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CHAPTER 325
~Valerie's POV~
Fifteen minutes later, we stopped in front of a cozy little retro diner tucked between two bookstores.
Its neon sign glowed softly under the fading amber light of the setting sun, casting a warm halo over the cracked pavement.
My nose picked up the scent of grilled burgers, crisp fries, and creamy vanilla milkshakes instantly.
"You brought me to a diner?" I asked, blinking at the red-framed windows lined with old movie posters.
"Correction," Ash said smoothly, holding the door open with an exaggerated flourish and a mock bow. "I brought you to the diner. Best milkshakes in town."
I arched a brow as my lips twitched. "And you're bribing me with sugar."
"Absolutely," he said with zero shame. "Works every time."
I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't stop the tiny smile pulling at my lips as I stepped inside.
The moment we walked in, a wave of warmth wrapped around me, carrying the nostalgic soft music.