“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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqd4uSpjHAb
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1E5FkWiNE
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu267XHSe6r
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtk4iW8cMdK
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“You’re the new girl, right?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIsYNTTxW3
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtONlOIywi9
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LAT3JSR2p
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiLlJX36mi
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzsjRiNSywh
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoNUhjMJBim
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDIwyK6OG7V
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPtnznHQ4z
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQcb8GJwab
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8usOaWeEGk
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwPrsKFnTs
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtCr8Aqy9D
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvZVlxrEbU
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd0MN1VUt5
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTvf0ol94D
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa6plTWKR1v
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKt2tIOzXEb
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrh5mo3YFC
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7fs58ln6b
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR0cOc3IJF
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOi5XBE46Ea
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyLtOUztQB
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtZAP2FhGI
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2EhHlxUXq
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgo6Mg2QXGc
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ29WSd69Wok
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOeV2Yox60V
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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:449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl6J3F3Ck2H
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdiLSfqkxJ
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4FjDKby1s
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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-?"449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo9kpjKCF0
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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."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbaXUzUU2B
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl4G3TFSMu2
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpEhGNYngrj
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5IHyaUjN9
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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."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsBzKAjK8ZQ
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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."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0nVZ9vvPO
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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."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeP8sJH1pC
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vRvrCpfln
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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."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PLMD4kZia
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbcpvoXbEOC
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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."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkJOJE0NQ3
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWmXFk2k8LY
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9MJLEpNsx
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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?"449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNmRBjqWSl
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCliBHX2kK
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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."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizEyWUsVAv
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNYQ7OV33I
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPCaqn5aNl
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXxhaZCmjV
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdplQAZnZi
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GzK5Sb814
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91ZtDptlUY
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8epVYmMci
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tj6gzDaRs
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVf2Pf7qdHl
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGBljstl8I
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCobS2aTyPw
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCfRY8Holm4
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6CFMBk5UVC
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“I can’t answer that.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA8kCG982Rr
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmA2e7EtUXK
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYxZHmbAm2r
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMGMjpI3DG2
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX5p7wWO6F0
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucX1kMTzYx
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rQvD20qLi
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5py11fAPh
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuC9N2OowWc
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecetw3ttMA
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfy6COKEXua
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSr6qqwwTR
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGGj6ndMAw
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnR5dCfdveu
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1FgcCbEOE
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVl935thkQv
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI36H6U0XWH
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT9W37iJ9TY
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5nZpH1He5
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXCCxKL3FF
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBENR0eOU95
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SQA4zGcER
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYI0U1gd0cR
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“Kim texted me,” he said.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQxomAY6b0z
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwkjbSmTek
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFc9zFS3g4v
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwLqrlMqoO
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlzuOeCMeL
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“What did she say?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRDXOFR72aZ
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“Just a simple hello.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN5J4w20lgu
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“And did you reply?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENPzsVOEjy
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“Of course, I did.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLblKkZUdkJ
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“And…?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPEHOoGTTQ4
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRYDT6yMJvB
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“You better see what that message says.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKVK4UvG5b
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcnv1CeTlX8
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzQAo7CdwX
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAxOfyAa7f0
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPAWFBc5bn
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlf0MSNf72f
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFzXZBZV3I
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo75BbNyAVj
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuTVUm8dw5
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“The less who know, the better.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjjOO8FJfMD
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdEhD2AsXJ
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYs5itIn3l1
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTON5HiJem
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCW9YnGhGLt
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjsUPylrvZ
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4puXTyXG2D
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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?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSdux4BVKC
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIy2gE1QUE
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCTGqTazXyH
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QiUC3CMqV
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4REIlzEMbE
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl3XrmamL3f
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡueznxC831g
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2TeoxSm7II
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCaNXAWTF7g
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r2SdmYd0G
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ6bvc4tcXg
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6gLTWYKNf
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPMSw9P1hgT
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHemj0CtpMa
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0IbYaGILL
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The two laughed.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2WRwslFog9
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFtiDtMDDKe
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCWwPFxvQYb
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTEDnicqLZ1
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***449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKcsAvMk3N
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUEjlQmxip
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIIdjH5UfG
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlRzHQRlnsv
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXStkaQZrnp
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWYbRFpS5y
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjY15hCxfB
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ84HNZ78swr
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXzWmuOft49
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡML9ske5dPV
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhX6c7zpGQK
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUBFVlLfhj
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75CAUH201o
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPTsW5OM4c
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx686aeUh29
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0lam9MgubK
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Kezdni875
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMoEsGpK7Ll
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMj3MBtlHo2
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQz1N5jMjT
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvo1e2Zhql
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXce05YpBeH
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ6B4CdPyK
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IVmo2hOqe
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHH6isrQ3Sa
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsfj15JSK2
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvSmSjkiWhi
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAhcG62EHo
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWHj8Wi10o
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs12pptBuGz
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcZutKXyFG
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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?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9aGtdfBuYz
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo1mWzZucjq
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhnuxZ6LaDW
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ujIEmPHQF
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YnAd8N9qi
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7rIlmouMB
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0j4KQEACGx
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiTvlRDnBG
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLYTWugdL5
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3htvUrwZE
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFPAq8JbDV
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqjkF64Vkk
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡceFXznkwjw
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV2ophnMLT3
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7uHEvwksJ
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHnDTEq1XH
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifl8ql3bit
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“I won’t.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCRcWBhaOT
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ82n0gvmSiP
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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?449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1IkpWa4RaA
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF7GawH1JY
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRE4qAygIK
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTFGxJVY1Jp
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqD2EdCqryG
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lbzZuKSLW
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViYsW8w4mM
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxGgi1rYnSW
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR69edY1dnn
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡavc7B2wq6a
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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?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZrIbvN5n7O
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUfvUITldz
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWNBVf17At
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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?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0cULux5oW
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXUCK9SoAp
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSXLnsu60k4
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFydOseZ1x7
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn1Rz1i1bh
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSDAse4kbT6
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxLOCnAaOb
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuN6oczoRmi
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbmk3ATnsb
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pkFshOJsK
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAQUD6ipyT
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVuzc7Wb3X
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBTJ1rFvvU
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5bSzUUEPcn
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6auBzho5EV
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmzCkn99oN7
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsR591alFZF
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9Yg36Ft3A
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIeRU3DQah
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzIwaQGcg4
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbM0RSJqjiQ
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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?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGTus5RRyW
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAHGpwEtD2
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN13ZXzQF0
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjRYcZ4D7S2
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz4diQditiW
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfpat5xzE6
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoW5AdYEjAp
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPunrzBFLTU
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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?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69f774N4YQ
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVGJ1bqGeD
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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?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXFDzNCqdS
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3D4XBA3x8q
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW7BhSErxt8
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19pmvcXwYZ
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqDIdZcyO2
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqYTIjFT74f
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkPCZ23s34
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyNVh3f6AwA
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSLYN2f1nw
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRV0tw4vZ0e
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ldwCUtgNo
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvjIIlcAQX
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHSnRjB7ZpE
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCym20oIdE
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMxIkqqjBt
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡULCO2DI6ce
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58VQ8DxH0Q
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX4q7jp8cxb
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEfYPlfwFOi
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOm8g1Z8Vp
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvofrG1bU9
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJcc6rXaffW
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6prwO23nq
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGPhWpmQ0j
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQg7dJ5pufo
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOk3wukpz7
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRyWxgaqgeb
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"Yes.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlNduN07cF
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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?”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oWGvi9okf
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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.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHkEkunwe5V
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ZGwLcfjXW
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5aTZ9Hbeu
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBG4LXEZXd
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnFewX1I8sG
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7olhLDRQv
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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.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7wURS5gsHq
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPYrJqQ2a5E
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”449Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLfD20cxgI
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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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