The man playing the piano stood up and walked over, greeting them with a bright smile. "Carson!"
He was a tall, handsome English man.
Carson introduced her. "My fiancée, Marina."
The man looked pleasantly surprised and stepped forward to give Marina a welcoming hug, but a sharp look from Carson stopped him in his tracks. "I'm the only one who gets to hold her."
The man shrugged playfully. "So stingy," he joked.
Carson raised an eyebrow, completely unashamed. "I can be generous with anything else, but not with this."
Marina couldn't help but laugh.
The man playfully backed off, offering Marina a warm smile instead. He introduced himself as George and explained that he and Carson were good friends.
Carson chimed in, "George isn't his real name. He picked it himself because he thought it sounded distinguished."
Marina chuckled again. "It suits you."
Carson turned to George. "Marina just asked me how many girls I've brought here. Care to answer that for me?"
George immediately held up a single finger, his expression wildly exaggerated. "One. You are the only girl he has ever brought here!"
Marina raised an eyebrow. "And tell me, Mr. George, how many times have you covered for him like this?"
George tapped his chin in mock thought, counting on his fingers. "One, two, three..."
Carson rubbed his temples. "George, don't throw me under the bus."
George burst out laughing and looked at Marina. "I'm not lying, you really are the first woman Carson has ever brought here. However..."
His tone shifted playfully. "Since you're so lovely, my conscience demands I tell you that he's probably taken girls to plenty of other places. He's a sly one, so don't let him fool you!"
Carson simply stared at him in silence.
When their steaks arrived, Carson flawlessly cut Marina's portion for her. "I also come here because the chef makes a phenomenal steak. Try it."
Marina looked at the handsome, elegant man sitting across from her. He was humorous, gentle, incredibly perceptive, and strikingly attractive. After spending enough time with him, what woman could actually stop herself from falling for him?
A sudden wave of panic washed over her.
Halfway through their meal, the restaurant's main lights dimmed, leaving only the flicker of candlelight on the tables. Soft gasps of surprise echoed from the other diners.
George stood up and spoke with polished charm. "This next piece is dedicated to Carson Foster and his beautiful fiancée, Marina. Please join me in wishing them a lifetime of love."
The restaurant instantly fell silent. A soft spotlight settled on George, and a beautiful melody flowed from his dancing fingers.
Love is Blue.
Love was melancholy and complicated. But only by weathering those trials could two people be reborn, forging a bond as the most devoted, inseparable of lovers.

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