“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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvf6xvnPGO
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrp1wSjv8t
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UqazJwRKq
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3lguSxH38p
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“You’re the new girl, right?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQiWaBEPDP
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6DAXMs8mYI
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19WSjzs7yo
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFDq7RVt17
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ23lG4FvLy9
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdm11ZG3eiB
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9KZR6LRR8K
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMo5CBhXS9
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hFlb6mZag
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4nzjWrzAc
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKCk6s9PX9
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7cuf6TNbw
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFfgHK2rm90
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHchvjwBCKr
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sMApgEup8
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UmMVu1U7e
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgHXk6Dh0Ae
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrpaCOQ4Zl
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd9yEJ7gWri
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7KpNWiUZd
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsWMxWuRj9r
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrEczFpLZR
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvbrRr1y4xt
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFkSYyUyfd
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDkb1ahgUF
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF18b2RR6Ab
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYeFO2dl1t
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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:383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93ptHs8BXF
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlWeIZAktf
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQl5xZNw9L2
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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-?"383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnUT3qOhht
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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."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIjA9qRpqB
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfY3wdjpGDW
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4tVVsk11lo
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22WKyNZb2p
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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."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifLLxUXYDz
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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."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLQgR5gsc0
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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."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCTo85tcyy
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vsXDs3D5I
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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."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaEL3IPI46
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFChakm6an
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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."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahQX9m8KEZ
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQQ2AjQ9A1
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfOZTZG6Dt
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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?"383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN2XwWVL0Cd
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYCLMiSDC7
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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."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMjK4BPK4T
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ06UYsOsz85
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5je7rz7ff
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvEK19DWDSI
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp72PGfEB7x
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv0X03E7YWy
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLf8n9BnaM
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhQyh2JNFNg
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6C78pG9qmp
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw399Nrp1d3
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmQ4JMTMGU
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgNiZs8M9yA
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFWUyrapefw
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxPS2jKzMc
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“I can’t answer that.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgFJi3inMo
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkx8wn1mpf6
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1RY2FPlQLp
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmFEJ6GLmP
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaVFqHHGoG
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZu08sWSt8n
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9wYYjnl4Rd
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYsgVJlK6Rj
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wchE54MUR
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSewOKhdmZ
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfjAHisdFsy
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV3r91wnTLh
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9M8oymEp8K
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2tf54Kgfr2
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFQivJJA71
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1ZbYt21Kj
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwVsFybOAR
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTHtvZ6PRFH
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJX1M4WuhON
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyBCHk5bwl
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOsiufqmZZi
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIygcYvv7Uc
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qnk3IZIB3
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“Kim texted me,” he said.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNBK8HTwzne
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFygikQ616
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡud2BgqXxlb
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJmnMYns3b
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk2dTkhlJIP
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“What did she say?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGz8NVa9L84
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“Just a simple hello.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxJj3NrsNk
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“And did you reply?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FfoRGFKJ6
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“Of course, I did.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeCEWUkD4Ov
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“And…?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUk6Kp7Pu3N
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVd4oQnhkd
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“You better see what that message says.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8mtbMca1e
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCu2nq4YwwM
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJSn4PAHdGd
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtbr4pUgdy9
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1e7spYwhm
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvluPQEdF1h
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxKeyj6lWhC
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQUEC9xbUL
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU61pY6gNUO
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“The less who know, the better.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwifwgeFczM
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5R3HyQJCLW
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7qXhf08Dz
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2jmxNqXeD
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3BaEALpRhZ
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavZxyNUrGj
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr1bFA60yVh
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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?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfsGenqEAhE
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSb2X9FMBc5
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgbhfdSN8d
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQGmwxdBif
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7SJR8Tiqh
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyHISxpMlc
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJE9uY9OMn
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDhFnaiqdl8
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsCxtRrO2S
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjrWYsYstLM
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwsPKo9GWY
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVE9N1rEoR
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJEC0X8ZtQ7
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDVDrRfdHF
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFCEBv9Hhjo
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The two laughed.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntftfTdJrw
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6aVbY0MVq
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVmP71vK0X
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8bY85qFp7G
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxoe2Xn5hR
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl88P5D0Ztl
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nSNhCMXVm
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbevqeduvS
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwYeArprtM
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsbmgb3dDv
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOh8MlZTbUH
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShLENaE5IQ
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAoSEqcZII
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcCYGhkex0
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBdbpFxgMYZ
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJbV4O79J8w
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlQGiOMmnZ
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45LGWBqDNB
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoODrPbpI5D
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3UPzxRBYo
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZBUPNwYI7
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PJfE1roal
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQuXI1qQCW
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE1IkfSbxU9
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxLH1lqp3m
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoqtOvSUvV
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6eEbBEEPy
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAbxyrZgEv
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNnNgNmrieo
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylU24R66mJ
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmHXnALHMiS
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡielwWjlr8O
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGsurUNgxbF
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ0oIccRdEb
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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?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdssapfX4ej
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgRiYxoOmuh
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡopifJssweZ
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2raptULb8B
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DVi5CGdxH
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEniilhNshY
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgbUQVNEKI
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFUorT5j9H
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm2m7uFis5z
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSwWJoNCyS7
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjJ1d6d6AW
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNl1YMc8s98
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RLIirFeJY
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EV2tBVOER
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnqou6CQeKE
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2VLrUIOLI
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡroCkAzDzAv
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“I won’t.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHtkfs6qXgt
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrR47htClL8
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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?383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡchM9NOf1hX
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TyQqHtKgB
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV509gppNB9
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsKwv9MNNvb
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡssfVrc3ucG
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOugYxZNTnY
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtzM7mEXjd
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsRDQmd1J4g
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKtz2T7TGHe
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8EQ8ePQug
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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?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc173k6MjjY
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aLQGScL79
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY76NSPutZW
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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?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZNhDasF3Z
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLlgzbu6PO
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2Sljf1dkH
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AA9SCSbEy
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hbVEJJc27
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GssVzt8hj
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtC6xL7Z0jr
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bkV9am0Ia
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczrKHC6sFX
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwqLCgktSh
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhjRyqVJHs0
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXntVmSfiik
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1aVJ9NS2j
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjep9vbRNCW
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5enyQmn8LD
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnB3hTwztY
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBCdjUkGrO
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3MUMGQ289
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkYOK5NGTg
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYv4eoRpc8C
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjE0exlgdw
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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?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHapQA9m5jN
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCoFZKSS5E
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFxSRsjESO
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQi6mBdfgYW
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiND4JDywWS
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnJbmsddsq
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWNWrV0XCt
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwESO8hupP
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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?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNftXnS8mYq
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmw6CCDO7cc
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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?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMQQc1eQiNS
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOWdYy9w9L
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSQQw4GgUX
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3nY8kfQHS
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeACcUNhISt
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKvkjC3scl
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOACCtOcm0k
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQMPxDUstt
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH2rKJ5a0N
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw4gRH0a1bn
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKFJldiei0
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEzLtsRJM4n
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzL5t43Gfv
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOTA6rejc7B
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUr1pBOwFI
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRruEusnbV
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsy3FycfS7
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmkYcwQSwr
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XoMbTE7kG
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKDXGrxlEG
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2W1ZBz5XU
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Yb6XF8DdC
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz85R1JEPi
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHLRAZGjno
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBijOAwxLN
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZaZYQSEQEY
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxqCqDNpjF
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"Yes.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z4TMa5DKg
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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?”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRXSjKfgEF
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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.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYW1bSnn84A
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRov7YeZXoH
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtdlpeCKMx8
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiH1ODtFkeZ
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaXGPvj59s
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyDV3rIVHg
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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.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OcHWxODhO
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnbR5RvFjH
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”383Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwpxwdSSgG
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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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