Alter Ego: His Sultry Lover

The waiter grabbed some menus and stumbled as he led them through the restaurant.

Cage was walking a few steps behind her so as to appear separate from her. Though not happy about the situation, Katherine admitted that it was the best option for them. The people at the restaurant stared. It was a bit disconcerting so Katherine kept her head down and awkwardly walked away.

Thank god, Henrick had been so loud before. Their seats were in the private area of the restaurant, overseeing the other patrons. They did have to go up a staircase to a balcony where they were seated. There was only one other table in the area, so they could rest in peace.

Henrick proceeded onto playing the matchmaker as he placed Cage and Katherine beside one another, while Anna and he sat opposite to them. Katherine was fascinated to watch how minutely he had planned this out to avoid any suspicion. She had to give it up to him.

The waiter helpfully waited through the charade and gave them the?menus and took their drink orders before finally moving away.

"Okay, now that we are alone, we can act as normal."

"Happy first public dinner!" Cage cheered, leaning into her and whispering.

She giggled. "Today is a wonderful day," she acknowledged. Watching Henrick concoct the plan and Anna going along with the insanity was such a treat. This family... she could get used to them.

"This time, we had to meet as strangers. We'll make it up to you," Anna promised. She pulled out a box from her bag and slid it across the table. Katherine looked at the neatly packaged box with curiosity but didn't dare touch it.

"I'm happier than I have ever been. You don't need to make up anything to me." This night was better than just any other one. He was there, so were his parents who seemed to like her.

With some coaxing, Katherine hesitantly leaned forward and took the box. Undoing the cute little bow, she opened the box and gasped. It was a chain with a small pendant on it. The design wasn't magnificent or anything.

Hidden inside was a rose gold chain with a small flower pendant. The horrifying part? It was designed with a smatter of small diamonds lining every surface. She looked up, her mouth opening and closing as she tried to form words.

Finally she pushed out, "I… I can't accept this." She snapped the box close and pushed it back towards Anna, her cheeks flooding with color.

"I've already given it to you!" Anna protested. "This is my first time meeting you, so I have to give you something as tradition. I admit we usually give family heirlooms in our family but times have changed and you would be burdened if I whipped out Cage's grandmother's ring." Anna laughed heartily at Katherine's terrified expression.

"Mom," Cage scolded. He turned to Katherine and patted her back. "You're lucky my mother didn't go to the bank and lay out the dowry."

The mother and son seemed to be on a mission to terrify the poor girl so Henrick had to step in to save her.

"Katherine, don't mind them. It's just a small present. You don't need to think too much about it. In the future, just treat us well and that will be enough." Hearing what Henrick had to say, Katherine relaxed a little. To dissolve the situation, she chose to reply with a joke.

"Then, I'll take the bribe," she gave them a blinding smile and slowly retrieved the box, trying not to look too eager. Cage's parents were beyond amused but also glad that they didn't need to coax the girl too much to take the gift. "Your care package was wonderful. My friends and I really enjoyed the spa, too," she emphasized shyly.

"Yes, both your friends are in relationsh.i.p.s with Cage's friends, right?" she questioned. "I like taking care of my people. Don't worry. I'll send you more!"

Katherine wanted to cry. She didn't mean it that way.

"Why don't we go out on a pampering trip?" she muttered. Anna nodded, liking the idea very much. "How about day after tomorrow?" she offered quickly.

"Ah, no. We are leaving tonight. When you are back to H city, give me a call and we'll have a fabulous day together!" Katherine bit her lip, looking mildly sad at the news. "Oh, don't look like that!" Anna exclaimed.

"I'm going to stay," Cage told her. Katherine turned to glare at him, only to see him smirk. He knew why she was upset, yet he had to joke.

"Don't tease her," Henrick warned.

Cage stiffened beside her before he hissed under his breath. "F.u.c.k, phone." Henrick looked up immediately and turned to see one of the servers standing behind them putting their phone down after clicking a picture.

He stood up quickly and rushed to the girl. "That is such a cool phone!" he exclaimed. Indeed, the waitress had a cellphone cover with mermaids and glitter on it. "Do you mind if I see it?" The girl stood, bewildered as Henrick took the phone from her and flipped it around. He kept asking her questions that could very well be answered and before anyone knew it, he handed it back.

"I'm sorry," Henrick apologized as he handed the phone back. "I get a bit excited. Thank you for the information though. I'll surely ask my phone guy to get me something similar." He smiled and turned to face some other waiters to were standing on the staircase. "Go back to work. I'll need to look at your phones too!" he commented, gesturing towards the others. f𝔯ee𝘸𝘦𝚋𝒏oѵ𝐞l.c𝒐𝓂

His tone implied that there might be more awkward shouts if any of them dared to take more photos or post them. There was silence. He waved them goodbye and then came back to their meal.

The four people exchanged glances. Cage looked so proud of his father, while Katherine was giggling beyond control. Anna, on the other hand, looked like she was about to kill someone.