Author's POV
The moment Aria and Aiden disappeared through the restaurant doors, Lillian's smile vanished like it had never existed. She slumped back in her chair, exhaling dramatically.
"Well, that was awkward," she muttered, taking a long sip of her wine. "Of all the restaurants in Manhattan..."
Ryan studied her reaction carefully, his jaw tightening. "You looked absolutely terrified when they spotted us. Are you really that worried about people finding out about us?"
Lillian met his gaze directly. "Do you honestly think what we have is something worth announcing to the world, Ryan?"
"What's that supposed to mean? Dating isn't exactly a crime last time I checked." His voice had an edge to it now.
"Dating?" Lillian repeated the word like it was foreign to her. "Is that
