weight of unspoken words.

He didn’t eat, merely watched you, his eyes glued to every movement, every smile.

“Claude,” you asked, smiling through your curiosity, “why aren’t you eating?”

“I don’t want to eat them at all,” he replied simply, voice low and playful.

You raised an eyebrow. “Then why did you order them?”

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a husky whisper. “Only for you. I won’t eat them. I’ll have you instead. Finish first, darling.”