Chapter 108

In the middle of the busy chatter, the soft double chime from his watch stood out like a whisper in chaos. William paused mid-reach for his drink. “What’s that sound?” Lucas, sitting nearby, glanced over. “Hey, why’s your watch beeping?” “It just sensed its other half,” William answered absently, eyes scanning the restaurant like he was searching for a ghost in broad daylight. Nothing. “Other half? Your watch’s got a soul now?” Lucas leaned in, curious. He was always the one into techy stuff. But William, who had been slouching lazily since they arrived, suddenly stood up and stepped away from the table. Warm breeze, white tables, amber candlelight, and clinking glasses set the vibe of the fancy open-air bar. Laughter and chatter floated through the air. He walked through the crowd, tall and sharp in a crisp white shirt and black pants, looking so well-put-together that people turned to stare. But William didn’t care—his eyes were locked onto the search. Table after table. Face after f