Foreman stood up with a warm smile, pulling out the chair for Ste in a gentlemanly gesture.


    "You''re notte—it''s me who''s early."


    Ste had never been in a romantic rtionship before. The man she''d spent the most time with in the past was Antoney Watson.


    But they''d known each other for so long that meals between them were casual affairs, devoid of any such niceties.


    After marrying Haynes, Ste rarely went out to eat. And even on those rare asions, Haynes never once pulled out a chair for her.


    Now, faced with Foreman''s thoughtfulness, she found herself a little caught off guard by his chivalry.


    She called over the waiter and turned to Foreman with a smile. "Order whatever you like don''t hold back. Dinner''s on me."


    Foreman''s smile was gentle. "Alright, thank you."


    A short distance away, two young women watched the scene unfold, their faces falling in disappointment.


    "So he''s already got a girlfriend... Looks like I never stood a chance," one sighed.


    "His girlfriend''s beautiful, too. Honestly, they look perfect together," the other replied.


    "Why is it that all the handsome guys are taken?" the first girlined.


    Ste couldn''t help but chuckle at their conversation.


    She''d noticed the pair as soon as she walked into the restaurant. They''d spent the whole time sneaking nces at Foreman and whispering things like, "You go," "No, you go," clearly working up the nerve to ask for his number.


    Ste''s longshes fluttered as she nced up at the man across from her, who was now looking over the menu.


    If Haynes was a distant, cold moon, then Foreman was the gentle warmth of spring sunshine-soft,forting, and easy to be around.


    After selecting a few dishes, Foreman looked up. "I''m done ordering."


    Ste was surprised by the dishes she heard him request from the waiter. "You like those too?"


    Foreman smiled kindly. "Yeah. Whenever Haynie, Jasper, and Ie here, we usually get these. Wait-you like them too?"


    Ste nodded, her face brightening. "What a coincidence! They''re all my favorites."


    A fleeting light danced in Foreman''s eyes. "Funny thing is, I don''t think ever saw you order them when we ate out together. I always thought you preferred something lighter."


    Ste''s smile faded a touch as memories from before her divorce surfaced.


    "Well, back then I just went along with what Haynes and Keen wanted. They both have sensitive stomachs, so I always stuck to nd dishes for their sake."


    In this moment, Ste realized more than ever how right her decision to divorce Haynes had been.


    At least now, she could eat whatever she liked and do as she pleased, instead of being trapped in a routine that revolved solely around her


    child''s needs and her husband''s


    peace of mind.


    Since bing a mother, she''d almost forgotten what it was like to think about herself.


    Foreman''s gaze was gentle, deep as the sea, as he looked at her. "Star, are you really able to let go of Keen?"


    Her hand tightened around her water ss, almost unconsciously. She lowered her eyes, hiding her thoughts.


    "He''ll probably be happier without me hovering over him all the time."


    Foreman sighed softly. "Star, Keen''s still young. He needs guidance. Haynie is always swamped


    work and rarely has time for him. And Rachel Pearce..."


    Foreman''s voice paused, his tone growing heavier.


    "She''s always taking Keen out, letting him stay upte. In fact,st night, he was


    out sote he just spent the night at her ce."