Stefan gently guided Dorothy to the dinner table. He pulled out a chair for her, ensuring she was seated before taking his own seat opposite her. A well-dressed waiter approached them and respectfully handed the menu to Stefan, who motioned for the waiter to give it to Dorothy instead.

He turned to her with a soft expression.

“Order whatever you like. I had your favorite dish prepared tonight, so try not to eat it all,” he said with a playful tone that Dorothy found hard to ...