After thinking it over, Tiana decided to drop the idea.Just then, the food began to arrive.”Let’s dig in! The food here is really good. Maria and I used to come here all the time,” Tiana said cheerfully.With that, the conversation shifted, and everyone started eating. Sᴇaʀch Thᴇ Findnøvel.ɴet website on Gøøglᴇ to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.At one point, Maria excused herself to use the restroom. As she stepped out, she bumped into Herman at the doorway. He was on the phone, his voice calm and measured, speaking with patience clearly talking to a woman on the other end.To be fair, Herman was an impressive man. He was kind, successful, and undeniably handsome anyone could easily be drawn to him. But someone else had already claimed Maria’s heart.With a faint smile, Maria approached just as Herman ended the call.”I didn’t expect you to get married so quickly,” he said, breaking the silence.Maria replied, “That’s just how I am. When I decide on something, I go for it. I follow my heart.””That’s a good way to live,” Herman remarked. “You seem happy and free. I’m honestly a little envious of that.”Maria smiled. “You could live that way too. You’re the only one holding yourself back.”Herman looked at her for a long moment before suddenly asking, “Do you love him?” Maria paused for a second, thinking it over. “Maybe,” she said softly.If she didn’t love Sidney, why would she marry him?But she wasn’t entirely sure just how much she loved him. The truth was, she didn’t even know what love truly meant.All she knew was that being with Sidney made her feel comfortable and happy.And for now, that was enough.Herman gazed into her eyes, seeing the calm and serenity within them. There was even a hint of affection and warmth in his own gaze. Finally, he looked away and said, “Let’s head back.””Alright,” Maria agreed.The two returned to the private dining room, and as soon as they stepped in, Maria immediately noticed the atmosphere felt a bit off.Tiana’s gaze darted aroundnervously, clearly feeling a bit guilty, while Sidney remained calm, his eyes soft and affectionate as they rested on Maria. Maria sat down and asked, “Are you full?”Sidney nodded.Turning to Tiana, Maria asked, “Do you have any other plans tonight? If not, we’ll head out.”Tiana responded quickly, “Why are you in such a hurry?”Maria smiled. “Things are different now that I’m married.”For a moment, Tiana was at a loss for words.Herman spoke up, “Well, take care on your way home.”Maria nodded. “Thanks.”She and Sidney got up to leave when Tiana suddenly called out, “Maria.”Maria paused and turned to her. “Yes?”Tiana, still looking a bit uneasy, pointed to her phone and said, “Check your messages when you get home.”Maria raised an eyebrow, sensing something might have happened. “Alright.”As they stepped out of therestaurant, the night sky was fully dark, stars twinkling above, and thecity lights sparkled allthem.Sidney broke the silence, “After you all left the table, Tiana told me you almost became her sister-in-law.”So that was it. Maria had suspected Tiana was up to something.She looked at him. “And what did you say?”Sidney, still calm, replied, “I said if it didn’t happen, then it wasn’t meant to be.”l.neTiana had clearly been dissatisfied with that answer, but the conversation ended when they returned, and the topic had been dropped. Maria studied him. “You’re not upset?”Sidney smiled gently. “No, I’m not upset. Because now, you’re my wife.”He added, “All anyone else can do is live with their regrets.”