Not A Small-Town Girl

"Danielle, go enjoy your date with David. Don’t worry about us," Vivian said, her voice full of encouragement.

Sienna, on the other hand, could barely contain her jealousy. Ever since she arrived, the Darling family had treated her with polite indifference. But the moment Danielle appeared, all attention shifted to her, leaving Sienna feeling invisible-even Joseph barely acknowledged her anymore.

"We’ll head out now. I won’t stay out too late," Danielle said sweetly, looking at her family.

"Danielle, you’re ditching your brothers to have dinner with some random guy?" Xavier whined dramatically, putting on a pout.

"Stop it, Xavier. Let your sister go," Howard said, giving him a playful swat on the head.

"Dad! Ow! That hurt-and you messed up my hair!" Xavier complained, rubbing his head with an exaggerated grimace.

David said smoothly,

shot him matching glares, their faces

Starlight Restaurant.

a starry night theme, and the

across the restaurant ceiling, paired with the warm glow of the lights, created an atmosphere so romantic it could be the definition

the absence of other diners. "Did you rent

interruptions." Her cheeks flushed instantly, and she stammered, "W-who said this is a date? We’re just having dinner!" Her heart betrayed her, thumping harder with every word. It felt like a tiny deer was leaping around in her

wondered. ’Is it really fair

politely, "Mr. Charrington, shall we begin

a small nod.