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.

gave the waitress a grateful look and joined Lydia at the

pleased with Ethan's approval, approached with the menu, "Miss,

picked a couple of dishes and handed back

turned to leave, Ethan called, "Wait, let me see

dishes, he

upset. "There are only two of us. Can

we don't eat. Two dishes seem too plain,"

to lecture him, but

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

raised by her grandparents who were farmers, Lydia knew the

waste food was to disregard the farmers' hard work. Ethan, used to his ways, felt guilty after Lydia's rebuke,

head, and quickly told the waitress, "Cancel those four dishes

nodded,