New beginning: Billionaire love story

Chapter 354 First Kiss

Adrian and Claire sat across from each other in the cozy, dimly lit restaurant. The warm glow of candles flickered on the table between them, casting soft shadows over their plates of delicious food.

The atmosphere was perfect-just quiet enough to make the space feel intimate but lively enough to make it fun. Claire was smiling more than she had in weeks and Adrian? Well, he was on cloud nine, soaking in every moment. "This is easily the best meal I've had in a long time," Claire said, taking another bite of her dessert. "And I'm not just talking about the food."

Adrian grinned. "It's the company, right? Gotta admit I wasn't sure how this would go, but... I'm glad you're enjoying yourself."

Claire nodded, her eyes twinkling. "I am. This whole evening has been... really nice. And that joke earlier?" She let out a small laugh, remembering. "I can't believe you actually told that one."

Adrian chuckled. "Hey, it's a classic! You've got to love a good dad joke."

Claire shook her head, still laughing. "I didn't see it coming, that's for sure."

The two of them continued talking and laughing, enjoying the relaxed vibe between them. The dinner felt easy, natural-like they'd known each other for years. And though there was a little tension, it wasn't uncomfortable. It was more of the kind that made your heart race just a little faster, especially when you caught the other person looking at you a second too long.

When the meal came to an end, Adrian leaned back in his chair, looking completely content. "You ready to head out?"

Claire smiled, wiping her lips with her napkin. "Yeah, let's go."

They both stood and made their way out of the restaurant, the cool evening air hitting them as they stepped onto the street. Adrian stretched his arms and looked over at Claire. "You getting picked up, or...?"

Before he could finish his sentence, Claire grabbed his hand, stopping him in his tracks. Adrian blinked, clearly confused, and looked down at their joined hands before meeting her gaze.

you need something?" His voice was

her heart thumping loudly in her chest. This was it-the moment she'd been mulling over for days, the

his brow furrowed. "Your choice?" He sounded confused, which made sense-he'd told her to take her time,

more certain now. "I know, but... I've thought about it, and

eyes widened slightly, clearly

this because I feel bad that you told me how you felt, or because I feel pressured. I'm saying

make Adrian's heart do a little flip. He

your

me... It's something I've never really felt before. You make me feel loved, and it's scary, but also 'd be stupid

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"And I don't want to avoid this just because

hadn't expected her to say all that, not now, not tonight. He had been ready to give her more time,

he could

It was full of passion, full of everything he'd been holding back. And Claire? She kissed him right back, her hand reaching up to cup his

world around them seemed

long since Claire had felt this kind of affection, this

foreheads resting against each other. A smile tugged at Claire's lips, and she let out a small laugh. "What was that?" she asked, her chest rising and

eyebrow, clearly enjoying the moment. "Oh? Are we really together now?" Her tone

eyes lighting up. "Oh, we are

scooped her up in his arms, spinning her around in the air as she squealed in surprise, laughing uncontrollably.

didn't listen-he kept spinning her, his laughter mixing with hers as the world blurred around them. Finally, he set her