The Billionaire’s Secret Quartet (Thalassa and Elowen)

Ethan knew Lydia was strong-willed; trying to talk her into something usually backfired. So, he pinned his hopes on the waitress, signaling her with a look.

The waitress, a veteran in the place, knew how to read the room. Catching Ethan's cue, she quickly told Lydia, "Ma'am, I'm sorry, but our dining room is fully booked." Lydia frowned, "When I walked in, I saw plenty of empty tables."

"Those tables were reserved for guests who haven't arrived yet. They'll be here shortly," the waitress explained with a calm that belied her fib.

Lydia, who had grown up in a small farming community, understood hardship. Why make life difficult for a waitress?

"Fine, we'll eat here," Lydia finally conceded.

It was just a meal. As long as she didn't dwell on Ethan's intentions, the setting was no big deal.

Just a stream and some roses-hardly intimidating.

Lydia walked back, her steps firm on the cobblestone path, and took a seat at the table under the gazebo.

a grateful look and joined Lydia at the

approached with the

couple of dishes and

the waitress turned to leave, Ethan called, "Wait, let me

he handed

Lydia called out, clearly upset. "There are only two of us. Can we

leave what we don't eat. Two dishes seem too

want to lecture him, but

mean leave what we don't eat? That's wasteful! 'Every morsel

grandparents who were farmers, Lydia knew the value of

used to his ways, felt guilty after Lydia's rebuke, especially knowing her

tapping his head, and quickly told the waitress, "Cancel

nodded,