Chapter 10 THE DINNER

Ryan checked his watch for the third time.

Marie’s apartment was warm compared to the cold evening outside. Soft jazz played somewhere overhead drowned by traffic noises.

He adjusted the cuff of his black suit and looked toward the door.

Tonight mattered, not just because of Joseph Montague or the deal.

But because it would help him prove himself to his father.

Marie stepped out carefully, one hand lightly holding her purse.

For a moment, he forgot about his thoughts.

The royal blue dress fit her perfectly.

Smooth satin wrapped around her figure elegantly, hugging her waist before flowing softly down her legs. The off-shoulder neckline exposed warm skin without looking excessive, and the rich blue color made her stand out immediately.

Ryan’s eyes moved slowly over her before stopping at her face.

Her makeup was light.

Nothing dramatic, but enough to sharpen her already beautiful features. Her curls framed her face naturally now instead of being tied back like they usually were at work.

And the dress itself revealed what the office clothes constantly hid from him.

Marie was curvy, he grinned at the realization.

Real curves.

Ryan stared a second too long.

Marie noticed immediately.

“You’re staring again.”

Ryan cleared his throat slightly. “You look great.”

Marie walked toward him slowly. “You look nervous.”

“I’m thinking.”

She stopped in front of him fully now.

The height difference suddenly felt more noticeable tonight.

Ryan looked expensive and handsome as usual. Tailored black suit. Crisp white shirt underneath. The dark tie loosened slightly at the collar.

Clean and sharp.

“Take my hands beautiful”, he said offering his hands

“You’re enjoying this too much.”

“I’m adapting to the role.”

She sighed softly before taking his arm anyway.

The concierge smiled politely as they walked out together.

Outside, Ryan’s car waited near the curb.

As soon as they settled inside, Marie adjusted her dress carefully. “I still think this fake engagement thing is ridiculous.”

Ryan started the engine. “Too late now.”

“You could’ve hired an actress.”

“I trust you more.”

The words slipped out casually.

Marie looked toward him briefly as Ryan focused on the road.

Streetlights flashed across the windshield as the city moved around them.

After a moment, Marie spoke again.

“So tell me more about this Joseph….. your findings sir”

Ryan’s shifted slightly back into business.

“He owns Montague Capital Holdings with his wife. Mostly conservative investments. Rail systems. Domestic construction support, marine too.”

Marie leaned back slightly. “Do you think that Shield’s group is involved?”

“likely.”, he said with a tone of sadness.

“You worried?”

Ryan was quiet for a second.

“Shield moves aggressively. They secure deals fast.”

“But?”

“They overpromise.”

Marie glanced at him. “You sound confident.”

“I am quite prepared.”

She smiled.

Marie looked down at the ring Ryan had insisted she wear earlier.

A simple diamond band.

Convincing enough.

“You really think this matters to him?”

Ryan nodded once. “He believes unstable personal lives lead to unstable business decisions……I did further research.”

“That feels judgmental.”

She leaned back further now.

Ryan glanced sideways briefly. “Just smile occasionally.”

It surprised her how different he sounded lately around her compared to the office.

Less cold but still controlled though.

The restaurant overlooked the water.

The kind of place where wealthy people discussed mergers while pretending to enjoy dessert.

Ryan gave the reservation name immediately and they were escorted toward a secluded table near the back.

Marie looked around discreetly. “This place probably charges for breathing.”

Ryan pulled her chair back for her. “The lobster is worth it.”

“You’ve been here before?”

“Many times”

“With fake fiancées?”

Ryan sat across from her calmly. “You’re my first.”

Marie rolled her eyes.

A waiter poured water quietly before leaving.

Ryan checked his watch once more.

Marie noticed. “Relax.”

“I am relaxed.”

“You’re checking your watch every thirty seconds.”

Ryan looked unimpressed. “That’s not nervousness. That’s timing.”

“Sure.”

Before he could answer, movement near the entrance caught his attention.

Joseph Montague approached with his wife beside him.

Joseph looked exactly like his profile photos. Mid-fifties. Broad frame with a calm expression.

His wife, Eleanor, carried herself warmly though more observantly than expected.

Ryan stood immediately.

“Mr. Montague……just in time”

Joseph shook his hand firmly. “Ryan.”

Then his eyes shifted toward Marie.

“And this must be the fiancée…..a stunning beauty.”, he took her outstretched hands and placed a light kiss.

Marie smiled politely and stood. “Marie.”

Eleanor immediately softened first. “You’re beautiful.”

Marie smiled genuinely this time. “Thank you.”

Introductions settled quickly before everyone took their seats.

At first, Joseph was difficult to read.

Every question was carefully chosen.

Ryan handled most of the business discussion smoothly.

Joseph listened more than he spoke.

“The project is for the ambitious,” Joseph finally said.

“Like us,” Ryan replied calmly.

Joseph folded his hands. “Shield Corporation claims they can complete it faster.”

Ryan didn’t react outwardly.

“Shield prioritizes speed over sustainability.”

“And you prioritize?”

“Longevity.”

Joseph nodded slightly.

Marie listened quietly while Eleanor occasionally drew her into smaller conversations beside the larger discussion.

“You work with Ryan directly?” Eleanor asked.

Marie nodded. “Every day.”

“That must require patience and love.”

Marie almost laughed. “A frightening amount.”

Joseph smiled faintly at that.

Ryan looked mildly betrayed. “I’m sitting here.”

Eleanor smiled warmly now. “You two look so beautiful together.”

Ryan and Marie exchanged the briefest glance.

Joseph leaned back slightly. “Marriage changes how men approach responsibility.”

Ryan answered smoothly. “It changes priorities.”

Joseph nodded once.

“Exactly.”

The waiter arrived with the wine, leaving minutes later.

Conversation shifted naturally afterward.

Ryan adapted surprisingly well.

Marie was impressed.

He genuinely understood how to speak to people like Joseph.

Then came the questions.

Joseph looked toward Marie casually.

“So,” he asked, “how long have you two been engaged?”

Ryan answered immediately. “Eight months.”

Marie smiled politely. “Almost nine.”

Ryan’s eyes flickered toward her.

Joseph noticed.

Interesting.

Eleanor smiled faintly into her wine glass.

Joseph continued. “And the wedding?”

Marie answered this time. “Spring.”

Ryan smoothly added, “Her choice.”

Joseph nodded thoughtfully.

“Children?”

Marie nearly choked on her water slightly.

Ryan answered before she could panic. “Eventually.”

Joseph watched both of them carefully now.

Then came the dangerous one.

“Why her?”

Silence lasted a fraction too long.

Ryan looked toward Marie.

For a moment his expression shifted unexpectedly.

Joseph noticed immediately.

Ryan spoke calmly.

“She’s the first person around me who doesn’t care about my last name.”

Marie looked at him properly now.

That answer had not been planned.

Joseph leaned back slowly.

“And you?” he asked Marie. “Why him?”

Marie felt genuine hesitation for the first time all evening.

She looked at Ryan.

He was already watching her quietly.

Marie answered softly.

“He’s a good man.”

Joseph studied them both carefully, a flicker of doubt in his eyes.

“My findings about you indicated you were quite single, heard about an ex girlfriend though. Didn't know you were engaged.”

Ryan’s mind blanked briefly.

“Love happened……she's quite irresistible.

Looking at her, he did the only thing that felt believable in the moment.

He reached across the table, gently pulled Marie toward him slightly then kissed her.