Hello, Ex! I Finally Found My Worth!-Chapter 64: Charade Date

Alex checked the time on his phone. It was already a few minutes past 6:00 PM. He needed to hurry home to freshen up and prepare for his dinner date with Emma.

Thinking about it, a smile escaped his lips. Where would she be taking him? He mused, thinking about how adamant she had been about paying for the dinner.

His mind flashed back to seven years ago, and he couldn't help but wonder why Anna had never taken him out on her own terms. He shook his head to discard the thoughts.

It was probably because he didn't give her the chance. Besides, why would he when he had everything? He pushed the thoughts aside, deciding to focus on his date with Emma.

He grabbed his car keys from his desk and headed to his private parking spot, the only thing on his mind was getting home.

Climbing the stairs in haste, he entered the house. Passing Emma's room, he decided to go back and knock to see if she was ready.

Alex knocked on her door twice and called out, "Emma?"

"I'm coming. I'll be ready in two minutes," Emma replied. She was dressed and putting the final touches on her makeup.

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"Okay, I just came to—" Alex began but stopped mid-sentence when the door opened.

Emma stood in the doorway, dressed in a deep emerald gown that shimmered softly under the hallway lights. Her hair was styled elegantly, and her makeup was understated yet flawless. Alex froze, momentarily stunned by her appearance.

"Mr. Sterling? Don't tell me you're just getting home!" Emma teased, oblivious to the battle Alex was fighting within himself.

Alex raised an eyebrow in amusement, quickly masking the glimmer of admiration in his eyes. "You look stunning, Em. Mr. Sterling is one lucky man to be married to you, even though it's just for a year."

Emma chuckled. "Thank you, sir...." She drawled and then winked at him. "Now, please go and get ready. It's almost 7:00 PM. I'll wait in the living room," she said, and he nodded, smiling at her.

"Okay, ma'am. See you in a jiffy," Alex said and headed to his room.

Emma descended the stairs and sat on the couch near the door. She hadn't asked Alex where he wanted to go for dinner and made a mental note to ask him when he came down.

Moments later, Alex appeared, wearing a sleek blue suit.

"Blue suits you well, sir," Emma said, smiling.

"Thank you, Em. Shall we go?" Alex asked, checking the time on his watch.

"Yes, but where are we going? Or do you expect me to pay without knowing the location?" Emma teased.

Alex smirked. "Since you're paying, where do you want to take me?"

Emma grinned. "I was thinking of taking you to your favorite spot."

"My favorite spot? Are you sure your wallet can handle that?" Alex teased, laughing.

Emma shrugged dramatically. "Even if I have to go broke after tonight, it's worth it. My husband is wealthy anyway."

Alex laughed harder. "Fair point. Alright, then. Let me fulfill your wish," he said as he led her to the car.

As they walked out to the car, Alex placed his hand gently on the small of her back, sending a small thrill down Emma's spine, but she said nothing.

The forty-minute drive to the restaurant was filled with light banter and playful teasing

Emma stepped out, her eyes widening in amazement at the grandeur of the place.

"This looks fancy," she said, taking in the elegant design and atmosphere.

"I don't do cheap," Alex replied with a grin, and she chuckled.

"At least I came here with you. You can always foot the bills if I can't," she said with a wink, and Alex smiled as they headed inside.

Once they were inside, he pulled out a chair for her before taking his seat.

"I love how sophisticated this place is. It's so beautiful," Emma said, still admiring the decor.

"It's one of my favorite places for a reason," Alex said, glancing over the menu.

After placing their orders, Emma reached into her bag and pulled out a small, neatly wrapped package.

"Here," she said, handing it to Alex.

Alex blinked in surprise. "What's this?"

"Just something to say thank you for everything you've done for me over the past month," Emma said, her smile warm.

Curious, Alex unwrapped the package to reveal an exquisite Rolex watch. His eyes lit up.

"Wow! I wasn't expecting this. Thank you so much," he said, admiring the watch.

"You deserve it," Emma replied.

Alex adjusted the watch on his wrist. "It's perfect. But let's make tonight more fun. How about we pretend to be strangers who just met?"

Emma tilted her head, amused. "Strangers? How does that work?"

"Let's say I just saw you for the first time. We don't know each other, and I'm trying to impress you."

Emma laughed. "That's ridiculous," she said, finding the idea amusing.

"Ridiculously fun," Alex countered. "Come on, just for tonight. Let's enjoy ourselves. I want to make tonight unforgettable."

Emma sighed playfully. "Fine. I'm in," she said, wanting to see how well he could pretend with her.

Just as she said that Alex stood up abruptly, surprising her.

"Where are you going?" Emma asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Wait and see," Alex said, walking away.

As he walked away, Emma couldn't help the smile that curled up her lips. Although she had been the one to bring up the dinner date, it seemed to her like he was the one that had it all planned out.

She was looking forward to how tonight would play out with Alex bent on making it a fun-filled night.

Moments later, Alex returned, pretending to pass by her table. He stopped, feigning surprise.

"What's a beauty like you doing here alone with food for two?" he asked, his tone playful albeit filled with genuine admiration.

Emma chuckled. "You're really doing this? This is funny," Emma said unable to keep up.

Alex blinked innocently. "Doing what?" He asked and Emma laughed even more.

"Are you really serious about us doing this?" She asked and when she saw how serious he was, she pressed her lips together to keep herself from laughing.

Shaking her head, Emma decided to play along. It would be such a waste to spoil the fun. She thought and then cleared her throat.

"Well, I came with my husband, but it seems he's disappeared," she said, looking directly into his eyes.

Alex sighed dramatically. "Of course you're married. I would have been surprised otherwise. You look too beautiful to be single," he said and Emma raised a brow.

"Who are you, and what do you want with me?" She asked with a smirk, wondering what he was going to say.