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.

okay? Do you need something?" His voice was soft but

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

sense-he'd told her to take her time, no pressure

I've thought about it, and I don't want to wait. I have feelings for

eyes widened slightly, clearly not expecting

his hand a little tighter. "Yeah. And I'm not saying this because I feel bad that you told me how you felt, or because I feel

do a little flip. He stood there, kind of stunned,

actions, your

make me feel loved, and

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"And I don't want to avoid this just because it might not work. If it doesn't, well, we can still

to respond, but no words came out. He was floored-he hadn't expected her to say all that, not now, not tonight. He had been ready to give her more time, but here she was, putting it all out there, and it was... everything he wanted to

could think

and kissed her. It wasn't a hesitant kiss, not at all. It was full of passion, full of everything he'd been holding back. And Claire? She kissed him right back, her hand

world around them

Claire had felt this kind of affection, this kind of passion, and it felt amazing. For Adrian, it was like a dream come true-finally

lips, and she let out a small laugh. "What was that?" she asked, her chest rising and falling as she tried to catch her breath. Adrian gently caressed her cheek with his thumb, his voice soft and playful. "That? That was a mark of our confession... and the start of us being

the moment. "Oh? Are we really together now?" Her tone was teasing,

his eyes lighting up. "Oh, we

she squealed in surprise, laughing uncontrollably. "Adrian!"

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