The Return of the Hades

Disdain and scorn at the restaurant!

65

A well-dressed woman at a nearby table whispered loudly enough for them to hear, "Look at their clothes. This isn't a place for them."

A man at the bar, sipping a glass of expensive wine, eyed them disdainfully before commenting to his companion, "It seems they've opened the doors to anyone these days. Where's the exclusivity?"

His companion, a woman adorned with pearls, laughed lightly, her gaze piercing. "Indeed. Perhaps they lost their way to the diner down the street."

Feeling the weight of their stares, the girl squeezed Darien's hand tighter, her initial excitement dimming in the face of such open disdain.

Darien's grip on the girl's hand tightened slightly. He could feel her shrink beside him, her initial excitement dimming under the scrutiny.

He leaned down, whispering, "Ignore them. You're worth more than their words."

She looked up at him, her brave smile returning. "Okay, Darien."

They were approached by a waiter, his eyes briefly flickering with surprise before he regai