There are times that one doesn't question their decisions, they just act one a whim, allowing the universe take them wherever.
Sometimes, it leads to magic, a blissful moment of unexpected surprises.
Other times, it leads to disaster.
Zara hadn't full thought about the consequences and implications of this dinner date.
It was when she saw some undercover paparazzi hovering at key points in the expensive interior diner that she knew there was trouble.
It was fast approaching like a moving train.
Zara cursed within herself. These camera-wielding hooligans just had to be everywhere.
Suddenly, her dessert, which was a decadent meal of Wagyu beef topped with shaved white truffles and served alongside a 100-year-old wine, didn't seem so appetising anymore.
And she felt bad about that because Diego had simply outdone himself.
Meanwhile, the guy enjoyed his own meal, seemingly oblivious of the increased attention that they were getting.
"I think we need to leave." Zara suddenly said, and Francis—who stood next to Diego—arched an eyebrow.
"What do you mean? We just got here." Diego asked, his expression one of inward confusion.
"It's just that I don't feel too good and I'm not sure if, you know—I like this place."
Zara frantically looked around, her eyes scanning their surroundings for more paparazzi that she could identify. Diego followed her gaze.
"Oh, I understand. We can head somewhere more private if you want. I would've suggested my place earlier but wasn't sure if you were up for it." Diego replied, and Zara was calm to know that he understood.
"Actually. Just take me back to the gala. Kai might be wondering where I am."
Diego bad not wanted to hear that name at all. He inwardly wondered why she thought she had to run back to him after he'd even left her in the first place.
It must be the contract.
He thought to himself.
Inspire of all the conflicting emotions he had, Diego put on a reassuring smile.
"Don't you worry. I'll get you back there right now. Let me just pay the bill and take all this to-go."
"Francis. Call me the waiter, please."
Francis called in the waiter, who calculated the bill and packed the leftovers for both Kai and Zara.
Zara wished that things didn't have to end this way. She knew that, despite the calmness and charm that lay in his eyes, Diego was quite sad. Any man would after what she had done.
It was even more obvious when the ride back to the gala's event location was dead silent.
Zara placed her hand on Diego's, smiling lightly to him as the limousine approached the parking area.
"I'll make it up to you, Diego. We can hang another time." She assured him.
Diego smiled back. "Sure thing. I'll call you."
Zara stepped out of the car and walked back into the grand hall. It was already quite late. Did she plan on sleeping there?
"Saved by the contract." Francis exclaimed after she had left, his indifference laced with an undertone of sarcasm.
"Oh please. Don't give me that look." Theo said as he stared at him through the rear view mirror.
Francis, who's face showed no evident traces of emotion, was quite confused as to which look he gave the young master.
"I only did what I had to do to speed up the mission. We need to know if she's the right one and we need to know that quickly."
Francis raised an eyebrow, his left eye twitching in the slightest.
"But I thought that's not what you wanted, sire?"
A slightly puzzled Francis questioned.
"Of course I do. I always did—"
"We both know that's not true, sire" Francis cut in.
"You sent our worst faction of spies after the girl. Had I not intervened, we wouldn't know anything of her whereabouts by now."
"Alright you got me." Theo conceded.
"I've been stuck behind those walls all my life. Now that I'm out, I don't need my father's overbearing attitude telling me what to do at every turn, and I certainly want to make the most out of my stay here." Theo explained.
Francis nodded slightly.
"That, I do understand."
"You do?" Theo asked, surprised at Francis' stand on the matter.
"I do, sire." He clarified. "And I've known of your plans to extend our diplomatic visit beyond it's stipulated time for a while now." Francis added.
"What I don't fully understand is your sudden change of heart to follow this girl. And I have some theories as to why."
"Why don't you indulge me?" Theo said. He was playing the same game that Francis usually played with him when he wanted him to figure things out on his own. Now, it was his turn to play that game.
Francis cracked a smile, a slight one that lasted but for a fleeting moment before vanishing quickly. It was those rare smiles of his that reminded Theo that he was still human at the end of day.
"Actually, it's quite a simple theory, really." Francis said after a moment of silence and pondering.
"You, against all odds, are falling in love with Zara Blake."
Theo was stunned, partially because he hadn't expected Francis to pinpoint it so we'll and also because he hadn't minced his words when telling him.
Theo quickly understood what he was doing as mere attraction, but labelling it as "falling in love" might've been stretching it a bit.
Certainly because he had never fallen in love with anyone before.
He didn't even know what "love" was.