Miles away, a restaurant buzzed softly with the chatter of elegantly dressed diners and the occasional clinking of glasses.
At a corner table near the expansive glass window, Ryan sat alone, impeccably dressed in a crisp white suit.
His polished black shoes gleamed under the light, and his sharp features were set in a deep frown.
A single glass of water sat untouched before him as he glanced at his wristwatch for what felt like the hundredth time.
It was already 12:15 PM. The blind date was scheduled for 12:00 PM sharp, and Ryan had arrived promptly. Yet, the woman he was supposed to meet was nowhere in sight.
With a sigh of irritation, he picked up his phone and began dialing a number, only to stop midway when he noticed someone approaching his table.
A young lady in her mid twenties strutted toward him with exaggerated confidence, and Ryan's frown deepened as his eyes took in her appearance.
