Elian had been waiting for this moment, and he made sure Taro and his family dressed the part. The luxurious restaurant they were about to visit wasn’t the kind of place where someone could just walk in wearing their everyday clothes. And knowing Taro… he would’ve done exactly that.

When Taro stepped out of his room wearing the sleek black blazer and fitted dress pants Elian had gifted him, Elian couldn’t help but smirk. He leaned back against the wall, arms crossed, his emerald-green eyes glimmering with approval.

“Now you look like someone I wouldn’t be embarrassed to be seen with,” Elian teased.

Taro sighed, adjusting the blazer uncomfortably. “This is too much, Elian. It feels stiff.”

“That’s because you’re not used to real fabric,” Elian said, stepping closer and fixing Taro’s collar. “You look good, so stop complaining.”

Meanwhile, Yumi and Hina were admiring their own outfits, also gifted by Elian.

“I must admit, this dress is the most expensive thing I’ve ever worn,” Yumi said, touching the soft fabric in awe.

Hina twirled in front of the mirror, grinning. “I feel like a real princess!”

Taro groaned. “Great. Now you’ve spoiled them.”

Elian only grinned. “I’m rich. Let me.”

And with that, they set off for one of the most exclusive hotel restaurants in the city.

—

The restaurant was breathtaking—elegant chandeliers hanging above, golden accents lining the walls, and a live pianist playing soft music in the background. The scent of fine wine and high-class cuisine lingered in the air, blending with the quiet hum of conversation.

As Elian led Taro and his family to their reserved table, they couldn’t help but feel slightly out of place.

Taro leaned toward Elian and whispered, “I feel like everyone here is looking at us.”

“They are,” Elian said casually, pulling out a chair for Hina before sitting down himself. “But that’s because you look stunning 😂😂.

Taro sighed. “Of course.”

But someone else was watching them.

From the dimly lit VIP section of the restaurant, a pair of piercing ruby-red eyes locked onto Elian.

Rylan Daemon Asano.

He sat back in his seat, swirling a glass of expensive red wine, his sharp gaze drinking in the sight before him.

It had been years.

And yet, the moment Elian walked in, it was like time folded in on itself.

Nothing had changed.

That same breathtaking beauty. That same untouchable presence.

But Rylan’s attention wasn’t just on Elian.

His gaze flickered to the man sitting beside him.

An ordinary man.

Dressed well, but visibly uncomfortable. Holding himself stiffly, like he didn’t belong in a place like this.

Rylan let out a slow exhale, a smirk curling at his lips.

So, that’s who you’re with now?

A middle-class nobody.

A stray dog sitting at a table meant for kings.

His assistant, standing beside him, noticed his expression. “Sir… should I—”

“No.” Rylan cut him off.

Not yet.

Approaching now would be too easy.

Instead, he leaned back, bringing his glass to his lips, his smirk deepening.

Elian was laughing, his emerald eyes shining under the warm lighting. Completely unaware of the gaze burning into him from across the room.

Rylan studied him, savoring the sight like a predator watching prey.

He had never forgotten that rejection.

And he had never forgiven it.

Elian Volkov had dared to walk away from him. To dismiss him like he was nothing.

And now, here he was—sitting with someone so far beneath him.

Rylan’s grip on his glass tightened, but his expression remained unreadable.

His assistant hesitated. “…Sir?”

Rylan chuckled under his breath, shaking his head. “Let him enjoy his dinner.”

His ruby eyes darkened as he tilted his glass, watching Elian through the crimson liquid.

Because soon enough…

Elian would remember him.

And this time, he wouldn’t be able to walk away.