Chapter 36

I set down my knife and fork, picking up a napkin to wipe my mouth. A server approached Darren, handing him a gift bag. "Happy Valentine's Day," he said with a gentle smile. I glanced up to see the logo of a luxury brand on the bag—the same one I often shopped from. "No thanks," I coldly refused, feeling no desire to even open it. A flicker of hurt flashed in Darren's eyes. "Consider it my gift for taking care of me." I remained firm. "I don't want it." He forced a smile, his grip on the gift bag tightening. "Can we leave now?" I asked, and he nodded. I noticed a large bouquet of roses in the backseat as I opened the car door. I looked at Darren, but he pretended not to see my questioning gaze and just turned his head away. "Did you buy these?" He bit his lip, remaining silent. I casually tossed the bouquet into the nearby trash bin. "Let's go." "Cassie—" Darren's fingers turned pale around the gift bag, his expression close to tears. "What's wrong?" Meeting