“Okay, I can do this,” she took a deep breath and tried to relax. She wished she could be in a quiet room, but with the noise around, she had to get used to it.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1ZJgSTlIV
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNlDoIS1o6
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Angel quickly opened her eyes in fright and found a smartly dressed man standing in front of her. He wore a silver-grey suit that fit well on his body. His clear blue eyes looked at her anxiously, and Angel couldn’t help but stare at his kind, round face with his blonde hair cropped around his head leaving a reasonable amount of hair in the front and middle. A few strands of his hair fell in curls just above his left eye.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjYa4GukdCC
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKCmLdYzaHy
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“You’re the new girl, right?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZqyi4VLe9
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Angel didn’t know what to say as she felt she would drop the files in her hands. The man in front of her is gorgeous. And judging by the way his suit fit well on his body, he definitely does workouts at the gym or something. She told herself to pull herself together.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxYg70QBeo
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5b8YpbUxsV
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“Derrick,” the man quickly drew out his hand to give her a handshake. Angel had to carry the files with her one arm to draw out the other. They shook hands. “I wasn’t in the architecture department when you passed by. I just heard we've a new girl in town.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3NqSVRcfpW
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“Oh,” Angel felt her cheeks heat up even more. “I didn’t know I would still be the talk of the department.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdC3jnqqaBw
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsupItE1JI0
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztKkPIZf4j
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHx2ib3a8F
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡukdkwtbOdo
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwcbI0mCopf
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Derrick came closer and took the three huge files from her hands. Angel felt like a huge weight has been lifted. She hadn’t realised how heavy the files were until now.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwoY1lRJho
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsazXMDfpg
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCo2tTtpfk
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“Ah, yes, I am.” Angel led the way to her cubicle in the main work area. She could feel a number of eyes on her and a few whispers here and there.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5iwnLVuHbn
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwPjCI89p3
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“Not really,” Angel said, trying to shake off the feeling she's getting from people around her. She started to rub the back of her neck. “Just trying to familiarise myself with what I’ll be doing around here.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB13HYZBWv
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hgi7rZnua
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfCove1Wno7
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Derrick gave her a kind smile. “Well, I’ll leave you to it, Miss Barclay. Hey, if you’re up for it, you and I can go out for lunch with the others from my department.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucg1wmBjq2
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“Thanks, but I’ll have to decline. I already made plans with someone today.” Angel stared at her phone on the desk. Eric sent a text a few minutes ago inviting her to lunch, so she couldn’t turn him down.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTlkwbqYGh
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSmRc67Dl8
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Angel found herself blushing even more. “It’s not like that,” she managed to say. “It’s just between friends, nothing special.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqSRofpPB0M
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgmf8Del5n
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzgKRWpuob
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk69ig6zSAv
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVl9pcdevP
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Derrick gave her a wave and started to walk out of the work area. Before Angel could take her seat, she could’ve swore that he had turned to look at her before disappearing out of sight. She didn’t want to think too much about it.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTK7LyjYs1
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She looked at the files in front of her and knew she had a lot to do. She better get to work now before work starts to pile up. She got one file and placed it in front of her when she heard:321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7eS8iPtYgy
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtHCDVUL7y
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Angel turned around and found a young lady, an African American like her, seated at her desk opposite Angel’s cubicle. Her skin colour is darker than Angel’s, like that of dark chocolate. She had black, kinky hair tied above her head and leaving a huge tuft of hair. She wore glasses with a blue frame and wore a black suit with a white blouse and matching black high-heels. Angel couldn’t help but feel intimidated by the lady’s beauty.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GlwaHbjLV
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“Yes, it is," said Angel as she fully turned around in her seat and drew her arm out. "Your name is-?"321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsHP1kruH0
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"Sabrina," said the lady as she leaned forward and shook hands with Angel. "I see a lot of people really want to know you."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlAevIa8fJA
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglRp4FZvou
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbjOvYK712
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEVWP3yn1Ps
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"It's because you don't see it. The person you were talking to just now, he's really hard to come by. A lot of ladies around here try to get his attention. For him to actually ask you out for lunch will probably leave a lot of people here speechless."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB8upI9HXCd
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Angel raised an eyebrow. "Really? Why do you say so? You make it sound like he's an introvert when he seems like a really outgoing person."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSyaPbVSW2
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"He is. It's just that he has his own circle of friends. When many ladies try to get close, he pulls away. He's acquainted with a lot of us, but none of us have ever gotten close to him."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsys5P2YgGO
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyj5tlO4Gh4
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"Him escorting you here and asking you out for lunch is actually the first time I've seen him try to engage a lady in a conversation. He rarely does, unless he is talking about work."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqE7sbDeWpq
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZOTbamHWi
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Sabrina shrugged her shoulders. "Who knows with men. One minute they're leading you on, the next they aren't. But with Derrick, he might really like you."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVdZGMQsY5d
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"He doesn't have a girlfriend, does he?" came another female with blonde hair and striking blue eyes. She stood in the aisle with papers in her hands. She seemed to have popped out out of nowhere.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpTYIw4tgE
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScGrmA4eJD
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"Oh, sorry for butting in in your conversation," said Beatrix, looking at Angel and raising her hand apologetically. "Where are my manners?"321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntQO2jsjnN
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLarEQFbD2
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"Nice meeting you too. Just like Sabrina said, I'm also shocked Derrick actually talked to you so casually and actually asked you out for lunch."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5y7zy63Gw
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO6vu21mqpE
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHwxfXIFkVL
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWqEEnRFmGm
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXuHL1fh1N1
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHbYCxZiCor
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"Let's not talk about that," said Angel as she quickly spun around in her chair. “The last thing I need right now is to worry about who likes me.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1JyuBjWjJ
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8fkiBqMXtv
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Looks like they got their information from HR, Angel thought before she turned around to look at the two ladies. “As far as I can remember, no. Most men were married, so, I didn’t have any problems.” Except Mark, of course. She made sure not to say that out loud.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uurBk28QK
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd3AI3FW3rt
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5wPtO5i55
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“They are very good-looking and all the ladies wouldn’t mind getting close to them. But just like Derrick, they also don’t like to get too close. Eric's better since he’s outgoing and all. But Leo keeps to himself. He seems like a no nonsense person and he was pretty serious with his relationship with Kim until they called off the wedding.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxpi0OAwGL
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Angel didn’t want to hear any more of this. If only they knew that the reason why that happened is because of Carly.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0UMtHCbo1V
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“Do you know why that happened, Angel?” Beatrix asked. “You’re close to the family, so you should know the reason.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaDeE9KZJa
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“I can’t answer that.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr25fOG2Q5
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCuZT9cVhA
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOSKJF480c
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxir6jdsOM
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Good, Angel thought. It’s best she went with this. No one in the McDonell mansion knows the truth except for her, Eric, Carly and Leo. The more people think of it as a mystery, the better.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlswT5QHeaP
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“You see, Leo keeps things to himself,” said Sabrina. “As much as he is good looking, I feel he has such an attitude. You feel it sometimes when he talks to you, though he isn’t always like that.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwxyO0YGIQ
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyeSoW0TkQ
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66KaZgh3vk
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdit3qtrdr
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“Ya, I see how he’s close with his family, especially Eric,” said Sabrina. “I just wish he was more outgoing, you know.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3nxpTv7Hm
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡClr7qBwalO
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIuvY5UjvW
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“Not a problem.” Angel quickly swirled round in her chair to face the file in front of her. She really needed to get some work done. She didn’t expect to be in engaged in so much talk on her first day. She still felt uneasy as she heard a whisper across the room and thought she had heard someone mention her name. She had to agree with Derrick. She would be the talk of the office for a while.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHLZ0HP5hnU
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She closed her eyes shaking off the feeling so as to try and focus on work. She always did this, even at the editing company when she sometimes felt anxious or pressured. When she opened them, she went straight to work on the files.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVZJdA9gr8
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Leo heard the phone on his desk vibrate. He wondered if it’s Eric sending him a text that he couldn’t find what he went to look for. Leo sighed. He now wished his father was handling this meeting with Eric and not him. With Eric out of the office for a while, now is the time he can try and catch up on work, especially with answering his emails on his iMac.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi6frxmA1G
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His eyes left the computer screen and he went on to look at his phone. A sudden feeling came over, telling him that it might not be Eric who sent him a message. Could it be his father? If he wanted anything from Leo, he would've called. Maybe it’s his mother? No, he shook his head. It can’t be her. Just like his father, she would’ve called. Could it be Carly? It might, he thought positively. Maybe she thought of texting him.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXi7MMHVCML
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He quickly took his phone and turned on the screen to find the message isn’t from Carly. It's from Kim. He felt like putting his phone aside and getting back to work. Instead, he unlocked the phone to read her message and it was nothing but a simple “Hello.” He rolled his eyes as he wished he had never bumped into her at the café this morning. Should he ignore the message? As much as he wanted to, he still had to say something. He didn’t want to seem rude like he does sometimes.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn67hgSAx6O
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He texted her back and quickly put his phone down on the desk, hoping that she wouldn’t text back, but she did. Leo couldn’t help but groan.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPjJOXzVtI
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A knock soon came at the door and before Leo could tell the person to come in, the door flew open and Eric walked in with papers in his hands. Leo groaned even more, throwing his head back onto his chair.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynQVJU6xYQ
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLsgcTpoAL
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ffHO4jhFA
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUZDVAjCJp
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Leo looked at Eric. His cousin knew him better than anyone. He took a deep breath and leaned his elbows on the table.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk750gzKBx7
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“Kim texted me,” he said.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH94OLbBZQN
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NLbfiVxCj
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEH3B2eiXSZ
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYMgmTOGd2Z
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUq838s26T
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“What did she say?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUIctTjoDlo
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“Just a simple hello.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW5Bm6sHiFD
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“And did you reply?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu35OLYGBa3
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“Of course, I did.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3O2cFZ1neu
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“And…?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKJFgiC1FH
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspPcgtrUEx
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“You better see what that message says.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fDviag9lW
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“And what if I don’t want to? It’s pretty obvious that she wants to hook up for lunch or something.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxts1kCgQ9
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqH2yCnxmYt
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“Don’t flatter me. What am I going to do? I don’t want to meet her, that’s if she does ask that we should.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2acXdSuwcl
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspOD735AjE
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“You’re right.” Leo took his phone and unlocked it. When he read the message, he suddenly had a gloomy look. “She wants us to meet.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfUWbf6a4c
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“She really must be desperate, huh?” Eric raised his eyebrows. “Who can blame her? Being dumped on your wedding day to such a handsome man like you wasn’t what she expected.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuD1O4w1j7
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“You aren’t making me feel any better. Besides, I apologised. I don’t know what she wants me to do.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3g8pjTwoS
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“She needs an answer from you. That’s what.” Eric leaned back on the chair. "You never told her why you left on your wedding day. In fact, everyone keeps asking me that question and I always say that I don’t know.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tdOQeRswZ
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“The less who know, the better.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCDs7ROhLTi
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrbkr6ke932
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Leo didn’t say anything as he looked down at his phone on the table. He took it and started to tap away, then he quickly put it down.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnHlmGUtj0
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkDsFq1Oa8
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUachg9GSxP
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT48VUxfZlX
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Leo groaned, but he got his phone, unlocked it and gave Eric. When Eric read it for himself, he stared at Leo.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZMvOWp7rS
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“You’re serious,” he said as he gave Leo back his phone. “Are you finally going to tell her the truth?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2E8zMMarjd
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1NeIeAitT
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYQ1zfPWPhc
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroRSPJW5rV
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“It’s typical of a woman. Even I would kill you. I wouldn’t like to know that the reason why my man left me was because he fell in love with someone else.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdx0GZyjFmv
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Leo chuckled to himself as he stared at the ceiling. “I still remember that day. Gosh, all of that happened so suddenly.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2p3TCcSBBz
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“I thought you had gone mad, but looking at you now, you seem to have made the right decision. You don’t look regretful for leaving Kim.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6RLk9SqitR
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“I think it was the right thing to do.” Leo now had his eyes on Eric. “If anything, I feel like I really didn’t love her at all.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5F95zV28O
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs6M2rzsgx
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUO2LhexVpP
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNzd2nQO6jQ
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvb6NMNdARo
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“No, I don’t want to imagine it,” he said as he shook his head. “Something tells me it won’t be a good one.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnjMt9sy3r1
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“I agree,” said Leo as he rubbed the temple of his head. “I don’t want to imagine my mother, though.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidhiRe461C
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“That one is pretty obvious; I don’t have to imagine it, that’s if I want my head to explode.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpe3aKVsmX
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The two laughed.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡksKSNbSFV2
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“Okay, okay, let’s get back to work,” said Eric, wiping away a tear in his eye. “Remember, we’ve to finish these arrangements before lunch.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm39lba5t0P
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“You’re right,” said Leo as he went on to look at his screen and switched windows from his email to an open document.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowSiFpSCqq
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfgi7901SUL
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98duipaa9p
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Miranda quickly turned to the person who spoke to her. It's Brad. She rolled her eyes. “Oh, it’s you,” she said, turning her head to look elsewhere.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxyzDuI4v6
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Miranda was seated on a chair in the lecture room. They were waiting for their next lecture as the previous one ended minutes ago. She had been going through her phone to pass time when she was supposed to be studying. God knows just how behind she is.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMVhpsSq0P
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPU1gWfTcw
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWK07sqkzOO
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1sPDJsA13j
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“Nothing, why do you want to know?” she asked, holding her phone tight and facing her body the other way to avoid him from looking.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8hlTqrvmt
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VSEeNwVYj
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3VLlADPVJ9
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAVsyTAnt5E
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMjdvVvuuZ
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93XM6qzpCZ
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmZcbIqG0w
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“Well…,” Brad placed his elbow on the table with his hand supporting the side of his face so as to get a good look at Miranda. “You’re barely concentrating in class these days. And last week when we were handing in our assignments, you were late. You were so lucky that the madam took pity on you and accepted it.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse2rRPn7xD
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz083or2ks
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Brad scoffed. “Nah, that’s not it.” He wagged his index finger in front of her face. Miranda got irritated that she pushed his hand away. “Something is keeping you distracted.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8VUxfiqj4
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nDOJjh0Tj
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHZWlOaGGJS
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Miranda rolled her eyes at him and looked down at her phone before she went on to look in front of her.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0xZmju754
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5qT1GqAVQE
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8N1WqszzS
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“I thought I saw you looking at a guy's photo on Instagram just now. I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12FFHLq81z
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Miranda felt like standing up from her seat to go elsewhere, but she soon felt Brad hold her free hand, pinning her in place. It’s like he knew what she was about to do and he did the only thing possible to pin her down.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡve3NbIZEWC
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkJjXnKLsN
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMV8llh9Hl
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMzpyOwSDqJ
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“It’s because I’m worried about you. Something is up and I need to know what it is. Is it that man you keep looking at on your phone? Mind you, I’ve seen you looking at him time and time again.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OR9HIJfvJ
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Miranda felt her cheeks heat up. She couldn’t tell Brad about her sudden interest in Leo McDonell. Brad just said he looked familiar. And if he kept looking at her phone, he might realise who he is. She had to think of something.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnIYfKeYBG
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“You’re worried over nothing,” she said. “Just some celebrity that I follow on Instagram. I think he’s really cute and that’s why I look at his photos.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdSTDWBXMDT
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Brad stared at her for a second. Miranda knew she had told him part of the truth. But she couldn’t go into detail or else she might say something about Leo. If he knew, she didn’t know what he would do.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfesNxySZAd
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“Girls and your stupid crushes,” he said as he finally let go of her hand. “When will you ever let it go?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm7UJ1lpwD7
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHMre29lKDZ
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgIgmKjOkB
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She was afraid he was going to ask that. So when their lecturer walked through the door of the theatre, she let out a silent sigh of relief. Everyone who was still up and about went to their seats, and the lecture begun.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB56d7zeyI
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It’s finally lunch time, and Eric couldn’t wait to get out of the office with Angel and go somewhere nice. He had been in Leo’s office preparing for the meeting with the Chinese. Now that they're done, he couldn’t wait to leave.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S67wVZdza
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZ4bDkYqfj
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡem0JhcehuG
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSqQZdMaVAc
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOiR9lGZxY6
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsg2uXikNJg
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡar6X5ZMXSx
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkdkAuJLLg
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“That’s because you don’t like her. Mind you, having lunch with Angel is way better than having it with Kim.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejfNI0i3Kp
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The look on Leo’s face became grim. Even when he didn’t want to admit it, he knew Eric is right. He cleared his throat. “If you ask me there isn’t much of a difference.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRwF8Z76A9
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It's Eric’s turn to roll his eyes. “You know, if you gave yourself time to actually know Angel instead of fighting with her all the time, you’ll find that she’s okay to be with than Kim.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTKkDece4l
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MMeRTeI0r
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“I’ve to go now,” said Eric as he reached the door and held the knob. “Tell me how things go with Kim, okay? And try not to start an argument with her, wherever you will be.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnHgIdasSi
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“I won’t.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CCaQHVys1
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp3CXlUhXFQ
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Leo gave him a nod and Eric quickly rushed out of the door like an excited young boy who had been told he could go outside and play with his friends. Even when Leo felt irritated by Eric’s enthusiasm, he couldn’t help but envy him a little. The man is in love, Leo thought to himself. Even when he knew he loved Carly, he didn’t experience the kind of lovey-dovey nonsense Eric is in right now. Is that what he admired? The crazy feeling of liking someone that you couldn’t wait to see them?321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1JnUgWl0f
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Leo shook his head. People are different and express love in different ways, he concluded. There’s no doubt in his mind that he loved Carly. Besides, he thought to himself, I don’t think Eric likes Angel to that extent. Maybe what he feels for her might pass in due time. Leo thought again, and concluded that Eric’s feelings towards Angel aren’t going to pass any time soon.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXiF4kCJ86
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He soon got up from his seat as he also had to prepare himself to go and meet Kim. He didn’t know how his lunch with her is going to go. Before that, he thought he could lie to her that something came up to avoid any drama. But he couldn’t do that now. He would look like a coward. Something he doesn’t want to be.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoT53OX8Bqv
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He walked up to the door and got his jacket on the coat hanger. And with a deep breath, he opened the door and walked out.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHV0sMs61C6
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbPVHznXHzD
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd77ydP5iiT
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"I get what you mean. So many people keep asking me about you.” Eric had his hands in his pockets as he stared up at the sky. "You’ve made quite a reputation for someone on their first day.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBu8smKXWr
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"All that will pass.” Angel smiled at Eric. "It’s just the first day. By the end of the week, everyone would’ve forgotten that I even existed.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNPOpylHvE
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"I doubt that. People will forget, but it’s no question that you’ll still be the talk of the office. I mean, you’ll obviously be classified as the most beautiful female member of staff.” Eric now had his eyes on her as he chuckled.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCZ0orRJHjZ
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Angel playfully punched him on the arm. "What are you saying? There are many beautiful women at the company. If you ask me, their beauty is intimidating.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wDA5acv2K
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"That’s because you miss the big picture,” Eric stopped walking as he now held her arm to stop her as well. "You really are very beautiful, you do know that, right?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IzURZCpHy
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Angel couldn’t say anything as she continued to look at Eric. Her heart started to flutter and felt her cheeks heat up. She found all of this awkward as she started to look around. She looked back at Eric, wondering how to tell him that they were standing in the middle of the street and might be in the way. But the look he continued to give her left her speechless.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdxiQut80L5
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"I wish you could see what I see,” he said in a whisper. Even with all the bustling of people about and the hooting of the car horns, Angel got what he said. That made her cheeks heat up even more. She cleared her throat.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs0oUlNWTj
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"Ummm, Eric, we’re standing in the way,” she said. "This isn’t the time or the place for this, don’t you think?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfcPAVkwyIQ
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"Oh,” Eric forgot they were in the middle of the sidewalk, with people moving around. "I totally forgot that we were here in the first place. I must have spaced out a bit.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnolEk2lFXD
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Angel cleared her throat again as she looked down at her feet for a brief moment. "That must be it. Come on, weren’t you taking me out for lunch? I’m starving.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSYdK3uFWN
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Eric nervously chuckled and at the same time scratched the back of his head. "I shouldn’t keep a lady waiting. Sorry about that.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwFub7zBi4
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"Not at all.” She tried her best not to look like she had been flattered, but her cheeks continued to blush, making her even more nervous.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNRQKEMhBd
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They continued their walk down the sidewalk when Eric said, "I mean what I said, though. I hope you aren’t offended or anything.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiohiOEvHFp
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They stopped at the traffic lights and they waited for the walk sign to light up when Angel turned to look at Eric. "No, don’t worry,” she said.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5v9SV71vP
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The light soon went green and the pedestrians who stood at the edge of the sidewalk crossed the road to the other side.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTDbhCmeQn
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8aYEgz7h7
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ9uEjtZduh
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTmKdax7cr
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Angel tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. She couldn’t tell Eric that his approach was different from the ones she had encountered before. Even from Mark. She felt her cheeks heat up even more by the thought of it. It's best, she thought, that I don’t say anything.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwEI24iek9
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"Let me take you to my favourite restaurant nearby,” Eric continued as he smiled at her. "You’ll love it. And you can order whatever you like.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCodtdGwSY
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Angel couldn’t help but chuckle. "Don’t be so silly,” she said. "As much as that offer sounds tempting, it’s pretty obvious that I won’t be that careless.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoF0dUPjrWL
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHTU84qWDl
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcD3R3cFMce
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoStnsj39Zl
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They stopped in front of a small restaurant. From outside, it might not look like a five-star restaurant, but for some reason, Angel found it almost elegant as she looked through the huge glass window. The décor is simple but had a touch of elegance. White chairs and tables covered with white cloths with beautiful gold embroidery on them. Elegant flowers of different colours and types sat on different tables, making the place look more romantic. This scene reminded her of the place she went for lunch with Mark last week.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwpdNKBSjB
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VTqmA8VlC
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmlXVjmHXC
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She started to look around the place when a smartly dressed male waiter, approached her. Eric stood behind her after closing the door. Immediately, the male waiter smiled at Eric like they know each other. Angel shouldn’t be surprised. Eric did say he liked coming here.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYD6aNNkKd7
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‘"Hello, sir,” said the young waiter with a wide smile. "I see you came with company. Will you be taking the usual table?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Nzy7oeJby
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8rmYbCOuW
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLteLWjdbm
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Angel couldn’t ignore the way the waiter addressed them with so much courtesy. He led them to one of the tables by the corner, close to the window. When they neared the table, Eric drew out a chair for her to sit and Angel did likewise. Eric sat on the other side of the table, facing her. He told the waiter to serve them a glass of water as they looked through the menu before ordering.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejgqTIFUT6
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1y35LtKGdI
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlgHtKPZkh
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmcMCWDxxk
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseCvHacS4R
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Angel looked at Eric. "Why do you say so? Were you scared that the two of us would start a fight in the restaurant?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXZLj8ifDD
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Eric laughed. "No, I didn’t think that way in the least. If there is one thing I know for sure, you two can behave yourselves in a public place like this one. I wasn’t going to worry at all.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF8xgb5ND0
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Angel made a face because she knew Eric is right. She looked back at the menu when Eric put up a funny face. "So then, why did you say that?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfmBlPcOJxX
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXZfqxvu0Z
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5qbkBbD9Z
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdikEalzYne
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"That’s so unlike him,” she looked towards the waiter who had brought them glasses of water. He asked if they were ready to order, and they both said they weren’t.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUWboROuCH
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"I know, right?” Eric agreed with Angel after the waiter left. "I think he’s doing the right thing. Maybe he'll finally get to tell her the truth.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsb0whRcLG
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Angel didn’t say anything as she thought about it. "Do you think he will? I mean, him going to see her is already unbelievable as it is.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCKdQ95wlf
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Eric shrugged. "Who knows. If he does tell her, I think she’ll be at peace, right? But she’ll probably freak out and would want to know who it is.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjPbtjo2uLY
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDtV4wFmcC
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"You’re probably right,” Eric looked up at the ceiling, deep in thought. "That’s if Leo does tell her the truth and mentions that it's actually Carly he’s now in love with.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvcLKeevdhb
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The two looked at each other in silence as they thought of the scenario. Eric groaned in frustration as he quickly pulled his phone out from the pocket.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdP5ksD9ne6
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRUWDmBplV
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoz46GmS1M
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"I think we’re just overthinking things. What if he doesn’t say anything? Or what if he does but doesn’t mention Carly’s name? If Leo is in line with what we just thought, the best is not to mention Carly.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIeVgfykvch
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5St1hYuZST
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Angel continued to stare at him, but then, she put the menu on the table and started to play with her fingers. She bit her lower lip. "On second thought, I think you better give him a call. Just in case.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OhqB7U5SS
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOAWNgotaNO
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He had his phone to the ear when the ringing tone of Leo’s phone came up. He started to get worried in the moments that passed as the phone kept ringing. Could Leo already be with Kim at this very minute? He looked at Angel who looked back anxiously. She also started to worry. And just when Eric thought Leo wasn’t going to pick the call, he heard the cracking sound at the other end of the line.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayb2cyMUWi
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhmII2H8C5
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVZNEfRwbP
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc7OgRKUYeK
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD2NoZVQuir
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0fpD463qLM
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJGJSCdYKJ
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9fyNY2xUEq
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHiF5KnR5Na
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHmceV3bBM
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"Yes.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRjd2DnmFv
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"Weren’t you the one saying I should? What’s wrong? Are you getting second thoughts or you think I might screw this up?”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWCUJSPr2T
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"Uh…,” Eric hesitated as his eyes found Angel who had been looking at him the entire time. Judging by Leo’s statement, he felt like he didn’t have to worry at all.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO54iWY3HfX
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWUpxQa4pk
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Leo murmured and Eric knew he had just got on his nerves. "I don’t know why you’re scared, but I already know what I'm going to do. And if I'm going to tell her the truth, then you shouldn’t be bothered about it.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNVPepCfbaH
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMm22YutbRw
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzJC97BR6i1
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"That he’s got everything under control,” he answered. "I believe him. If he really is going to tell her the truth, I don’t think he’ll tell her he’s actually in love with Carly. If he does, then Kim will tell aunt, and she’ll be furious.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6osk4xDsUY
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Angel cleared her throat before she said, "not only that. Once she finds out, she’ll realise that before Carly and I moved in, we had all known each other and have been pretending this whole time. And they might end up finding the truth about how Leo and Carly met.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7Zwm9HMt3
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZfDr0rjU2
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”321Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6bfjZbc3d
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"Ya, you’re right,” said Angel as she looked at the menu, holding it tight. She really hoped that Eric is right.
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