Lucy smiled, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "I feel the same."

They stood there for a moment, admiring each other, their matching smiles of love and affection reflecting the shimmering jewels they wore. The maids, who had been watching from the sidelines, whispered excitedly amongst themselves, proud of their work and beaming with happiness at the sight of their beautifully dressed mistresses.

With hands intertwined and hearts fluttering, Lucy and Mia made their way down the hall, ready for the romantic dinner that awaited them, their dresses flowing elegantly behind them, their every step radiating beauty and grace.

As Lucy and Mia exited the castle, the night greeted them with a cool breeze, carrying the soft hum of the city below. The streets sparkled under the dim streetlights, casting a warm glow on the cobblestone roads. Despite the world slowly shifting and changing around them, this part of the city seemed untouched by it all, its vibrant charm still intact. The buildings held their familiar, old-world architecture, and the streets bustled quietly with people going about their lives, some stopping to enjoy the pleasant evening while others hurried along to their destinations.

Lucy and Mia strolled hand-in-hand, their elegant gowns brushing the ground as they made their way through the city. They attracted attention without meaning to—their beauty, the way they carried themselves, and their luxurious attire drew eyes from passersby. People whispered among themselves, stealing glances as the two women walked by, though Mia and Lucy seemed oblivious, lost in their own world.

As they made their way closer to the restaurant, a particularly handsome man stepped out from the crowd, clearly taken with Lucy. He was tall, with sharp features and dressed in a sleek suit, his dark hair swept back stylishly. With a charming smile, he approached Lucy with confidence.

"Excuse me, miss," he said smoothly, his eyes twinkling with admiration, "I couldn't help but notice you. You look absolutely stunning tonight."

Before Lucy could even respond, Mia's protective instincts flared. She gently but firmly stepped in between them, her eyes narrowing ever so slightly as she placed a possessive hand on Lucy's arm. "She's taken," Mia said, her voice calm but with an unmistakable edge that made the man pause.

Seeing the warning in Mia's gaze, the man quickly backed off, offering an apologetic smile before disappearing back into the crowd. Mia turned to Lucy with a soft chuckle, brushing off the encounter. "I'll have to keep a closer eye on you," she teased, though her hand lingered protectively on Lucy's arm.

Together, they continued toward the restaurant, where they were greeted warmly by the host, who immediately led them to their reserved table by the window. The restaurant was as elegant as ever, dimly lit with soft candlelight on each table, creating an intimate atmosphere. As they sat down, the eyes of a few patrons followed them, their presence commanding attention even here.

A young server approached their table, his hands slightly trembling as he held the notepad. He looked nervous, clearly overwhelmed by the beauty of the two women before him. "Uh… good evening, ladies," he stammered, bowing slightly as he greeted them. "May I take your order?"

Mia smiled politely, giving him a reassuring nod. "I'll have the chef's special with a glass of white wine, please," she said.

Lucy followed with a smile, placing her own order as the server scribbled it down quickly, nodding too many times as he did so. "Right away!" he said, his voice cracking slightly before he hurried off to the kitchen.

As they waited for their food, the conversation naturally drifted toward Ada. Lucy rested her chin in her hand, her eyes twinkling as she spoke. "She's growing up so fast, isn't she? Every day, it feels like she's learning something new or mastering a new skill."

Mia smiled fondly, leaning back in her chair. "She really is. Sometimes I can't believe how independent she's becoming. Do you remember when she used to ask for our help with everything? Now, she's practically teaching herself."

They both shared a warm laugh, the memories of Ada's early days filling the space between them with a sense of pride and nostalgia. "I just hope she doesn't overdo it," Lucy added, a touch of concern in her voice. "She's always pushing herself so hard. I wonder where she gets that from," she teased, giving Mia a playful look.

Mia smirked. "Definitely not from me," she joked, though they both knew it was a trait Ada had inherited from both of them. As they continued to talk, their conversation flowed with ease, the love they shared for their daughter evident in every word. The evening felt light and perfect, a brief moment of serenity in a world slowly changing around them.

After some time, the server returned, carefully balancing two elegantly plated dishes. His hands shook slightly, but he managed to set their meals down in front of them with precision.

Mia had ordered the chef's special for the night, which turned out to be a beautifully cooked filet mignon, perfectly seared on the outside and tender within. It was topped with a delicate red wine reduction and garnished with roasted garlic and thyme. Alongside the steak was a medley of seasonal vegetables—vibrant greens, carrots, and lightly seasoned potatoes that added a splash of color to the dish. The presentation was immaculate, the rich aroma of the steak and wine sauce tantalizing as it wafted up to Mia.

Lucy's meal was equally divine. She had opted for a pan-seared sea bass, the fish cooked to perfection with a crispy skin and tender, flaky interior. It rested on a bed of saffron risotto, creamy and rich, with a subtle fragrance that filled the air. The dish was garnished with grilled asparagus and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, the vibrant green of the asparagus contrasting beautifully with the golden hue of the risotto. A drizzle of lemon butter sauce completed the dish, enhancing the natural flavors of the fish and adding a zesty brightness to every bite.

The server then placed their drinks—Mia's crisp white wine and Lucy's glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon—before them, bowing politely before retreating to give them their privacy.

"Well, this looks incredible," Lucy said, her eyes lighting up as she admired her meal.

Mia nodded, cutting into her filet. "I'm starving…"

They both took their first bites, savoring the flavors that danced across their palates. The conversation flowed naturally as they enjoyed their meals, each bite reminding them why this little restaurant had become their favorite.

As Lucy and Mia finished their last sips of wine, the quiet hum of the restaurant returned. Just as Lucy raised her hand to call over the server and pay, a sudden shift in the room's energy drew their attention. The restaurant's owner—a tall, sharply dressed man—approached their table, his appearance turning heads as he strode confidently through the dining area. His features were striking, with neatly styled black hair and strong, chiseled jawline. His charcoal suit was perfectly tailored, giving off an air of professionalism, though it couldn't quite hide the nervous flicker in his dark eyes as he neared the two women.

"Good evening, Lady Lucy, Lady Mia," he greeted them with a deep bow, his voice steady but underscored by a trace of anxiety. "I'm honored to have you both dine here tonight. I hope the meal was to your satisfaction."

Lucy, ever poised, gave a warm smile. "The food was wonderful, thank you."

The owner seemed to relax ever so slightly, though the weight of their presence clearly pressed on him. "It's not often we have the pleasure of hosting such esteemed guests. Please, allow me to escort you to a more private area for the rest of your evening."

With that, he motioned toward a private staircase, discreetly tucked away at the back of the restaurant. Lucy and Mia exchanged glances before gracefully rising from their seats, drawing the attention of diners once again. As they made their way through the restaurant, whispers followed them, though no one dared approach.

The second floor, unlike the polished dining area below, was a bustling hub of activity. The walls were painted a muted cream, and the lighting was softer, casting long shadows as the staff hurried back and forth. Chefs in crisp white coats rushed between stations, calling out orders as steam rose from sizzling pans and the clatter of pots and plates filled the air. Servers moved swiftly, balancing trays and refilling drinks with practiced ease, their faces focused, marked by the pressure of the busy night. The scent of rich sauces, freshly baked bread, and herbs filled the air, a stark contrast to the quiet elegance of the floor below. Everything was well-organized, yet chaotic, as the staff worked tirelessly to keep up with the evening's demands.

Lucy and Mia followed the owner through this controlled whirlwind, the staff parting like the sea as they passed. Some cast curious glances at the two, recognizing them instantly, but no one dared linger as they scurried about their work.

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