Leo took a deep breath and let it out after a second’s pause. You can do this, he told himself. No matter how uncomfortable he felt, he’s going to walk through the door in front of him and have lunch with Kim. He felt like leaving and telling Kim over the phone that he couldn’t make it. But it’s too late now. Kim must’ve seen him through the large glass windows and it would be embarrassing if he were to leave now.415Please respect copyright.PENANAG4lFYn6EHk
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He gathered his composure as he straightened his collar. He started to make his way towards the restaurant. Before he could get to the door, it flew open and two ladies walked out. Leo made way for them and he thought he saw one of them give him an eye as they passed. He ignored them and held the door open before it slang itself shut.415Please respect copyright.PENANAXWvPOT6EPh
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He is greeted by a waiter. "Good afternoon, sir," the man said. "Would you like to make a reservation?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAtdFarClHWi
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"Actually I'm here to have lunch with someone," Leo answered. "Kimberly Gates?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAfv9OsFbFGz
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"Oh, yes, she told me you were coming," said the young man. "Right this way, please."415Please respect copyright.PENANAIz1Zj2BvFC
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The man led the way with Leo following behind him to the centre of the room. Leo saw Kim looking just like she did when he saw her this morning in her white office dress and a cashmere pink jacket. He noticed that her long blonde hair fell in curls and she wore lovely gold studs with a matching gold neck chain. When she saw Leo, her eyes widened with excitement.415Please respect copyright.PENANA8mbEorLNVI
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"Here you are, sir," said the young man with a bright smile on his face. "If you would like to order, please let us know."415Please respect copyright.PENANALVReaXx9OG
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"We will, thank you," said Kim as she smiled at the young man. Leo took his seat opposite Kim immediately the waiter left.415Please respect copyright.PENANArLuDD8HqPq
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"Hi, again," she said as she put up a nervous smile. "I honestly didn’t think that you would come."415Please respect copyright.PENANAueHD58slK4
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Leo had to pick his words carefully as he already felt irritated over the whole scenario. "It would seem rude if I didn’t," he said.415Please respect copyright.PENANAK4OoAkufPh
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"Oh, not at all," said Kim as she shook her head and leaned back on her chair. "I would’ve understood if you were busy or something."415Please respect copyright.PENANAhFYhlY7R2v
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"I wasn’t so busy. And we’re meeting during lunch, so it’s not a big deal."415Please respect copyright.PENANAnvmcBRoAkZ
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Kim continued to smile as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "So how is work going?"415Please respect copyright.PENANA8UtxmymFBs
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"It’s going well. We have a pretty busy week."415Please respect copyright.PENANApq0cJXFiWF
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Kim raised her hand to call out a waitress who was just behind Leo. "I would like a glass of water, please, before we order," she told the waitress.415Please respect copyright.PENANASYQggqBgfF
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"I would like one too," said Leo. He suddenly felt his throat run dry all of a sudden.415Please respect copyright.PENANA0SBauQdeI6
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"How is your mum doing?" Kim asked as soon as the waitress left.415Please respect copyright.PENANAFrij6daLw2
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"She’s good. I thought you two are still in contact with each other."415Please respect copyright.PENANAOUNGGQjQMm
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"We are. It’s been a while since we last talked."415Please respect copyright.PENANAQibZm2MQov
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Leo raised his eyebrows in acknowledgement then took a brief look towards the wide glass window to the side. He already wishes for this lunch to be over.415Please respect copyright.PENANAxHRX04jlIU
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"I saw you with Angel today," said Kim. "Were you two getting breakfast?"415Please respect copyright.PENANACaBGxYz9wR
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"We went to buy croissants for dad," said Leo. He expected her to ask such a question. He remembers when Kim would sometimes ask about the women she would find him with, especially when she came over to his work place or when they went out for a social gathering. She still has that jealous trait of hers, he thought.415Please respect copyright.PENANAcf93qs0PJS
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"Okay, so you two were going to the office together, then?" The waitress had finally come with the two glasses of water. Leo was grateful for it.415Please respect copyright.PENANAUKr5sjFz2y
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"Yes, she’ll be working with us starting today," Leo answered and he soon drank from his glass.415Please respect copyright.PENANAnAHZ5LNkf4
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Kim raised an eyebrow as she tried to put up a smile. Leo knew better. She’s acting jealous again, even when we’re not together, he thought to himself.415Please respect copyright.PENANAUuxtV6cYJO
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"Really?" she asked, trying to sound calm. "Did your father give her the job?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAZKY50rV6je
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"It was my grandmother’s idea," said Leo as he put the glass down, feeling confident now. "If you ask me, I think she will work well with Mrs. Lance who was really in need of someone to keep the records straight in the Procurement department."415Please respect copyright.PENANAcmuW9uK79j
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"I guess so," said Kim. She put the glass of water to her lips and drank.415Please respect copyright.PENANAFBcjmvWEcM
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"And how about you? How is your work going?"415Please respect copyright.PENANANT7HKQRdRq
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"Oh, it’s busy," she answered after putting her glass down.415Please respect copyright.PENANAs3fbkFkZut
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Leo nodded. "I see. You models are always so busy."415Please respect copyright.PENANA6QqRnrW3nQ
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"Yep," she took the menu that lay on the table in front of her. "I think I’m going to order now. What are you going to get?"415Please respect copyright.PENANA5blFHPfH8K
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Leo raised an eyebrow. "I’ll order the usual."415Please respect copyright.PENANApMNjiSvu5b
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Kim’s eyes flew from the menu to Leo’s face. "Are you sure?" she asked.415Please respect copyright.PENANA57wiKZ8p7R
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He looked at her before saying, "Of course. If this was a different restaurant I wouldn’t mind getting something else. But you and I have been here several times. So you must know what I order."415Please respect copyright.PENANAStJjRCx0qE
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He noticed her cheeks start to heat up and she went on ahead to call one of the waiters. He almost rolled his eyes, but he did his best not to. After Kim gave the orders, the waiter soon left.415Please respect copyright.PENANAkiwHZrwQg5
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"May I ask why you chose this place to begin with?" Leo asked as he started to look around. The place is almost packed. "We could’ve gone to another restaurant."415Please respect copyright.PENANAFNYqHZOAed
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Kim smiled. "That is because I thought we would feel comfortable here. Why?"415Please respect copyright.PENANACASAd6d5LF
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"I won’t lie, I wasn’t expecting this. We used to come here for our lunch dates."415Please respect copyright.PENANAJ2glw4QCUa
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"Of course. Don’t you still like the place? You said you did."415Please respect copyright.PENANALxNSXzChZz
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"That was back then. Things are different now."415Please respect copyright.PENANAIM36dbz1JO
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"I know, I’m sorry. Next time I’ll make sure to take us where we’ve never been."415Please respect copyright.PENANAZdftjK7ASK
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There’s going to be a next time, Leo asked in his thoughts. He’s glad that he didn’t say it out loud. He didn’t like this, and the fact that he couldn’t speak out his mind is killing him.415Please respect copyright.PENANACjdqkj26jO
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"I thought bringing you here would remind you of all the good times we had," said Kim as she twirled a strand of her hair with her fingers.415Please respect copyright.PENANAoGgQqBFu6j
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"I'm sorry, Kim," said Leo as he folded his arms. "But I didn't come here to try and get back with you."415Please respect copyright.PENANAQb1LGBvlHB
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Kim now had an embarrassed look on her face. She should be glad that I didn't say that out loud, he thought. He'll try and keep his word to Eric to try and not pick a fight in a public place.415Please respect copyright.PENANAZVO7bXuGNV
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"Oh, don't get the wrong idea, Leo," Kim explained. "As much as I miss you, I know you wouldn't want to get back with me."415Please respect copyright.PENANAMXY6tAIs3d
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Leo raised an eyebrow. Is she playing with me, he wondered.415Please respect copyright.PENANAdzoDpkDU2F
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"Ah, the food is here," said Kim as she turned her eyes towards the waitress dragging a movable serving tray.415Please respect copyright.PENANAGIMdsQv7Xr
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When the waitress arrived, she served them their food. Leo looked down at his plate. Kim had ordered for him tuna, his favourite. As he continued to look at his plate, he realised that his appetite had disappeared.415Please respect copyright.PENANAEVJQIWuzCS
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"Bon appetite," Kim said with so much glee. She ordered herself lobster. Leo knew that’s what she liked to order whenever they came here. He really isn’t liking this at all.415Please respect copyright.PENANAYivSKi5hVL
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"You don’t look excited about your food, Leo," she said as she noticed the look on his face.415Please respect copyright.PENANAdPYXkfRQK5
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He soon picked up the knife and fork. "Why am I here, Kim?" he asked.415Please respect copyright.PENANAc2zmyQmavU
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"What sort of question is that?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAxmeg9RJdVp
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Leo didn’t answer as he cut a piece from his tuna. And put it in his mouth. The food tasted different and he found it very difficult to chew. He looked up at Kim after he swallowed.415Please respect copyright.PENANAccCaEJgLZ1
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"Why are you acting like this?" he asked.415Please respect copyright.PENANAmSG1WIv1vb
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Kim shrugged her shoulders as she happily giggled. "What are you talking about?" she put food in her mouth.415Please respect copyright.PENANAOSYOmiZWOO
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Leo felt like dropping his knife and fork so as to stand and walk out of the restaurant. But he restrained himself. He soon sat upright as he continued to look at Kim.415Please respect copyright.PENANA237oaTdwhR
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"Why did you invite me for lunch?" he asked.415Please respect copyright.PENANAt5JvGZAWcs
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"I just wanted us to come here to eat and chat like friends do," said Kim.415Please respect copyright.PENANAyKjgQ7LqPu
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Oh, we’re friends now, Leo almost said out loud. He didn’t know how to tell her this properly, but just because his mother still considers Kim like a daughter, doesn’t mean he wants to be friends with her. Not like this.415Please respect copyright.PENANAV60z2NHJxM
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"If you ask me, it doesn’t feel like a lunch between two friends," said Leo.415Please respect copyright.PENANACZAVxyVSE4
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"Don’t get me wrong, Leo. I know you don’t feel the same way about me anymore. The reason for this lunch is just for us to set aside our differences and just be friends. I know, it’s weird, but I think you and I can make it work."415Please respect copyright.PENANAjcApMiIkkg
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Leo really wanted to laugh, but he dug into his food instead. Kim watched him for a bit before she also went back to her meal.415Please respect copyright.PENANA72uVygeQeF
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"I see you’re now enjoying it," said Kim as she smiled at him.415Please respect copyright.PENANAPsHZOPRNhk
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Leo isn’t enjoying it at all. The food in his mouth tasted like plastic and he didn’t know if he could keep up with eating when it’s pretty clear that he isn’t comfortable.415Please respect copyright.PENANApdfbD347qS
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"It is my favourite meal, after all," Leo responded trying to sound as normal as possible.415Please respect copyright.PENANAmpjfCdQC6g
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"I’m glad. I wish we could do this more often. You know, just as friends."415Please respect copyright.PENANAAosI4kysFy
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"I doubt it," Leo muttered as he put his knife and fork down on the table. He managed to finish his meal as tasteless as it was.415Please respect copyright.PENANAeLvAU70mx6
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"Sorry?" Kim didn’t hear him at first.415Please respect copyright.PENANAiykCFMKhr4
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Leo looked her dead straight in the eye. "I said, I doubt it."415Please respect copyright.PENANAcBXYfwoSHZ
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Kim looked a little perplexed but soon replaced her look with a smile. "I know what you mean. We tend to be pretty busy sometimes, and also because you might be seeing someone else, right?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAEgffqGKtwH
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This is exactly what Leo wanted to hear. Eric was right. She wanted this lunch so that she could get him to open up to her and tell her the truth.415Please respect copyright.PENANAAVKemGGsIP
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"What makes you think that I’m seeing someone?" he asked as he folded his arms.415Please respect copyright.PENANAE6cXOm6Gaz
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She looked up at the ceiling before looking at him. "It just feels that way," she answered.415Please respect copyright.PENANAtmJ1JW15rf
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The two looked at each other in silence. Someone had to break the ice, and Leo knew he had to be the one to do it.415Please respect copyright.PENANAWWyfN4Afjn
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"Yes, I am seeing someone, Kim," he said.415Please respect copyright.PENANASI3N7xihHH
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Kim didn’t say anything as she looked taken aback by his confession. She expected him to lie, but Leo thought better than to come out clean, just like Eric suggested. She bit her lower lip as she tried to figure out what to say next.415Please respect copyright.PENANAd52qI2VVN3
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"Is she the reason why you ran away from the wedding?" she finally asked.415Please respect copyright.PENANASUhmJ4cvYJ
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"Yes," Leo answered.415Please respect copyright.PENANADdkqi9KvLb
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Kim gasped and she tried to pull herself together. She felt like she could start crying, but she didn’t want to do so in front of people. She held her chest and she felt it hurt like a stab wound. She also found it very hard to breathe. She tried to breathe in calmly, but it didn’t work. She had to get herself together or else she might lose it.415Please respect copyright.PENANAdsUUAm467R
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"Do I-," Kim tried to speak, but was finding it hard to do so. "Do I know who it is?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAd68v9shigi
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Leo raised an eyebrow. If he didn’t try to calm her down now, she might have a panic attack or something. "Does it matter?" he asked.415Please respect copyright.PENANAouHECZU5CQ
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Kim didn’t answer right away as she tried to take a deep breath in and another one out. Her chest went up and down heavily. After taking in a few deep breaths, she managed to calm down a little.415Please respect copyright.PENANAuFB7SI4vOR
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"It does," she answered as she strongly looked at him.415Please respect copyright.PENANAMnfUqhw0vg
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"You don’t have to know who she is right now."415Please respect copyright.PENANAaPb9RF7ydT
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"Why?" she asked, this time sounding a little loud like she’s about to snap at any moment.415Please respect copyright.PENANAM1v8b22VdL
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"I know you, Kim. You just want to meet her so that you can see what I saw in her that I didn’t see in you, like if she’s pretty or smart or something."415Please respect copyright.PENANAWPfnxap5xx
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Kim looked the other way. Leo caught her as she couldn’t find the words to defend herself. She bit her lower lip and Leo could see she’s getting teary-eyed.415Please respect copyright.PENANATFsKGd8wFM
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"I really love you, Leo," she said, gaining her composure. "I just don’t understand why that woman is in the way. She ruined my life when you ran from the wedding."415Please respect copyright.PENANAuOv4BOewOr
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"Until your anger cools down and you get over me, you can’t know who she is," said Leo.415Please respect copyright.PENANA54nJIIVVwC
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"Why can’t you tell me now? Why are you protecting her?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAA9v8gbM7no
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"I know you, Kim. You’re one who doesn’t get over things easily, and this issue between us still hasn’t settled well with you. I’m afraid you can go out of control and end up hurting people."415Please respect copyright.PENANAHWWASHcN12
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"Are you trying to say that I’m a psycho?" Kim asked, her voice a little higher now that a few heads close by turned to look at their table.415Please respect copyright.PENANA0XSZQxMfwt
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"You’re about to make a scene, Kim," Leo told her calmly. "Calm yourself."415Please respect copyright.PENANATZEqJEOkwx
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She took in a deep breath and in so doing placed her index finger near her right eye to wipe away a tear that was just about to drop. This isn’t going to end well, Leo thought to himself. He had to find a way to do this peacefully without her completely falling apart.415Please respect copyright.PENANATWBmgcJBFc
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"I’m not calling you a psycho," he continued. "You’ve just admitted that you still love me, and I know I hurt you a lot. It’s why I think you shouldn’t know who it is. If anything, you and I aren’t supposed to be seeing each other. It’s just because your family and mine have had a close relationship for a very time."415Please respect copyright.PENANAVD5osJhDvH
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Kim sniffed quietly. "Were you meeting this same woman before we got engaged?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAGQHjh1aWKk
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Leo shook his head and at the same time, he wondered if he should tell her that it was on the night of his bachelor party. That would be devastating. She didn’t have to know all about that. Not yet, at least.415Please respect copyright.PENANAxvzR4d8KI3
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"No," he answered. "It doesn’t matter when I met her."415Please respect copyright.PENANAOBttaPL9X0
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"It does to me," she sounded composed. "I want to know for how long you’ve been cheating on me instead of manning up to tell me we were through."415Please respect copyright.PENANAP02PmGZp7q
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Leo is about to lose his patience. "What has happened has happened, Kim. We can’t turn back time. You’ve to try and let go."415Please respect copyright.PENANAFIXdJIbE8L
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"And how do you think I’m going to do that? You tell me because you moved on pretty well. I bet you don’t even think about me anymore. Not to mention that your grandmother is very happy that you’re with someone else."415Please respect copyright.PENANAUb5DFw5Pq5
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"No one knows that I’m seeing her, mind you."415Please respect copyright.PENANA7Oo3D5TKgi
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Kim now looked perplexed. "You didn’t tell anyone?"415Please respect copyright.PENANABUyw3C6qSu
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Leo shook his head. "I didn’t want anyone to know because they would start asking the same questions you’re asking me. And knowing my own mother, she’ll totally go psycho."415Please respect copyright.PENANA4vVXTQWPUw
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Kim voiced out a laugh. "You always managed to put a smile on my face when I least expected you to. It's one of the reason why I fell in love with you."415Please respect copyright.PENANAzK161k7yay
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"I know what you're trying to do, Kim. It isn't going to work."415Please respect copyright.PENANAZXXcT4GrKp
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"Why? Because you're more in love with her than you ever were with me?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAB3XlKXg6YO
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Leo didn't want to answer when it's obvious. He continued to look at her, hoping that this conversation will end soon.415Please respect copyright.PENANAj0TmTLtvVO
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"I'm sorry for overreacting like I did just now," she said as she wiped her left eye. She's getting teary-eyed again. "I just-you know-I really wanted to know."415Please respect copyright.PENANAOozB2TvXfA
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Leo gave a nod. "I'm sorry for all the pain I made you go through, Kim. It's unfair that all that happened as it did. In the end, I think it's best to tell you the truth. You deserve that and a lot better."415Please respect copyright.PENANACKCPkgofOt
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Kim continued to look at Leo and a genuine smile appeared on her face. "You rarely apologise, you know. But you do so when you really mean it."415Please respect copyright.PENANAf8I1fAAbWM
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"I really hope you can move past this, Kim. It's why I think you deserve someone better. Not someone like me who left you on that important day."415Please respect copyright.PENANAj38Z4defpv
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"I'm still upset with you over it. But I can't promise that I'll manage to move on, Leo. You're the only man I've ever gotten so close to."415Please respect copyright.PENANAM9HXWe60Lb
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"Trust me, Kim, you've to. It might take some time, but you'll have to forget about me and live your life."415Please respect copyright.PENANAPxDci4O2SB
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Kim's eyes are starting to get teary again. "Easy for you to say since you’re already with someone else."415Please respect copyright.PENANAFHZmStsLsb
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Leo would’ve shrugged his shoulders but he didn’t. "The heart wants what it wants, Kim. Once again, I apologise for all the hurt I’ve caused you. I wouldn’t mind if you don’t want to forgive me."415Please respect copyright.PENANAUnFfEzQBqU
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"I don’t hate you, Leo. I just wish you and I were married now and living happily in that pent house you wanted."415Please respect copyright.PENANAnRM1MDixVY
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"I’m sorry it didn’t happen. It’s just the way life is. You don’t always get what you want."415Please respect copyright.PENANAZAG5dQTyEk
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Kim gave a nod of her head. "I guess you’re right. I also have to apologise. This has turned out to be an awful lunch."415Please respect copyright.PENANAo6VMkDEZYf
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Leo chuckled. "Ya, you’re right. Yet it’s good we had it. I finally got to tell you the truth."415Please respect copyright.PENANApBBQ5wD4wN
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"I thought you would lie to me, but you were really honest. Thank you, Leo."415Please respect copyright.PENANAxrsTJZW2KI
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Leo managed to give her a smile. "I hope you really do move on, Kim. It will be better for you."415Please respect copyright.PENANAGhlve2oOvw
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Kim managed to put up a smile but Leo could see how much she’s struggling to do so. She turns around to summon the waiter nearby. They were done here and Leo couldn’t help but feel a little relieved. He couldn’t wait to go to his office and hide in there for a while.415Please respect copyright.PENANAyMRitFPQSG
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They sat in silence as they waited for the bill. Leo thought it best that they leave the restaurant together. He soon felt the phone in his pocket beep. He pulled it out and it's Carly calling him. How ironic, he thought to himself. Just when he’s about to leave. It is lunch time and sometimes they call or send each other text messages. Her calling is putting him in an awkward position of whether to answer or not.415Please respect copyright.PENANAHVhw55BFjJ
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Kim looked at him as he continued to stare at his phone. "Is it her?" she asked. "You can answer it, if you want. I won’t mind."415Please respect copyright.PENANA1gZsFfRbjt
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Leo pretended he didn't hear Kim as he slid the call icon to the side and put the phone to hisj ear.415Please respect copyright.PENANAjV8pvhPTqA
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"Hi, Carly," he greeted her. "How is school going?" Kim looked on intently at him.415Please respect copyright.PENANAttgRtvryV7
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"Uh…, hi," came Carly’s voice. "I’m not calling at a bad time, am I?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAiDUHug3OqI
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"No, I’m actually having lunch with Kim. What can I do for you?"415Please respect copyright.PENANA15DV9rOENb
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"Oh, I see," the change in Carly’s voice made him realise that she knew the situation he is in. "Do you mind telling Angel to call me? I’ve been trying to call her but she isn’t picking up."415Please respect copyright.PENANAQqvGQDMxXE
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"She’s out having lunch with Eric, but once she’s back in the office, I’ll let her know."415Please respect copyright.PENANAybqKSmyyxq
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"Okay, thanks. Bye."415Please respect copyright.PENANAcpfoaprrn1
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"Bye." Leo cut the call and turned to look at Kim who still had his eyes on him. But he noticed that she looked relieved.415Please respect copyright.PENANANBwQTFCrEm
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"That’s Angel’s sister, right?" she asked.415Please respect copyright.PENANAc04uHfhZSq
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"Yes, she was asking about her."415Please respect copyright.PENANAhplX0hIQfx
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The waiter came at the right time with the bill before Kim could ask him any more questions. She looked at it and told the waiter that she would pay with her card. The waiter advised that she go to the counter. She stood up and Leo also did the same. They both went to the counter together and Kim paid for the meal.415Please respect copyright.PENANAIb7gdX9kTY
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"Thanks for the meal," said Leo as they started to make their way to the door.415Please respect copyright.PENANAziWr8gpTPm
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"Too bad we couldn’t stay for dessert," said Kim as she walked slowly beside him.415Please respect copyright.PENANAHhis4iWcZa
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Dessert would’ve been a disaster, Leo thought. He’s glad that the worst has happened: he finally told her the truth without compromising Carly. He reached for the door handle and held it open for Kim to pass through first. She walked out, saying thank you. Leo followed her and when they were out on the pavement, he escorted her to her white Lamborghini packed a few feet away from the restaurant's door.415Please respect copyright.PENANADJDv5gsac5
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"Next time we’ve lunch I’ll make sure we go somewhere else," said Kim as she stood in front of her car. "And maybe then, you can invite your girlfriend along."415Please respect copyright.PENANASyXf4Jmsya
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Not going to happen, Leo wanted to voice out, but he smiled instead. "You take care, Kim," he said.415Please respect copyright.PENANA647aTPzyJY
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"Thanks, you too." She turned around quickly, and Leo couldn’t help but notice her blush.415Please respect copyright.PENANAjTrrtINWNX
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He watched her as she got in the car and drove away. He drew out a deep breath, feeling relieved. He pulled out his phone as he walked back to his car. He hoped Eric is done with his lunch. Boy, did he have a story to tell.415Please respect copyright.PENANA3e9L10Oyfi
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***415Please respect copyright.PENANAKwjXEzI8ki
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"Don’t put up that face with me," said Diana as she sat at her desk.415Please respect copyright.PENANAyXV6ncQo6v
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"What do you want me to do?" Mrs. McDonell asked as she slumped further in her seat. "The fact that those two girls are at my house is a problem."415Please respect copyright.PENANAvn6bcogc74
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Diana shook her head at her sister-in-law. "Sometimes I wonder what my brother ever saw in you," she muttered as she picked up a sheet of paper on her desk.415Please respect copyright.PENANAdzkWUWJS8i
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"What did you say?" Bertha asked as she sat upright.415Please respect copyright.PENANAXwhMpNrKgE
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"You’re exaggerating is what I said," said Diana as she looked at Bertha, pretending to be busy looking at the paper.415Please respect copyright.PENANAVkmxAatAQR
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"I’m not exaggerating. I just don’t know why my husband would want Angel to work at the company."415Please respect copyright.PENANA7cqcuPmMNr
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"Let’s not forget that it was my mother’s idea."415Please respect copyright.PENANA06LTxNSdsc
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"Well, I wish they could’ve found her a job somewhere else. This is stressful. You’ll see. One of these days those two girls might be the ones running the company and maybe even taking over your massage parlours."415Please respect copyright.PENANAwEop22j6Fw
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Diana shook her head. "You watch too many soap operas, Bertha."415Please respect copyright.PENANAlKX7tElHQ8
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"At least I don't watch them alone," Bertha gave Diana a look.415Please respect copyright.PENANAG7viBow7Bo
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"I'm the one who doesn't take it like it's real life. Besides, what have those poor girls ever done to you? Fred is only helping them get back on their feet."415Please respect copyright.PENANA9gXzKxwClL
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"By using our resources? Wasn't Angel already working when we met her?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAX08ss9L3wF
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Diana rolled her eyes. "I see you're still as self-centered as ever. He's just helping her so that she could get their house back. The salary at her previous job wasn't going to cut it."415Please respect copyright.PENANAQa7ExXbWBy
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Bertha rolled her eyes. "Fine, I don't want to talk about it anymore."415Please respect copyright.PENANAutrFhQ3rQW
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Diana shook her head. "You're the one who brought it up in the first place," she muttered.415Please respect copyright.PENANAobudxLlkPw
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"Are you almost done?" Bertha asked, she looked down at her diamond wrist watch. "We're supposed to go out for lunch."415Please respect copyright.PENANAxVDIcNVpzS
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"And I told you, I still have a thing or two before coming with you," said Diana as she looked at her computer.415Please respect copyright.PENANA1rjHxGYKz7
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"Well, hurry up, will you? I’m supposed to meet my doctor at 2 PM."415Please respect copyright.PENANAePo7NVJAz6
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"Whatever you say," Diana tried her best not to sound irritated, but even if she did, Bertha couldn’t care less.415Please respect copyright.PENANA5PfsOdJE7S
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Bertha soon went for her bag right next to her and retrieved her phone. When she turned it on, she found she had a message from Kim.415Please respect copyright.PENANAx0fFl5coEX
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"I have a message from Kim," she said with excitement.415Please respect copyright.PENANAC4h4c4bqcu
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Diana frowned. "So…?"415Please respect copyright.PENANA2Z4U3mfvwf
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"She told me earlier that she is going to have lunch with Leo today."415Please respect copyright.PENANAvKME2qyGUS
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Diana now had her eye on Bertha. "What? Don’t tell me you talked her into it."415Please respect copyright.PENANARNe8wdF5Ek
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Bertha shrugged her shoulders trying to look innocent. "What did you want me to do? She told me that she had seen Leo today at the café and I thought it be best that the two of them meet."415Please respect copyright.PENANAjuPBCDgFOo
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Diana shook her head. "I hope he didn’t agree to it."415Please respect copyright.PENANA1f3fgbh3Zr
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"Apparently, he did," Bertha looking confident. "It still shows that he has some love for her, don’t you think?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAqSop16UnX3
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"I bet he agreed so that he wouldn’t seem rude."415Please respect copyright.PENANAqixgPV2TSU
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"I really hope those two have patched things up," said Bertha as she clutched her phone tightly with both hands.415Please respect copyright.PENANAmNsT82kaep
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"It’s not that simple, Bertha. They didn’t go through with their wedding and you expect them to act like nothing happened and get back together? Love doesn’t work that way. If you ask me, I think you wanted her to make Leo open up about what happened."415Please respect copyright.PENANAeAUAaZVYb4
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Bertha scoffed. "You know me so well, don’t you?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAGOyzpCENgT
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"Of course, I live with you after all."415Please respect copyright.PENANAolbR5q20T0
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"Something happened to him that day for him to leave his wedding. I bet it’s another woman."415Please respect copyright.PENANAlboJqPMH2o
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"We all think that way. But the best thing to do is not probe the answer out of him. You know how those first days were after the wedding and the accident. He wasn’t willing to tell us anything. And if you ask me, it’s best he opens up about it himself. So I guess that’s why you wanted Kim to have lunch with him because he might tell her since out of everyone around him, she deserves to know the most."415Please respect copyright.PENANAQP1wm0gilN
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"You’re so smart, Diana," said Bertha as she laughed. "I should’ve let you in on my plan earlier."415Please respect copyright.PENANAU404JLAqMc
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"You know I wouldn’t have allowed it."415Please respect copyright.PENANA7EDQY9JvUe
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"And that’s why I didn’t want to tell you. Anyway, let me see what Kim has to say."415Please respect copyright.PENANA974AJeURsf
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A moment of silence passed as Bertha looked at her phone. Diana, though she had her eyes fixed on the computer screen, knew that she has to be prepared for what Bertha might end up reading. And she’s glad she did as soon as Bertha shrieked.415Please respect copyright.PENANA6RDlDhlNlU
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"I knew it! I knew it!" Bertha stood up from her seat and went straight for Diana, who had to draw back a bit in her seat as she thought of Bertha as a car that might run her over.415Please respect copyright.PENANA2GStEoikln
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"Look! Leo is seeing someone." Bertha shoved her phone in Diana’s face, and Diana again, backed up a bit so as to get away from the phone’s screen. She took the phone and read the message.415Please respect copyright.PENANAWDizEmtmiW
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"Like I said, we’ve been expecting this. No one just runs away from their own wedding. Unless they have some undying health condition or they just discovered they’re homosexual," said Diana.415Please respect copyright.PENANAXZeS6onE9g
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"What I don’t understand is who it could be." Bertha went back to her seat. "She says he didn’t reveal who it is."415Please respect copyright.PENANAZaTTK3eBIJ
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"I think it’s good he didn’t," Diana puts Bertha’s phone down on her desk. "Kim’s wound is still very fresh and if she were to know who the woman is, she’ll track her down like a hound and God knows what she’ll do. And you might even help her do it."415Please respect copyright.PENANAk6EehdMA94
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"What? No, I wouldn’t."415Please respect copyright.PENANADhLy3AXUNo
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"I know you too well. You’re just as hurt as she is, and you’ve been dying for Leo to tell you the truth. Not to mention that you’re still supporting Kim to try and get back with Leo. You two are very unstable."415Please respect copyright.PENANAbMWZsEMTIg
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"Are you calling us crazy?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAUIb4SH3plk
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Diana knew better than to answer honestly. "All I’m saying is that you need to cool down for a bit. You lose your temper a lot, and you’ve to consider your son’s feelings this time around. He has his reasons for doing what he did."415Please respect copyright.PENANAjVErTg3Adt
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"But I’m just looking out for him. Kim is and has always been good for him."415Please respect copyright.PENANA7l6dkQpSwF
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"That’s just an overprotective mother talking. Haven’t you ever considered that Leo went on to date Kim and got engaged to her because of your influence?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAjdBM4W3WER
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"Are you trying to say I’m a bad influence? Leo is the one who wanted to get married to Kim in the first place."415Please respect copyright.PENANAJsc4LJBLpo
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Diana shook her head. "I feel you’ve had a very big part in this, Bertha. And if it wasn’t for his stubborn behaviour, he might have gotten married to Kim and who knows? Maybe in the end, he wouldn’t have been happy."415Please respect copyright.PENANA9jU9pafMXp
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"Don’t make me look like a bad guy here. If it’s anyone who should be blamed for what happened should be that woman Leo thinks he’s in love with."415Please respect copyright.PENANA3jiRPngsnB
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Diana raised her eyebrows. "You talk like you know what’s best for Leo when you clearly don’t. He’s a grownup now. He can’t always rely on you to make decisions that affect his life."415Please respect copyright.PENANA4yAktzLEVI
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Bertha rolled her eyes. "That’s why you’re no fun to hang around with these days."415Please respect copyright.PENANAmihRNdd7de
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"That’s because I speak the truth and you hate it."415Please respect copyright.PENANAHjp5Z5Xpcs
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Bertha folded her arms and looked the other way. "Aren’t you done yet?" she asked.415Please respect copyright.PENANAEpB2JAsppZ
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"Almost," said Diana as she moved her mouse around on the table. "Now that you know that Leo is in love with someone else, don’t confront him about it at home. He’ll obviously know that you know, so don’t pressure him to the point where you might drive him out of the house."415Please respect copyright.PENANAxbBBwyww2Q
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"Stop talking nonsense, Diana," said Bertha. "Why would I chase him away from his own home? I'm his mother."415Please respect copyright.PENANAEvdFUpZynb
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"If you continue pressuring him like you do, you just might."415Please respect copyright.PENANA6vhIUlWPfA
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Bertha pouted her lower lip, upset that Diana had said that. "I'm just looking out for my son."415Please respect copyright.PENANAERiSaPkKD6
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"If you ask me, you’re not doing it right. And you of all people are supposed to understand. But instead, you want him to follow on your every whim."415Please respect copyright.PENANAacsquSfb3h
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"No, I don’t."415Please respect copyright.PENANA9whqY0TaXY
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Diana gave her a look. "Then why do you think he has that temper he inherited from you that he only got to show a lot more after he cancelled his wedding? He’s tired of you controlling him. So if you really don’t want him to retaliate and leave you, then don’t be so nosy, please."415Please respect copyright.PENANAFPumgPQ0hF
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"I’ll see what I can do. But I still feel Kim is good for him."415Please respect copyright.PENANA1QJEtWdnvV
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Diana sighed, shaking her head. "It’s pointless talking to you sometimes." She turned back to look at the computer screen. "When will you ever understand that only he knows what’s good for him. Not you."415Please respect copyright.PENANAsNBQJJsOIM
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There came a brief silence between them and Diana made sure to keep an eye on Bertha. Bertha had her arms folded, looking into a distance. Diana noticed the sullen look on her face. It’s not the first time they’ve had it. All she hoped for is this time, Bertha might take things to heart and realise that Leo’s life is more important than what she truly desires.415Please respect copyright.PENANAsvRElCeZzG
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"I’m done," said Diana as she stood up from her seat. "We can go for lunch now."415Please respect copyright.PENANAPkgMz8CE0v
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Bertha didn’t speak, nor did she move. She just sat there. Diana started to worry.415Please respect copyright.PENANAuy4BlNmzvW
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"Bertha?" she called out to her as she went round her table. "Bertha, are you okay?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAaqRIoOoPtl
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Bertha still didn’t speak. The last time Diana saw that look on her face, Bertha did something beyond what others thought she would do. And it wasn’t pretty.415Please respect copyright.PENANA3usqAgFpDw
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"Bertha!" Diana shook her as she placed her hand on Bertha’s shoulder. Whatever cloud Bertha was on had suddenly dissipated as she now looked surprised, finding Diana in front of her.415Please respect copyright.PENANAVHBn20chue
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"Are you okay?" Diana asked. "You looked a little lost just now."415Please respect copyright.PENANAzT7ivWJ5fv
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"Yes, I’m fine," said Bertha, sounding a little shaky. She slowly stood up from her seat.415Please respect copyright.PENANAI8LOCaoVXD
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"Are you sure? I’ve seen that look before. Remember what happened last time? You literally went on a rampage."415Please respect copyright.PENANA2CqsqMAWl1
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"That was last time," she said. "Don’t worry about me, I’m not going to go on a rampage."415Please respect copyright.PENANALnGVEEusON
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"Well. I sure hope so," said Diana as she went over to the table to get her purse. "I really hope you’re not going to confront Leo about his new girlfriend."415Please respect copyright.PENANAn02N8Jx0EF
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"Of course, not. I’ll make sure not to even mention it to him."415Please respect copyright.PENANA9tMXgtqu70
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Diana looked at Bertha. She seemed normal. And as they walked out of her office, Diana couldn’t help but tell herself to keep an eye on Bertha.415Please respect copyright.PENANAJDHUWalnUx
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***415Please respect copyright.PENANAp568O7p2zX
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"Wow, you seriously told her the truth?" Eric can’t believe what he’s hearing.415Please respect copyright.PENANAc7ieT5vV1n
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"Believe it, Eric," said Leo seated behind his desk. "I told her what she needed to know."415Please respect copyright.PENANAP2hK6gIPjz
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"But you didn’t reveal who it is, right?" Angel asked.415Please respect copyright.PENANAUMGrUnsW77
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"No, I didn’t," said Leo, looking at her and feeling irritated that she’s standing in his office. But he couldn’t do anything about it since Eric came in with her. Chasing her out isn’t an option.415Please respect copyright.PENANARuUW7pLy5g
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"Well, I want to be happy and relieved, but we all know this is far from over," said Eric.415Please respect copyright.PENANAKePeVNZqh9
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"My mother. Kim must have told her already."415Please respect copyright.PENANATPbYqpUssX
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"Don’t you think your mother might be involved with the two of you meeting for lunch?" Angel asked.415Please respect copyright.PENANA4Lpluw0gSC
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Eric and Leo looked at her. "Why do you say so?" Leo asked.415Please respect copyright.PENANAffNRC2dawq
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"I don’t know. It just seemed kind of strange when Eric told me. Maybe Kim told her that she met you at the café and your mother thought maybe you two having lunch together would make you open up to Kim and finally tell her the truth."415Please respect copyright.PENANA2H5zWM3RMm
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Eric rubbed his chin with his fingers as he thought. "Yep, I agree," he said, nodding his head afterwards.415Please respect copyright.PENANAKHRRHHgEAL
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"I hate to admit, but it does have my mother’s scent all over it," said Leo as he leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed. He looked tired and frustrated. "I feel like I’m going to be sick. I didn’t enjoy my lunch, at all."415Please respect copyright.PENANA7lRCnf16P9
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"Who would when your ex is seated facing you? If you ask me, I would puke," said Eric.415Please respect copyright.PENANAZpOOz1G2vb
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"No doubt you would," Leo raised an eyebrow, still with his eyes closed.415Please respect copyright.PENANAi2DQUpd3a2
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"Would you like something? You look like you didn’t eat at all."415Please respect copyright.PENANAe9NK98dsWR
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"No, thanks. I think I’ll get something in the kitchen."415Please respect copyright.PENANA7ogINW52Xc
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"I’ve been told that Mrs. Lance brought in some homemade sandwiches for everyone in the staff kitchen," said Angel. "And I hear they’re really good."415Please respect copyright.PENANA5WeJ6nvZaP
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"I think I should go and get some," said Eric. "I really love that woman’s homemade food."415Please respect copyright.PENANAsHV8lOtTvC
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"Isn’t your tummy full?" Leo raised an eyebrow, this time with his eyes open.415Please respect copyright.PENANAKXFfMqff4D
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"It is, but just like I said, I love her home-made food. Don’t you want to get something yourself? For someone who didn’t enjoy their meal, you really need it."415Please respect copyright.PENANAJVT44zZfhE
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"Alright," Leo gave in as he stood up from his seat. "Aren’t you going to try it out, Angel?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAfbVWR7BQyj
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Shoot, Leo almost winced. Why did he have to ask? She probably wouldn’t. He noticed Eric give him a funny look and he knew why. Leo now regretted it.415Please respect copyright.PENANARBhCqXEIux
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"I would love to, but there’s something I need to do at my desk right now," she answered. "Won’t you mind getting it for me?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAuBGesBX9WF
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Leo didn’t know if she’s asking him or Eric and whether to answer or not. Eric came to his rescue by accepting her request and that he will swing by her desk to give it to her. Leo soon remembered something:415Please respect copyright.PENANA4mta7qrFiQ
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"Oh, Angel, Carly called and was trying to reach you during lunch. She asks if you could call her back."415Please respect copyright.PENANAHOtqrHg56a
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"Okay, I’ll do just that. I’ll see you guys later," she said giving them a little smile before turning around to head out of the office. Leo couldn’t help but blush after seeing her smile like that. As soon as she walked out of his office, he heard Eric clear his throat.415Please respect copyright.PENANAzgLaOywxof
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"The look on your face says things, you know," said Eric as he leaned in close so that Leo could face him.415Please respect copyright.PENANANAsUCX0EFP
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"What are you talking about?" Leo asked looking at his cousin.415Please respect copyright.PENANAYGwTqg1ih8
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"Well, for starters, you asked Angel if she wanted to try out Mrs. Lance's food. Then you had this funny look on your face when she was leaving." Eric now looked at him suspiciously. "I hope you aren’t falling for my girl."415Please respect copyright.PENANA7kramOhZrQ
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Leo felt his face heat up for a bit, but he isn’t going to let Eric make a fool of him as he quickly said, "you must be joking, Eric. Why would I ever fall for her when I’m in love with someone else?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAQruL8Mk79Y
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The two looked at each other. There's a serious dead silence between them until Eric suddenly burst out laughing. Leo rolled his eyes and shook his head.415Please respect copyright.PENANAfwRW8jy1Lp
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"You should see your face," said Eric trying to catch his breath. "You really shouldn’t be so serious, man. I was just joking. But I can see there’s some improvement."415Please respect copyright.PENANAUSgWOpAySN
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"What improvement?"415Please respect copyright.PENANAaFiN86LPQS
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"I can see you're slowly opening up to Angel. But let me warn you. You can only like her, but not to those extremes."415Please respect copyright.PENANAPpyfaYEAqW
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"Okay, you’ve made it clear that Angel is a no-go area. But I’m not the one you should be worried about."415Please respect copyright.PENANANM1VNS4DhN
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"Ya, I know. Every guy around here has their eyes on her. Come on, let’s go to the kitchen before the food runs out."415Please respect copyright.PENANAYkzcRKDdnf
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"Ya, we should. I’m starving."415Please respect copyright.PENANAhk76WBmyLG
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The two of them made their way out of Leo’s office and went straight for the kitchen with Eric making fun of Leo over his bad lunch. Leo took it all in in silence trying to get Angel’s smile out of his head.