Chapter 169
Ariel raised her head as she heard the sound of a car honking.
A Bentley parked by the roadside had its hazard lights on. Toby dutifully got out of the car and opened the door for Ariel.
Ariel finally recalled that it was Valentine’s Day today.
She could tell that Jayson was merely going along with Betty’s plans to appease her. However, today’s arrangement would also offer Ariel an opportunity to talk to Jayson face–to–face about the ring.
“Alright,” she responded.
“I’ll be waiting for you.” Jayson sounded calm and relaxed.
Ariel got into the car. She did not care where they were taking her. She simply closed her eyes and rested. She did not even bother looking out the window to admire the lovely scenery on the streets.
Eventually, Ariel was brought to an open–air rooftop restaurant.
Ironically, Jayson had never celebrated Valentine’s Day with Ariel after they got married. Yet, they were finally doing it this year after already deciding to get a divorce and also because Betty had forced Jayson to.
Even though one of her past wishes was finally coming true now, Ariel couldn’t care less about it. She even found the current situation rather absurd.
Ariel assumed that Jayson was just going along with all this. She followed the restaurant manager to the spot with
the best view in the restaurant.
She looked ahead and saw that Jayson was sitting there.
He was wearing a dark gray tailored suit. His jacket had been taken off and placed on an empty chair.
The dark gray vest, which was made with exquisite material, accentuated Jayson’s broad shoulders and strong waist. Jayson looked really attractive even when he was just sitting there doing nothing.
A big bouquet of red Freud Roses was placed opposite Jayson’s chair. He cast Ariel a sideways glance and asked, Do you like the flowers?”
Ariel paused momentarily.
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Jayson had never given her any flowers, and he had never bothered doing things that couples would do with Ariel, either.
Ariel used to look forward to these moments. However, any feelings of passion or affection in her had slowly diminished after she was brushed off or neglected time and time again.
“Thank you.” Ariel sat opposite Jayson. She did not say it out loud whether she liked the flowers or not.
Freud Roses were a type of rose that wasn’t that well–known. Ariel didn’t even have to think too deeply to make a guess about how a man like Jayson would know about these roses.
Jayson could sense Ariel’s indifference from the way she reacted.
His eyes were devoid of emotion. He didn’t seem bothered about it. Jayson instructed the manager, “You can serve
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the dishes now.”
Betty had reserved the entire place for the night. So, Ariel and Jayson were the only guests there at the restaurant.
They could see the faint neon lights in the distance. The flickering flames from the candles created a nice ambience around them.
Soon enough, the main dish was served.
Ariel stared at the steak before her for a moment. Before she could reach for her cutlery, Jayson reached for her plate and took it away. Then, he placed the plate of steak he had just finished cutting up in front of her.
He was looking out for her in a considerate and gentlemanly manner.
Ariel glanced in Jayson’s direction.
Jayson’s expression remained unchanged. His brows arched when he noticed Ariel was looking at him. “What’s wrong? Does the food not suit your taste?”
Ariel replied calmly, “It’s nothing. Thank you.”
She wondered if Betty had planted some of her people here to observe them since it was her idea for them to be there. Otherwise, Jayson would not have acted so considerate toward Ariel.
Back when Ariel and Jayson were married for about a year, Betty had gotten some people to keep a close eye on the couple since she was worried their relationship might fall apart at the time.
Naturally, Ariel was making these assumptions since something like that had happened before.
Jayson turned his eyes to her. “You didn’t have to be so courteous with me.”
Those words seemed to imply other meanings as well. However, Ariel didn’t think too deeply about it.
They finished the meal wordlessly. Those who didn’t know better would probably think that they were two strangers sharing a table instead of it being a date on Valentine’s Day.
Ariel did not eat much because she did not have much of an appetite. However, she noticed that she had not seen any scallions added to any of the dishes served to them tonight.
Even two of the dishes usually garnished with scallions to enhance flavor had their garnishes replaced with parsley.
Ariel was allergic to scallions. Whenever she dined out, she had to remind the restaurant staff about it. She had to be careful and pay a lot of attention to it.
Ariel was a bit puzzled. After some thought, she figured Betty had probably reminded the staff about the scallions.
Ariel put down her cutlery after taking just a few bites. Jayson did not seem to be that hungry either. He lifted his head. “Grandma reserved a suite for us downstairs.”
