“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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lolVEKdov
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCclWb4ZMO
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjGpQqV1xZx
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExYbRkzfSW
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“You’re the new girl, right?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1CP33Ykn7
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRazUk4xuQa
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5UMmK0ntf
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vqZ9g2qzL
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡowuKeF6NrK
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyJN6JhZgE
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzCGDqdr9GY
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfSwWr8WHC
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFELqRCfNCY
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKmY4RFc0iP
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlCuchXzY3
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZfZlssZTbx
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUo4hpsNjjr
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSMOhVk2jp
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6RPuookP3
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3B7Sc24tE1
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQMN4mkmGM
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWdk8eTZx0
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTq5Df5Rvlj
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXS4BbUn516
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSivsPznVZH
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ27diYcyzpv
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6WF3Y8M02w
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsoutMpuDZ
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEppLaBCJ8V
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaTrygnF2ZS
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5xQZ9rqdf
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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:545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhO89yZPKsI
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh6uSMrd1JS
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIPJo2iv2yo
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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-?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7v05KGhHMk
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfYcUN7clOk
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnO5IgCNuMX
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwdEl6RKmo2
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrSKkETaV1
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjvsp4NvcrM
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSN1TKgP1X
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Pumh6cTDu
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwT00wMp4z
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4m5ygFHgJy
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkrCj1hoLVQ
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMWb2385FQ
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKKJDQkpIW
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLh4nOXsTL
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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?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAqiXeYR72p
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgoq1oIEwu
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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."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJhcJKWEPUh
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpVbnzUtqNT
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZzDGSZf9j
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRYqQms5TK
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ4BBcYnLXz
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsY9698QPHr
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVsWm5zCkp
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpApW82wqUi
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7fWqYLc30w
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagT5oXxDjm
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoUC2HOVF2S
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ifp5Mc7z8
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPp7YNvuX1H
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNjsBB8onV
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“I can’t answer that.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQ8pAOnyWk
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYC46Iw1WT
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrhz8QVrWS
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZewrCKsdda
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGfYxZcKzy
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAsxQu9vG0O
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesBrQ8lcrB
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmv4OWoShMa
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEETH09oHI7
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiig09CbJvJ
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRRzbggu5IM
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUPpvlIZSK
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5sGaRIdjQ
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5qE68vyoT
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWPiP55FwW
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZqnsvGRGUZ
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOr7YCk9WZl
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrK9uihqPRh
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQGM5VfiJv
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4MOhBqwFGO
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpeQwr34n8
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmf1swUmsOx
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDV0cApbJrm
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“Kim texted me,” he said.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP083dbt9G2
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfZ3PoT5nE
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy06Hycz2d
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCzFauVo7R
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9x01wJzPua
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“What did she say?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsm2h7MbIe1
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“Just a simple hello.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ371fCVi6NP
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“And did you reply?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShHndkrzDs
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“Of course, I did.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlOtLdsuc2
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“And…?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhFIaz3BhpC
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8X96ufjwA
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“You better see what that message says.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0QE8phob3
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6L8W8sWzDO
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDro6W075Qx
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLaanbCZhDN
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfLNOPvUTM
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVlL3XL6UcM
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjMxRAmWcM
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ88vNel2Xh
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMqtDpTHj5b
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“The less who know, the better.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4s26D2RdRx
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDq447GcFL
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ1EvkwjG2E
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk7fpjyOfzd
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNnICYst48
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxXx1aMsDKH
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFn6oicFjH
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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?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTMb8aQ2vU
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JuqvkrTCD
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcxyWDBwIA
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVeSJv2lvXp
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZSV8jG4e3C
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG6VpcneY2W
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUh0etZUGyD
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu63DrkSqmD
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZf3AlJFSvC
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yq79zA9Fz
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtWt7NmhBgu
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMBN2lX8Ty6
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjO3SN6VCew
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuCZgKxcqyI
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhVMKBefv3v
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The two laughed.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrwNifmQX8
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡznSwI9c4kD
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWm8hssFr5
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQ5S3ocD61
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***545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtYSPazQoi
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuVQpXpBgx
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3DzQ4bNNEe
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuxhJljrPo
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEAR3S1p4U
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbFMszv1C2
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRpTWmeC06k
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEd53ar4u9D
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFZfZNjXbr
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡop7OGCe4MQ
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqb2FP3QmO
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEy8AHlXDxL
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡscND23Bm0r
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uCUNrFQ4J
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYo2mocz20
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzjAJtgAJ1
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjoPxYulRo
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaxa9nIICsM
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7BCG1PTDJ
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPJPmBvbeR
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2lsd98MzO
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNiyg6xZEQR
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKoiINAVS5c
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4PyhNCRNJI
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvMJ9viPkxy
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAn2IOetcjt
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEw3wNIjrOO
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30oMNK2x98
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkPNs5X19Kj
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBNBX0AeOV1
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfcY5TK9Y9
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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?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeblc4z1t8C
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zvNzfJPvr
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma6ooyqobS
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3d2C4pEZco
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD4H349U0YF
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQL2RtJMLCg
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVC6O2sRxKV
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuR1uvSBXSL
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKu8DWDj1Ka
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbabKlyIGQy
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Hw8vVD344
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERKE2TtCfa
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFhCawnYqqu
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mkuBV4UoI
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzpDR9AYV5o
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI5sovIMLe
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmJ86wz4St
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“I won’t.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXHxhDAs4P1
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrMJgfo6tp
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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?545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5IwRqGiV5J
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx7HOqVQ378
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYfXbKxPUG
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCepPdzV8B3
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDYa9Jl6Ev
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8Aiqi8IBH
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85coARFJnf
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoDpNI1zxA
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5m81IEnCK
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbFr9Yit4F
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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?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4fCzFWfU9v
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQDGvYq2O0S
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYqcpPLFfE
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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?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXnk4N6Vxyd
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1tZA7KBnE
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ018HEPGfEA
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7YV4nbyGj
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv6HESSP4Zx
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6owlIfofBU
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc05yulYl7D
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZj368UxmPL
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmOPLymjn6u
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRg4ZPt96q8
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ojNxvJHgD
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwg7Q5Fz2E
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLPrIPlJJGM
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLJ5vZbI5Zc
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43NY7lOFzR
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9ijdYiTUQ
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mmNRQN4JV
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZjLNS2Jye
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDHEpTGTMi
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZhqrovtB2
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmAG6zwxIs
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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?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhJbrwufjN3
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl8utkrsmo
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQIbKa8xw7W
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbfv1CEIe5B
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBj5uOoY6i
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj1r7KxcWvF
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSli1uiiz5V
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfMT0Q331bK
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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?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWU6NwRz1Y
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡul4AQsHSa1
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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?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJCmxmRv4f
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpgnZW0ZzR
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACS8ky75SC
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mvMNoRLpy
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXgFijEJvR
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOgTvhhHMno
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1UaVK4o8Z
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTSRK4WVqkd
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZvFiQo2E8f
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAuWbzEuEY
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMN8eNsFEv
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPeEaMAe9tt
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2bQ1hZdXc
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gfM81YrBM
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvPN6vsLyS
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nxHZqutaZ
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfyAGVkOv56
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ419mm11dz8
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtiMr0b2js
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKSdCBRQcGO
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjGsq2tKPU
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi1bh5uY0gX
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDSjM3ee1G
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptFTrFfD0x
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Qy24Rqm0j
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8CnjEOcHi
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3LZrKKCZB
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"Yes.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SEFBqXlfZ
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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?”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1RqvmtB8a
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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.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU7TLWyYPx2
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsshTtpk1z
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztjnBUuUDf
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ34Uh4OqRF1
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpwxnyCxkt
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPT5vYk0x08
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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.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVegTZxgr1
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJ5kKAZmQn
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”545Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Wd6oK1tkY
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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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