Chapter 182

OLIVIA Just then, Edward’s phone rang. He glanced at the screen and excused himself before answering it. I watched him from across the table, noticing the subtle shift in his expression as the call went on. Whatever he was hearing, it was not something minor. By the time he returned, his face had lost some of its color, and there was a tension in his expression that had not been there before. “Olivia,” he said, his tone slightly strained, “something came up. I’m sorry, but I have to go.” He paused briefly, as if weighing whether to say more, then added, “I’ve already taken care of the bill. I’m really sorry.” Before I could respond, he had already turned and left. I watched his figure disappear into the quiet restaurant. We had been there for less than ten minutes. The meal had not even been served yet, aside from the bread that had been placed on the table earlier. After a moment, I raised my hand to call for the waiter. “I’d like to have the rest of the order packed to go,” I said ca