CHAPTER 69: 50/50 (?)

For the rest of the night, the dinner went... smoothly. Too smoothly, in Lola’s opinion, and she was growing suspicious. The smile Atlas had given her bothered her more than it should have, but she decided not to dwell on it.

"Thank you for the meal," Lola said, offering a subtle smile. "It was a nice dinner." Despite knowing that it was Second who had arranged everything.

"Did you like it?" Atlas asked, and she nodded. "Glad to hear."

Just then, the server, who had served them all night, approached the table.

"How was the night?" he asked excitedly.

"Good." Atlas buttoned his blazer as he rose to his feet, facing the man. "Tell David she’s satisfied. Good work."

"I’m glad to hear that. It’s our honor, sir." The server lowered his head to him, then to Lola. "Come back again anytime, Madam."

Lola’s mouth opened to correct him, but she found herself closing it. Instead, she offered another smile and a nod. "Thank you for serving us tonight."

"Are you leaving now?" the server asked, his smile widening. "Let me assist you..."

"It’s fine." Atlas raised a hand to stop him, and the server instantly understood the cue.

"Very well." The server took a step back and bowed politely before bidding them farewell.

The two watched him go before looking at each other. Lola smacked her lips lightly and raised her chin.

"About the bill, I’ll send you my share later," she said. "I hope you don’t refuse it. I know this dinner was Second’s idea, but you already paid for the dinner last time. Tonight’s on me."

"You’re going to pay for my dinner?" he hummed, extending his arm for her to take.

Her brows rose as she darted her eyes between his face and his arm. He wants me to... walk out of here holding his arm?

"They might still be there," he said, repeating her earlier remark. "That idiot."

A brief surprise fluttered in her chest, and she bit her lip to suppress a laugh. She knew Derek was an idiot, but hearing Atlas say it somehow gave her a strange sense of validation.

Reaching out, she slightly hooked her hand onto his arm, humoring him. "Does this mean you’re not going to refuse me paying for dinner?"

He didn’t answer immediately, beginning to walk with her alongside him.

"Hmm?" she hummed, studying his side profile. "I’ll take the silence as a ye—"

"No." He cast her a sidelong glance, his tone and expression plain, with a slight touch of finality. "Men used to build castles for women, and you’re asking me for 50/50? Think about it."

Lola’s feet followed his, her hand still locked on his arm. Her brows rose and drew together as she looked away, fixing her gaze ahead. However, the tip of her ear reddened against her will, her heart fluttering.

Damn it, Lola.

She mentally hissed, telling herself not to put any meaning into this. But she was a woman, and in front of a man who just said all the right things—for the most part—she couldn’t help but feel a flutter in her stomach.

After all, even before she moved out of the Young family home, she was used to taking care of herself. Even Derek, who used to be a good friend, would ask her to pay when he splurged his allowance.

Goodness, she whispered to herself, peeking at him before looking away immediately.

Don’t even think about it, Lola. Don’t get any silly ideas... just because you used to like him a lot.

****

Lola didn’t feel comfortable holding his arm on their way out of the establishment. It wasn’t a bad feeling, but she could feel his strong arm and the body heat on her palm. So, she let go the moment they walked outside, where the valet was already preparing his car.

"Actually, I drove my way here," she said, stopping as he continued his steps toward the car. She waited for him to look back before she smiled. "I’ll see you later."

Instead of answering, Atlas reached for the passenger door and opened it. "Someone will take it back home."

"But—" she halted, biting her tongue. "Fine."

With a sharp huff, she advanced toward him. She paused for a second before him, forcing a smile, then slid into the passenger seat. The second she sat down, he closed the door.

"Goodness," she murmured, watching him hand a tip to the valet before leisurely walking around the car to the driver’s side. Another shallow breath escaped her as she leaned back, resting her head against the window.

At the same time, the driver’s door opened, and Atlas got in. As soon as he settled in his seat, he turned and reached toward her.

"What—" she jolted in surprise as his arm stretched across her, looking at him with wide eyes. Before she could ask what he was doing, he spoke.

"Seatbelt."

"Oh." She almost stuttered, already reaching for the seatbelt. "It’s okay. I got it."

But he didn’t move an inch. He just stared at her as if to say, How dare you steal my job?

Lola closed her slightly agape mouth and moved the seatbelt strap into his hand very carefully.

"Good girl," he said, and she flinched as he secured her seatbelt.

Her back was pressed against the seat, her body almost fusing with it as he worked on her safety. The brief seconds felt longer than they should. Perhaps because she was holding her breath.

Once he finished, he met her eyes, which were wide with surprise. He was just looking at her like most of the night, but this time, he was very close.

Atlas arched a brow as he glanced at his shoulder blade, where her finger was poking it as if trying to push him away. A shallow smile—almost a smirk—appeared on his face as he held her gaze again.

"You smell nice." Then he drew away, and her face instantly turned red, as if her blood had just shot up to her head.

He let out a low chuckle as he buckled his own seatbelt and drove away, watching her with amusement as she sat in her seat like a statue.