“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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzBmjsT1Chf
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00rSR2rt94
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkLnSSQjZV
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yaUTUYSFp
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“You’re the new girl, right?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWtEyy7FrCf
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzlY6T4YWTm
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohUrJpJVb1
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2MrGBiXmS
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2N7BKre9G
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPUZ0sKtrSv
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74tsPHCjKE
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI28eDuYww
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURUXpGnHEe
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7p5YSAMPuI
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8ibdFTmOh
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SZcQ7w2qd
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzApRk9hrPe
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz96lteyN8z
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0VKvGb0KK
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7f8TI72wHF
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFT2ochcs0H
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwusElVPdiS
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTCuhETiSF
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiBmRNQDNA
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Liin6NB6M
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQnjexsUyJ
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkB7U7yX33a
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ARmjpImTY
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmUoVeuxhG
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95SmYCt0j6
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpNUsmzQfR9
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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:481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTz4XyY0Zyq
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn04cWrfMyS
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxmnMPu4XD
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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-?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHn2QedZviZ
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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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoz1GY1hRf8
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yjmz6J4K5
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZc3xzfX7bV
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6wcyxJfhHb
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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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQM7l0EMqoD
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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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F2Bwlvu7H
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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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODjTB6v4WG
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWJDGsdSTA
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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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAtVXWNuZLV
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3EBunr6UH
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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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVBGa4ayi0
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqILJG6OqWO
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFaHBWbgr5
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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?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw4SVjOX2n
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMWbDZigTah
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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."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwquN6pVTwV
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnptVWFk0mI
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhqNks1vNLv
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhu8FytXKLp
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXPAy9HSbpd
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoOkQ9yiwZ
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh1xC9kZfU3
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdq6yMJYQE0
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi2lRSBimS
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPv07luQtHy
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlJX0Nh4T4
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6fFmEX5Vlg
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO21mXMc1YG
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQEEzkFfFd
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“I can’t answer that.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmR0dVSdAeU
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bqpXzzfSr
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmSUNiAsQl
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9QnziLi0ZH
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ99Xmi8Ng6h
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMUFq5br38W
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzyGwItdCS
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFKZ7A9VyM
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD42jCjXy9w
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQaMWUGvnM2
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSfg0ICVPy0
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFAOCzwapQ
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4x8P8G0FZF
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7CutpykcLx
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***481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5SA2NXEqzr
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqthtO07puo
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXmln84oRI
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSzsDyE25b
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGYHMCowhO2
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKhvYsS6dkD
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhic8lcaTvo
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTnbFZv5RDP
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSFwr9Kotn
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡalNOXZ4dYi
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“Kim texted me,” he said.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqHGtZyoKK
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtK1XfdWdxE
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gWhObfKoU
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgqKZ0L2DU
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3suNmQ89R
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweL9u4kTFT
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“What did she say?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDa3gA11y9
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“Just a simple hello.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTtsEruON9d
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“And did you reply?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dK5Y0QtvV
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“Of course, I did.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLkRqiQc6AC
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“And…?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBln5jPnrX5
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdgB57U1zj
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeO74LRdiOt
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“You better see what that message says.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Y3u1BsncH
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ8M5Q1Szvt
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppO3lXsnBh
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZEFPGbGqs
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtcQTPk6Wj
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKlRgaElY4h
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUeaPk1wxD
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsTSrRXTFuQ
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIIx5W8Gobn
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yhVMFSVeD
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“The less who know, the better.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmvQmyyloUE
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPY45h8KrHm
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIFUTjuxOn
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tPbGlDV3x
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVSivilKYn
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nUJmYi32a
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuWEuxXHu75
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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?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUWfz7puPFd
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcHs99PYRk
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGP0tWWjtC
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0IDO6lTD6
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJguMYf4rbt
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2zHJKHw22
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVWdaW8EzT
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFROUpt8OBi
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡACErAc1NEL
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeNSTB8Fh6B
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGn8zy2TDp
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHf1vZJBbF
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmQ9kg7hna8
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwzaAGfW9z
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVBZfMWuiz
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The two laughed.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoErdYUoe1p
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFnziKxwg6H
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJos2VorxzH
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqO6jMeawoj
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***481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW4JEOm9uc2
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUF5NSo3fOE
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWp0YnJzF67
481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPHOew1H12f
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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBsfN3NxwZ
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKAmIWMxYi
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkSeUJGVumd
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi7SBiWxAxS
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9wG3w9rNg
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVFj4tZsAP
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUDcEY3c5P
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3eJAZkQnOa
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp7C9LZ4Jl
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcpo79dYIOJ
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLWR9f7eCZx
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu9LBpbtqv
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481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGdqjwar3Xm
“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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1gsp6bFqdk
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHgbX0sp6Un
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpMg3wMbL0A
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlvvmzDeqRo
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYpFkwf7Mp
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmlzZkZDt1
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlHx6STV7x
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5wgqeHU3ES
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsjNqM1qhy
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb582lRQ3xB
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCVhYOBhWZr
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAycgvJuCvN
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjhOqbMcLu4
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtLpH2qFabq
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e8ATw3Lo5
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡywe6cSPHp0
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOK2cdUQl4W
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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?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1oLdhlec3
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpXQxFShUn
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbf2UIMFi4
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPE8HlsmZr
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***481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwD5vDZaFR3
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98Mof78cE4
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDnXJ7be6k
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8oy91Z1tW
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXPDDMyx5W
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtwKObVILL
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡED2JwkGOdB
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLUGdEvxzHd
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxx5aaRvEa
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmKKAnFO4YP
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2FmORiUWOs
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TT9AWOyb7
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6OK6BFaR18
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzMuPZQ77Fv
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“I won’t.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs5pdFaJaYg
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcALvAZ9Yf
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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?481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJSXay8A0o
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjzzwwG1uPI
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQAAmbeDXQ9
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfwC2JJ6Yb
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***481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlESdqBZJST
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkaKMYS8GW4
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQplQUviAr
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnb4KCJYzeb
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVUIrUHChk
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvGD8OqjPb
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVGiCWtWCl
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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?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4Z7RwVGip
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2XIVqsGpep
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59DOvTqNcf
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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?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnNsvKsFdx
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ40lfJRsey5
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJIbHRQffuX
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwf5jG3OvQ
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24CIh9jpj7
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvXRHoi0Am
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOqSLr2q1n
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0xFUWAAeG
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7xptAFNAT
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkMPmIb5Oi
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfSgEQ8qQ3O
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGO3gAaOgmZ
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ4AzMW1No4
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T3uq5MTrz
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyubNqAKLX
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3PNB80vXY
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oXFlPQs5Q
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNesAlpO7UJ
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aPk4qHSId
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABfBxPDVhV
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZ1gadxJIf
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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?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOZOH0t8e5
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUhUGjsKSiH
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8zmjwzH4W
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz7le1779Ug
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKL6RJDnEvX
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5WE86xdGp
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBXAG5Cbcmk
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTONAJXXyT
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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?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvpD8csJ8YK
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRP2gbKZNC4
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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?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBs5l3QQPU2
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6epM0jHqWG
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWk90EcG5X
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhdFmRePS0
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgLYeD6Uoke
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvyWmmUarCM
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQUuATC22E
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnDyDDXZvTs
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oug4noaRL
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOmcBj0jIty
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv93yazO20u
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLfypq5sX4Q
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFM47IgGKlk
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ340XJSScG1
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡALQHZrkgeG
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1LjCWimAMS
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4BpULXj6Gd
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8m3uiyN6tt
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkeZT3id7xu
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lkWbFL7mg
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZAXLfrBbs0
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWCdIkoeV4
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUlZNdbnBDQ
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ct6g7AKhL
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTbzWOrcX6d
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwxPltG91N
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ytpVSlsCW
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"Yes.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhJIMP5yxl
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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?”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3DAmBk08g
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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.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZe3BYcykHf
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeXt0Pe8u8h
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmt9rCmpL2k
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnFZ2RakTm
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYw5o2Wb6U
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlslRdlS1ii
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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.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DhyoMGaeA
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUulf7rt5T
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”481Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5mcMlDT4rv
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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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