Watson picked a restaurant with the perfect vibe-warm colors, soft golden lights spilling from elegant
chandeliers, and a dreamy, comforting glow that made everything feel a little magical. Vintage oil paintings with
bold colors brightened the quiet space, giving it an artsy, inviting touch.
Watson held Julia's hand, Allison held Lizzy's. The waiter led them to a window seat with a gorgeous view, city
lights twinkling beyond the glass. In the center of their round table, a dainty bouquet gave off a light, calming
fragrance.
The two girls slid in next to each other, already whispering and giggling. Watson and Allison took their seats; the
table was just small enough that they ended up shoulder to shoulder. Gentle classical piano music floated
through the air, wrapping them in a soft cocoon.
Watson ordered for the kids, then handed the menu over to Allison. As she looked up, her eyes suddenly locked
with a pair of deep, unreadable ones across the
room.
She froze, her smile fading.
Joshua stood nearby, his gaze dark and intense. Next to him was a stunning woman-long wavy hair, curves in all
the right places, impossible to miss. Even after all these years, Allison recognized her right away: Carolyn.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtAllison remembered what Olivia had said-Carolyn was back in town, and this time, she was here for Joshua.
Something twisted in Allison's chest, but she carefully looked away, keeping her face calm.
Watson noticed them, too. He shot Joshua a look, a teasing smile on his lips. "What a coincidence, Mr. Fisher. Is
this your girlfriend?"
Joshua's expression hardened, his voice colder than ice. "No."
Carolyn stepped forward with a bright, practiced smile. "Hi, I'm Carolyn. Joshua's..." Her eyes lingered on Allison
for a second before she finished, "friend."
Allison's face stayed calm, but inside, her heart skipped a beat.
She called him "Joshua."
Allison dropped her gaze, hiding the quick flicker of emotion.
"Allison, it's been forever! You remember me, right? We met years ago," Carolyn said, her tone sweet and
familiar.
Allison nodded politely, just the slightest curve to her lips. "I remember. It's been a long time. Hope you've been
well."
Joshua, still looking like he'd rather be anywhere else, pulled over a chair from the next table and sat right beside
Allison.
"Allison, how are those Fisher Corporation cases coming along?" he asked, his tone brisk and businesslike.
Allison's answer was cool and professional. "Everything's on track, Mr. Fisher. I've reviewed all the files and gone
through the evidence twice."
With Joshua joining, the little table suddenly felt crowded-five people squeezed close, knees bumping.
Carolyn stayed standing, still smiling. "Joshua, it's after work. How about we leave the business talk for another
day? Let's go sit over there. Allison's clearly on a date, we shouldn't get in the way."
Joshua's eyes narrowed, a hint of a smirk tugging at his lips as he looked at Allison. "A date?"
Allison frowned, quick to explain. "It's just dinner."
Her automatic reply seemed to
soften something in Joshua. See
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Joshua shifted away, dodging her hand without a word.