“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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡItHEcUHFZ3
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeLEIFLXedo
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSY8YcgqTT7
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJNfdYS2BF
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“You’re the new girl, right?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPBjmwY9wCI
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyl47d4gBoL
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtqjTKMmGu
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmK2D33JfsW
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyB2JFbN4Jz
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlccZRCniuq
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CtiB9pnAC
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkiKcuWmLJ
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6jAz1M4cm4
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbOT63curoH
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRc4b0JA2Ap
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xzNQMOifb
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBasvZeF5i1
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡphAPo8zlXV
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSctfk77VCO
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMMvnXYDLf6
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYIdS791Ou
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZt83ORh4y
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbz2i8Q0RO
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJnCu6UKAG
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMMKvfmGrq
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlk4Jlwr8B
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJNVjXts6h
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKxaj8qe38w
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDJuyTWQ1vD
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKYYJMmHv0
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Y1lPz0Mh1
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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:319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAvzUi9Prq2
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRLqwXsYu0
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbiot47sLc
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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-?"319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wNU8yaaB5
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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."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPKz5Lxsu9h
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqRk5FYO7N
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSnvZKQVooL
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqclJdYIE5N
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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."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIpRgFBvCa
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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."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡROjwaSdjHS
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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."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5sdTYAfk6n
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYKmdrfUtk
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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."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWbeOSPcbqS
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XsBynvMPg
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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."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWvFBr8nYw
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIFMEbMDKkd
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRuRsfb4SH
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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?"319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrJ8T9rnyx
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgudzqEMzhO
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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."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyG5jrXgoYL
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoE39Yy0zTg
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYtTkfu8y39
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjCqy42MtgS
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡau3dDzJ4DM
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zYbYwuSJ1
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglFnmviXbB
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAjM6RB1dfV
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdxd9Jxcpy
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptRX051eJ3
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKy1wjztreX
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Mzx9AMVb8
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWl491wBBsR
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTO4Lb5Rod
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“I can’t answer that.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡse68EQah77
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6alJlRawF
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMYoxXFo7PJ
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ01gfOtg2gU
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWn7ux5caD
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrCL1QpEXxz
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ63P9xjPLIB
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9tIBq0s2pW
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBfXY8WdGj
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5f4kBy2xp
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk8PB2ypgx
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHDQONB5HON
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYGzorDPpmH
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrSESb1C6C
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPRBndGFWqp
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58kjwxNI7k
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIAXGoXFl6K
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlN7jfCBTvX
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4THVzjtESj
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9JGZUFRiQ
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4a5nn7p7EW
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8FnzDTTAW
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkTlQMIlvi
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“Kim texted me,” he said.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSAOV04Fa1
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zkFQZ2N4D
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7cOBbP0sJz
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwqXMHrsTT
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwaKa5eKTDb
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“What did she say?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL4VCEjnYI
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“Just a simple hello.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUrYcUJ5Xs
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“And did you reply?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHO1UnFX20h
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“Of course, I did.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ51aXj0D7S5
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“And…?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GblnORXfd
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCXEQWNNDz
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“You better see what that message says.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMzKu3avzt
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlweYn2Eoac
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrW4pOW4Qe
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePB0LpyQna
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuMjKvFGiJU
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ25gBGsKQO0
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WTFem9MSZ
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpRDV57vmaO
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRCHJd4xkJ
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“The less who know, the better.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVEJRNMlTI
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ031443pfJH
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTfPEIqYxn
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqhPNMAS8Hg
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yPIs3gKMk
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAx2Dnjrve
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9Q4LGKekB
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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?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0cWHJTYVz3
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9V5zduZlOV
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDZ7895fIo
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdN6O1s6Ppq
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLc7tLDd3cc
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb7r0vIqcXA
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GME1u70EB
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLN7p7CBLfd
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEWf3BDRFX
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHRTeEsDSx5
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1wQDahcLzA
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhSRhIPq7GK
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6cInanWHe
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqY5nRJgvw
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeu2eS9hT0V
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The two laughed.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLFsVNU7cse
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcsD3u9Oc51
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbH6SgqSP2x
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyhLCo6GcR
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ6JShgrcFV
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡynTXCndebw
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOCRzulL8p
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6HWeuCSuS
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ62S6pBttJd
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVpk6NkOPcu
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKcyRPq4zZg
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqkVv37W8ig
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkiEGzJ237L
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBSzPMglBx
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3H6d3NWgef
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpoONm7GWjL
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh3o2kmEANG
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGwP2EuHfB
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsUCpfxEgs
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVIW9FQkxa
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg858GGQxgg
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVJiSYdKMb
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0EJO6rmAI
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDjz3llH4um
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWQg6JexcE
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbN7b9azzdg
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO8aUkuXiB2
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgvA8vzYkx
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlcqNqsoZL3
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9Cm5nhZZa
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdElZgfgJy
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RM9FMPMYA
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡck1OBnK9kB
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqlFyhljfl
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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?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWtoM9n4IA
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3jeIZKUzrL
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00YfUo7ZvD
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡypbPAVXRTN
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBUm8kvw0z
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNWckpF19F
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXo3I3Fz2Ki
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnn2D2IiMZa
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTumIwaa90Z
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFKevw6qoH
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡajtb3ITM2G
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZbluA5bSQ
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lJ85Zxa4p
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TaykiGG4l
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrQ815qvmkY
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYphUtXoszs
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbxoFfHu2Q
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“I won’t.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQw4RxLMx1u
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVrHkcgluE
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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?319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRVwWCRcNn
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQcuEKVQXel
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAEO1cW9rk
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJd3G7KYmgB
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTftGHl9Sg
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmFMpordQO
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXh0VV3XYLm
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaERB76LRPo
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJ8KGKjBoF
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdJ8Pxl3WZ
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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?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmWKADrrBL
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzGy66eQXr
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2t0xLnI75
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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?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVN3R1dwk1r
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKU2vd8UUH
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAavf9GBwGV
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdYsi5t3VQ
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmgZq1bL9Fx
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CIo5EonqU
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtJ5TKrYdLX
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQJVqcTB5w
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXjBLD2vvD
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIN3j2OjJw
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAELSDTa4Zc
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmnwemUNy6
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSyv1HTf7Nz
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ITurrAEV3
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0refqm3Ly
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9yWGF4HJVO
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9JpFvEQll2
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5qp2Ooluj
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTneNjwGeuZ
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLoX2jB2vp7
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtCneqWtSk
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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?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8p7aIUlpR
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSZK3ABSht
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhnfSTLCE2
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLlE8qpkBa
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡICMsXknFzg
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdJwhyfosML
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHmxSEm2vM
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXTNqlLLNbl
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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?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDok3ydDLYG
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzpXq8B5wc
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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?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyUMNTW1JD
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOkx48UCcdv
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIw0bwVY886
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuW2i7rThiZ
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5GPqritFm
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwoLQWGPWbw
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK4o34b6cG6
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IeLvwKl3j
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGpcZPyTygg
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGitgd22Wla
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ891zRubro
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTn6OwCZijJ
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTAU9VwmWg
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWNULSrdIB
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb6KtgMtCif
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpbdpnpiN8Q
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42smzCAUup
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeFVDB6Es5s
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxOyh8bug0
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83ES3FG6Gl
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs0WAlZf2li
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2UsEtogLnU
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CkrmW74LL
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWBBSlxgQs
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbHmpBLYNHw
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15FX5laJv3
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzVzlGGVtC
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"Yes.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHF33Ru3cLf
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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?”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXe8qIBOfK
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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.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqECYJaqNq
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoq0yeygG2d
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnViwKKtru
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrzNUJuPw1N
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhWEGAld0G
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQZMhcIczh
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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.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOARwWRUTTB
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtfs7ZkQbQ
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”319Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡePZnWo7Avk
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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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