She was anxious that he might say something like, “Why do we need to get to know each other?” or “I’m not really curious,” but he seemed to understand something. Ryan was indeed someone who acted decisively. Thanks to his strong drive, they could get married quickly.
Ryan waved at Alice, who was standing in front of the office.
“Secretary Alii, make a reservation for 7 PM at 4-Side Hotel restaurant.”
“Yes, understood. I’ll reserve a room as usual. How many people?”
“Oh, let’s skip the room; just reserve a table by the window. Two people.”
“Yes, two people.”
“Is there anyone else coming?”
“Excuse me?”
She paused.
Alice’s hand, which was writing down the reservation list in her notepad, hesitated.
Silly, Alice Wesley.
He was asking her to reserve dinner for the two of them, but her occupational habit kicked in, and she was throwing out the usual question.
Flustered, Alice rolled her eyes and looked up from her tablet to meet Ryan’s gaze.
Ryan, lost in thought, sighed softly while staring at the desk.
“Secretary Alii.”
“Yes?”
“Never mind.”
How bland. Alice silently mouthed her thoughts as she watched Ryan roughly toss his hair back.
What’s bothering him?
Ryan had a habit of tossing his hair when something was off or didn’t sit well with him.
Alice considered asking what was wrong but decided to let it go and instead asked about something puzzling her.
“I thought we were just having a simple meal, but isn’t a restaurant a bit too much?”
4-Side Hotel was a high-end hotel restaurant where each dish cost several hundred thousand dollars.
It was far from a simple and casual meal.
“Since it’s our first time, we should go somewhere extravagant.”
Is he trying to be considerate because it’s the first time?
That was unexpected. It surprised her that he could have such delicate thoughts.
“Secretary Alii, it’s your first time too. It might be the first and last, so feel free to eat and enjoy.”
As expected.
She almost mistook him for having a romantic side.
While Alice pouted, Ryan entered the office.
“Yes, is a reservation for 7 PM available? No, a room feels burdensome… Ah, never mind. Is there a table by the window? Yes, please reserve that.”
Alice realized something as she habitually made the reservation.
‘I didn’t realize that the one who might feel burdened was me.’
………
“What name should I put for the reservation?”
“Alice Wesley.”
Usually, the name for a reservation would be the men. This felt more like an extension of work.
The two entered the restaurant, following the server’s guidance. The table they were directed to was a window-side seat at the very back of the restaurant.
As expected of a hotel restaurant, it was subtly luxurious from ceiling to floor. The floor was laid with white tiles that had a Nordic feel, and soft orange lights shone down from various spots, with white lace curtains stylishly tied back, adding to the elegance.
Ryan looked like a statue perfectly suited to this atmosphere. Perhaps it was because he was sitting there that the restaurant felt even more stylish.
People seated around were glancing at the table where the two were sitting.
Ryan, perfectly matched with the upscale restaurant, and Alice, who looked out of place sitting confidently in front of him. It was a rare and amusing combination, causing some guests to whisper to each other, glance over, and then laugh among themselves repeatedly.
Such things were common; she often experienced this while walking alongside Ryan.
She was used to the gazes directed at Ryan and the curious looks at her being with him.
However, the reason the stares lingered today was likely because she was sitting in front of him, which felt natural.
“Choose what you want to eat; you like food, Secretary Alii.”
After seeing the snacks piled up in the drawer one day, Ryan treated Alice as someone with a big appetite. It was true that she liked to eat, but… reading the menu was difficult.
‘I should probably go with the safest option, steak.’
Having decided on her order, Alice looked at Ryan, who was half-bent over the menu in front of him.
Perhaps because of his endlessly broad shoulders or the way he was bowing his head, his face looked smaller, and his sharp jawline stood out.
They had ordered food, but neither of them spoke first.
Ryan was staring blankly out the window, and Alice could only watch him.
What could he be thinking so deeply about?
Hmm… Stop posing and say something!
“Vice President, I think you like American food.”
Eventually, unable to bear the awkwardness, Alice spoke first. Ryan naturally shifted his gaze from the window to her.
“I don’t like American food.”
“Ah… I thought you did. Then what’s your favorite food?”
It seemed like a good idea to start sharing information lightly with food.
