Leo sat down on a nearby wooden bench in the flower garden, with blooming white roses behind him. After taking in the news, he couldn’t believe it. With the world spinning under his feet, he was grateful for the small bench. Everything around him seemed non-existent, including the sound of the birds chirping in the trees and the faint sound of people laughing inside the mansion. His mind revolved around what Angel had told him. He seemed to be lost in that world for a while before he felt a hand on his shoulder that brought him back to reality.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzSVjWUx79p
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQh0M9XEm6d
Eric looked down at Leo with a sad smile on his face. He could only imagine how Leo felt. Who could’ve thought a day like this would ever occur? No one did. What’s even worse was that Carly and Zac were together, getting along like they were just friends. The thought of them made Leo feel so confused and a little angry.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvU3tScW9P
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8G4IKLJrLL
“Hey, are you okay?” Eric asked.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErJ4xLYmw8
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHoci9PDdH
“Yeah, I’m fine,” said Leo. He brushed off Eric’s hand on his shoulder.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLHMCjJFK8
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQS5aNXI9X
“This is surprising for me too, Leo.” Trying to find the right words to say proved to be difficult for Eric. “I’m not going to lie, I don’t know how you feel. But you've got to understand that all that was in the past.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ720sDzY7gW
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOIPXQeNoS
Leo took a deep breath. “Honestly, I wish I didn’t know.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaL9a9P4ELE
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BDssIcl3a
“You were going to find out in one way or another,” said Angel, who stood a few feet away from them.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAgeNjlmDN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfmxpwgw9f
Leo looked at Angel, who stood with a serious look on her face. He couldn’t help but wonder why she had to tell him. He wished he had never followed her into the garden. Later on, he started to wish he had never known her at all.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHSzetj6QE
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6z3Tv3tpHN
“Well, if you ask me, I was better off in the dark,” said Leo.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2oJuIrJ9xT
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEprSi65fEY
“Why am I not surprised?” Angel asked as she folded her arms. “You don’t see the big picture, do you?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHREB2AcmyY
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeB68UYE4fQ
“No, I don’t.” Leo stood up from the bench to face her. “Please, enlighten me.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqzBtdljQwF
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTqPyaYrRi3
“Moving forward, we’re likely to encounter these incidences. Zac was reasonable enough to agree to keep Carly’s secret a secret. What if we happen to encounter someone who won’t feel the same way?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgM0CUw5UzL
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8LI3Tz5NBJ
“Nothing like this is ever going to happen again.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOtIKy6lzLK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUK38vhOQiA
“Stop being so ignorant, Leo.” Angel looked at him in disbelief. “New York might be a big city, but sooner rather than later, she might meet another one of her clients or someone who might have been associated with her at that club. The big question is how to deal with it.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rW7GfC0vD
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlbXIei8B9y
Leo shook his head. “You’re being delusional, Angel. Even if a former client were to meet Carly out in the street, they would ignore her. Yeah, maybe they might approach her, but she could easily lie that they got the wrong person and move on.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKMNfgUmZBw
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5OKTJpeup
“Easier said than done,” said Angel. “We can’t ignore the fact that it won’t happen.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9TYIXCpAI
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7azIBb8Zd7
Leo shook his head. “So what if it does?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59P09Peuge
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡekA2Veoy5r
“You sound like you don’t care.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxPw6mvv4dy
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSrApa0Ee1l
“I do care. For goodness’ sake, I do care, and I’ll do all I can to protect her.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQho9kyG5tE
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqb5Xv7OASE
Angel and Leo looked at each other in silence, the tension in the air growing ever tighter. Angel broke contact first, as she looked the other way to catch a few deep breaths.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggaQ850HWX
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzfgte9bUN
“I don’t want anyone ever finding out about Carly,” she said. “Not now, at least. But I’m afraid, in one way or another, it will come out.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvE9U9PuxR
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡasW4i4P6hP
Leo couldn’t believe his ears. “What are you saying?” he asked. He turned to look at Eric, looking shocked before turning back to look at her. “Are you trying to say that you would want the truth to come out? Is that it?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ab3jQNlXi
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMenPmkfJv
Angel sighed and, at the same time, closed her eyes before turning to look at Leo. “No,” she replied. “If anything, I don’t want the truth to come out, for it might expose our other lies. When it does come out, what are we going to do about it?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVuBfM72Xe
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgLUNP9Ndj
“Nothing,” said Leo. “Because nothing will happen, and no one will find out.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yqRm6ejk3
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRjSntkPxD
“Well, we all never thought that Carly would one day meet Zac, who happened to be a client of hers,” said Eric. “I agree with Angel on this one. One day, Carly might be exposed, and it will compromise all of us.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡieoSjRfum4
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5jpso9tyYh
“As usual, you agree with her,” said Leo, looking at Eric.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLNuRWrjy6c
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppnzUk66nh
“It’s the way life is,” said Eric. “Maybe we’ll get lucky and all this mess goes with us to our graves. However, we don’t know what the future holds. We need to think of something, or else all of this—your relationship with Carly, especially—falls apart.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIcfd9ZYak
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjDt2mofrrk
Leo looked at his cousin. He rubbed the side of his face with his hand and groaned in frustration. “I really wish you never told us, Angel,” he said, his eyes looking to the ground.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaAEpLKGI6N
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFS5ZaieDx6
“Trust me, I wish this day never happened,” said Angel.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH6cxtAlVOi
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFo3YLcQRU4
“It was inevitable from the start,” said Eric. “We’re friends with the McAlisters after all. At some point, Carly and Zac were bound to meet.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysPuvNbYDk
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIVZ7veK8D
Leo slowly gave a nod of his head, agreeing with Eric. He started to wonder how things had gotten to this point so suddenly. Well, he knew from the start that being in a relationship with Carly was bound to have some dire consequences. However, it showed its ugly head at the worst possible time.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkybrJas6a
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXP1V3i3kWu
"Does Zac know that Carly and I are...?" Leo started to ask, but for a moment, he couldn't finish his sentence. It was almost as if he had choked on his words.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7FuPWztByF
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndoZ9Fk5xX
"No," Angel replied. "I would rather he knows about it when you bring it out in the open yourselves. The fewer people know about your relationship, the better."
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zggmQTzPr
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsSAKjJZb0T
Leo scoffed. "You know, I'm still not happy that you told me about Zac and Carly."
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwrYvl1Ueq
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TCSZv2WzV
"And if she started to act funny whenever Zac was around, wouldn't you be suspicious?" Angel raised an eyebrow at him. "At this point, we're all involved, and this is the time to look out for each other. You can think cruelly of me, since I'm already used to it, but I care about what happens to my sister. Besides, all that happened in the past. So, I expect that you and Eric don't give Zac the cold shoulder."
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTku0aByV3u
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2pIrJDQ0p
"Hey, you should be telling him, not me," said Eric.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6oK0IKW2N
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZq2beabznS
"I know," said Angel, giving Eric a smile. "But I'm warning you just the same."
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBWD2SGJ43Z
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVjsLhoa4G
"I'm guessing that's why those two are pretending to get along?" Leo asked, giving Angel a quizzical look.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5LrdDOPDO
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1EozDhBle
"Carly never liked the idea of trusting Zac at first. I know you feel the same, but you don't have much of a choice."
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIUYrA8acp
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOaGa9K15g
Leo hated that Angel was right, and he looked away angrily. Angel sighed, and that made Leo turn to look at her. This time around, the serious demeanor she had had fell away, and there remained a sad look on her face.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiEETyR2CHp
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqos6xQyEJX
"Maybe you need some time alone to think things over," she said. "I'll be inside."
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9muuHTPekj
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeBqd8ewfR5
Angel started to make her way out of the flower garden and back to the mansion. Leo watched her go, and the picture of her facial expression, engraved in his mind. He didn't know why, but he felt a little remorseful and thought he shouldn't have been so hard on her.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBOlm3VkGM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj3pO0vjngz
Eric came to stand beside him, also watching Angel. "Do you need me around?" he asked.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLfS91AEUW
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4yqyt6Mjs
"No," said Leo. He sighed as he turned his face upward, looking up at the clear blue sky. "I need to think."
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqruN3RCz3w
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtwdSUsqHZ
Eric understood as he took a step forward, but then he stopped to say, "I know you might think Angel is against you, but just know she's looking out for her sister. In a way, she's looking out for you too."
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAJdfmOTiZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHxCx0xGhs
Leo brought his head back down to look at his cousin, but Eric had already started to walk away from him. He turned toward the bench he had sat on a little while ago, and he backed up a bit to sit back down. As he looked around the lovely flower garden, he couldn't help but wonder why Angel and Eric were right about everything.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMa37I7RLD
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR2UPb3Exyd
When Angel stepped back into the mansion, she was making a beeline to the ballroom when she heard the sound of a familiar voice in the foyer. She stopped to look around, and that was when she saw Mrs. McAlister standing alongside Mrs. McDonell and Kim. They had stopped to greet some people in the foyer. Angel couldn't help but hear the people around them were complimenting on how beautiful Kim looked. For Angel, Kim being here spelled trouble. Not when Leo was upset with the whole Carly and Zac issue.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡExidQi20FJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbyPd9GZLXI
She started to turn around to make her way back outside when she saw Eric approaching her.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIClI1UuVGP
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ58uxMXodKj
"Is Leo still outside?" Angel asked.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3dANjtrMVD
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqe0mXU8VT5
"Yeah, he didn't need me," said Eric. "Why?"
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg7N8QIFAsF
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtkvtF4bHRf
"Kim's here."
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAibEl56x82
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0inHUkG0O0
Angel turned in the direction where she saw Kim, and Eric followed her eyes. He gulped immediately when he saw her.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdyk0IV4DHv
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEsH6rNcUZr
"Should we warn Leo?" Eric asked.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjd1qsFbZL
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTnlrJBFBR
"For now, no one apart from us knows where he is," said Angel. "If any of us go out and warn him, they can easily spot us, and we would lead them straight to him."
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6glBk1Efg
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKe6EPOhC0r
“Good thinking. We better tell Zac and Carly, don’t you think?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI3WfElbXRd
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoqIQVoV75
Angel gave a nod of her head. She turned to see if either Kim or Mrs. McDonell had seen her and Eric. They were still talking with the guests. Angel motioned to Eric to follow her into the ballroom. The place was now lively with guests. Many of Mrs. Harris’ old friends had settled on the chairs, ready for the game, but catching up with each other nonetheless. Angel saw Amanda, June, and Mrs. Harris at one end of the room, talking and laughing. She turned to the bar and found many people there, getting their drinks. There seemed to be no sign of Zac or Carly anywhere.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7z0Sbnw1b
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeKeg87cGBz
“They must have walked out to the patio outside,” said Eric, after noticing the look on Angel’s face.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7f9zga3qJ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6zruwFAinn
The two of them stepped out of the ballroom, and luckily enough, they found Zac and Carly talking to a man who seemed to be in his mid-40s. Carly noticed Angel and Eric coming over to them, and she addressed the man in front of her.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBI10yXuKqL
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWSUOCknS92
“Ah, the lady coming here is my older sister,” said Carly. “Angel, we were just talking to Mr. McAlister about you.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqJo5H9zXS
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAosHxB0E6K
Angel didn’t expect to be a subject of a conversation. What stunned her was the fact that the man Carly and Zac happened to be talking to was Mr. McAlister. She turned to look at him. Just like his son, he also wore casual clothing, a simple green t-shirt and cargo pants. No one would think that he was the owner of such a beautiful mansion.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENCCrZTXg1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSSAWq2jux7
“Nice to meet you, Mr. McAlister,” said Angel, smiling at him.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lYvwZsQ9q
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTv7pxAmRjl
“A pleasure,” said Mr. McAlister, bowing his head at Angel. His blue eyes were similarly deep as his son’s. “I’ve heard so much about you from my mother-in-law.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpUjwRKJRrl
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe52ue722SH
“I don’t think she knows me very well,” said Angel, feeling rather embarrassed by his comment. “But it’s nice to know she’s been saying nice things about me.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJyKe6VWdb
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrQ3F8oMod
Mr. McAlister went on to greet Eric, who greeted him back. Angel was about to excuse herself, when Mr. McAlister saw his friends seated around one of the garden tables and decided to join them. After he left them, Carly and Zac looked at both Angel and Eric with slightly worried looks on their faces.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJNY8oBdeY
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplTQm1h82q
“How did Leo take it?” Carly asked.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZUX4m2he4
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Z849zN221
“Not well,” said Eric. “But he’ll get over it. We’ve got bigger problems to deal with.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSTRre96PkA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsuxOITZp72
“What?” Zac asked.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM7DqjXY4Pr
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mQGysNhuR
“Kim is here,” Angel answered, her eyes falling on Carly. Carly’s eyes widened with surprise.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSIRsSa4gwi
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3ITjIEaMb
“So what if Kim is here?” Zac asked, looking confused. He looked at Eric and Angel, and after reading their faces, he understood. “There’s still bad blood between those two?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjZFzbyRtZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqncRNFdld6
“Not exactly,” said Eric. “You can say there’s a little tension. Trust me, with the way Leo is right now, seeing Kim might spark a fire. So if she asks where Leo is, tell her you have no idea.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EQAsYopgR
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1XQ3141fi0
“Where is he anyway?” Carly asked.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjLPpxQAll
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn0nceV9B3y
“We left him in the garden alone,” Eric answered.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX8BZcfikjg
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8QzH5Pjwh
“Okay, we’ll keep that in mind,” said Zac. “But what if they do meet each other?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOxvieWuna
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF569OXpt0A
“By then, Leo will have cooled down, hopefully. I just hope he’ll be able to keep it together, not after what happened last time.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3lb5JLU0G
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsfErHHlqO
Carly and Angel looked at Eric, and they both knew what he meant. The night they had dinner with the Chos. Leo and Angel had told both Eric and Carly that Kim had been there. Carly felt relieved that she and Leo didn’t get a chance to be alone together. That would’ve been the day Kim found out about the two of them, and who knows what would unfold afterwards? Zac, who noticed the look, knew he wasn’t meant to butt in and ask.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3BOUeNgYM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKqi9dwSnP
“Okay, if anyone asks, we don’t know where he is,” said Zac. He looked down at his left wrist to check the time. “The game is supposed to start in fifteen minutes. Angel, you better be ready.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngqbe1eU7L
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFUhfPv1kT
Angel gave a nod, and Zac made his way back into the ballroom. Eric said he needed another drink and asked the two women if they would need any. Angel hadn’t had the luxury of getting anything to drink, considering that she was welcoming the guests. She told Eric that she would have fruit juice instead. Carly asked for a dry martini. They settled at a nearby table while Eric went to fetch their drinks.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ouum9eVx0
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3NmNrLTGg
“How did he really take it?” Carly asked, looking at her sister.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MdEn1WUSd
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4MCtPxr66
“You know Leo,” said Angel as she watched the people in front of her and those visible inside the ballroom through the open door and windows. “He has a temper. Of course, he didn't take it lightly.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GGRWDsIi8
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdvE4Q5z8U
Carly was silent as she played around with her fingers on her lap. “I bet that’s why he wanted to be alone in the garden.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOfy9dQZiE
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuOKNWhTHI
“He’s stubborn, but he knows what he has to do. It’s just going to be hard for him to accept it. What happened will most likely happen again. We just have to know what to do when it does.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbXnCtMs7k
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hGF9XCQnA
“I’m not proud of what I’ve done.” Carly looked up at the sky. “I sometimes wish things could’ve been more different.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKKX9aZ4sd
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB65PMmPCdU
“Most people will criticize your past,” said Angel as she turned to look at her sister. “Only a few will understand that it’s the future and the present that matter. If you change now for the better, then well and good. If not, you’ll give them a platform to criticize you more.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡizDZAICc5i
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrLLsijCgP
Carly swallowed upon hearing those words. How she wished Angel had never told her that. Those words reminded Carly of her mother.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Z12PIsHeC
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7BCyZo62m9
“And if it does happen again, what then?” Carly asked, looking at Angel.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihcoVp1usr
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQoSdKl6P0
“Who knows? Maybe it won’t be as complicated as it was with Zac. However, there will always be difficult people. Those are the ones we should be careful around.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoMbguZfinu
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYwWADONMbr
Apparently, Carly was involved with such people, and she couldn’t help but feel guilty about it. She continued to watch the people enjoying themselves, trying to rub it off. When Eric came by with their drinks on a tray, she felt relieved.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6bkD1Qk4oK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtkVhdmvTo
“Kim is in the ballroom right now,” he told the two sisters as he served them. “Just by the way she’s looking around, she must definitely be looking for any one of us or Leo.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2MA7SXNXk
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwPjEHz6Ke
“This is bad,” said Angel as she took her glass of mango juice. “I hope Leo doesn’t blow up in her face about that night. I wonder why Mrs. McDonell can’t accept that Leo doesn’t need Kim in his life. She’s trying to fix a relationship that will never mend.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVUypGqxbop
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7DKS0ZrvU
“Oh, you know how she is,” said Eric as he sat beside Angel. “She’s stubborn.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTgSMwI2s1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgI8TDyYRo
Carly chuckled. “I see where Leo gets that from,” she said.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZ5r6XYc1u
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6c4jbenB3
“Still. The more she tries to fix things, the more she makes them worse,” said Angel. She took a sip of her juice and later added, “Kim is the worst one of them all. She really can’t let Leo go.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZQxeRz5xl
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡayhD7NlBRF
Angel remembered the conversation she had with Kim not too long ago. She could only hope Kim was looking for Leo to apologize for what she did at the hotel. If not, then there’s nothing much Angel could do.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsWVgV7D5u
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9nNBtTPlP
The three continued to have their drinks in silence when Zac appeared by the doorway of the ballroom. He beckoned Angel. The game was about to start. She quickly finished her juice and started to make her way inside. Carly and Eric remained at the table after telling Angel that they would come inside to help with the elderly if there was any need for it.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdKsWoDkQ14
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ENAFNuqdp
When Angel got to the door, she asked Zac if he had seen Leo anywhere nearby.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn3XOJYWtmK
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0DgWCCwIGU
“No,” he replied. “I bet he’s still in the garden. But I did meet Kim, though. She had asked for him.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwzB4ZwLQG7
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3zfoQtnpqt
Angel looked around, hoping not to bump into Kim as well. She would eventually. Zac mentioned that they should go to their designated seats at the other end of the room. They made their way to the table, facing the people already settled to play the game. Apparently, even children who were old enough to play also settled among the old folk.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7w4S0oOaT
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8VEHMOf6u
Mrs. McAlister stood beside the table with the microphone in hand. She obviously wanted to say a few words before the game began. Looking elegant in white, Mrs. McAlister smiled at the guests before her. She began talking in the microphone to get people’s attention. After the room settled, she began first by greeting everyone and thanking them for appearing for the event. She introduced her son and Angel as the people in charge of the game. She wished everyone all the best and for the best person to win. Also adding that there were prizes for the winners. She handed the mic back to her son, who was to call out the letters and numbers on the bingo balls Angel picked.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlFDQCuW4s
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxpBD7ONRVl
While the bingo game was underway, Leo, who was still in the flower garden, realized that he had stayed there for too long. It was best for him to go back inside the mansion. He had already made up his mind. As much as he didn’t want to go through with it, he saw no other option.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXb3FMUXqb3
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6mqSdoCulS
He stood up from the bench and made his way out of the flower garden. As soon as he got back inside, he noticed there weren’t many people in the hallway. The sound of Zac speaking through the mic echoed in the hall outside the ballroom. The game must have started, he thought to himself.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy362gycqcp
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdcoq4xz8G
When he entered the ballroom, he found many of the elderly and a few children already settled for the game and holding up their bingo markers. He spotted Eric across the room, slowly walking around those who were playing the game in case anyone needed anything. His eyes turned to the far end of the ballroom, where Angel and Zac sat. A few people stood around the walls of the room, silently watching the game. A good number of guests had gone outside to socialize more loudly and merrily.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviKvk5jn2z
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRfmrzTZrHW
When he looked to his left, he saw Carly, who, just like Eric, slowly walked around the room. She looked up and saw Leo. That made her stop in her tracks as she studied his face. For a moment, she gave a grim look, and it only took Leo’s smile to change it. She sighed in relief and smiled back at him. That was a sign that all is forgiven, and he was willing to move on.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡligDKTEsGV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0iPwAIVRY
The lovebirds’ moment disappeared abruptly when someone appeared beside Leo. The smell of the person’s perfume made Leo aware of their presence. He turned to look. Standing there, looking gorgeous in her pink dress was Kim.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ274kR1bz52
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP4P2b3JQT
“Hi, Leo, I was looking for you,” said Kim.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEoiNiiKs3j
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLORw4CZPCD
A few elderly women seated nearby turned their heads to hush at Kim, telling her to be quiet. That drew everyone’s attention to Kim and Leo. Angel, who was rolling the bingo ball container, saw Kim standing beside Leo, and a grim look fell on her face. Eric, on the other side, could only watch and hope that Leo wouldn’t explode. Carly stood there helplessly. The last thing she needed was to come in between them. That would only make things worse. So, she quickly looked away, turning her attention to the children playing the game.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEUtUsWRp1T
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQKykYAst1Y
“Can we talk outside?” Kim whispered to Leo.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxYRL5L966
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGtYtCjgbll
Before Leo could refuse, Kim wrapped her hand around his arm and slowly started to drag her with him, leading him back the way he came. Eric, who saw the whole thing, looked over at Carly, hoping that she didn’t see that. Sadly, he found her turning her head with her lips set in a straight line and her eyes staring blankly elsewhere. Angel had also seen what had happened, but she had already picked out a ball that she showed to Zac. She didn’t want to look out of focus. When she turned to Carly, she couldn’t help but feel a little worried.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAds69oQNT1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ctGHkeFQk
When Leo and Kim stepped out of the ballroom and into the hall, Leo brushed aside Kim’s hand around his arm and took a few steps before turning to look at her. Kim looked at Leo with a smile on her face.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoDMocAK8i
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Wuv9ssixF
“You’re a hard man to find,” said Kim. “I was looking for you, and I thought I would find Eric and ask him where to find you. But it wasn’t easy to find him either.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDMlgBYkt5h
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoVfmoUF6qe
“What is it you want, Kim?” Leo asked.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYijHcau7w5
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhzF607zAI
Kim opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out. It took her a few seconds to gather herself. “I want to apologize,” she said. “About what happened the last time we saw each other.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYt9jsHMlh
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWnJFfSN8G
Leo raised an eyebrow. “I didn’t like what you did,” he said. He was upset, but he sounded calm. “What were you expecting to see by following me like that?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNNPLvTJLW
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4rASaJZnvE
“I’ll be honest with you,” said Kim. “I wanted to see your new lover.” Her eyes fell to the floor, feeling a little ashamed for saying it.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdcbRT9BE7A
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVjQ4BTkGK
“I bet you were disappointed when I caught you.” Leo put his hands in the pocket of his trousers. “You didn’t look surprised like we met by accident. You and Trina looked guilty, and I knew you had been following me. Angel, in the end, told me you had been in the area for quite some time.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaKcl57YNN3
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ962rVCArq9
“Yeah, I know, and I feel so stupid for doing that.” Kim looked up at Leo. “That’s why I’m asking you to forgive me.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyjosPrTUp
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyy6XTjqt9x
Leo looked at Kim, wondering how to answer that. He was still upset with her after her little stunt, but if he didn’t want to ever bring up this issue again, he had to do one of the things he despised to do.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4RysOmbnIl
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpDalMK2WW
He sighed. “I forgive you,” he said. Kim’s eyes brightened up with delight when she heard those words. A smile even appeared across her face. “But don’t take it the wrong way here. Just because I forgive you doesn’t mean this brings us closer.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjucseVemZp
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiV5qjPq07Q
“I know,” she said, her cheeks starting to blush. “By forgiving me, this is a sign that you still have a caring heart.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡejmSpkdyNF
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOE9eag3ZLL
“I’m just doing this because I don’t want to ever bring up this matter again. If I may ask, what were you going to do if my lover happened to be around that day?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx9O0GZmuqN
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6XTOsydUp
Kim looked taken aback by that question. The smile on her face slowly started to disappear. This was the last thing she needed right now.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjN0tZVrG1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKT14vQ1cC
“Why are you asking me that question?” Kim asked.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDa7fWs9Edb
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYVgLWBacT
Leo took some time to answer. “Because I know you,” he said. “You’re impulsive, and I know you’ve been dying to know who my lover is. Who knows what you would’ve done if you did? I bet it would be something unpleasant.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwBldcdXAR
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhoYnNhH0wL
Kim shook her head. “That’s not true,” she said. “I would never do that.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpTRl6PKBV
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGShBHHPJSx
Leo scoffed. “Anyway, I’m not going to argue with you there when you know I’m right. You shouldn’t come after me, begging for my attention. I have a life to live, and so do you.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE8mozzSEvP
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBw6TDhzQ1r
A voice of a woman shouting “bingo, bingo” rang loudly into the hall. What Leo was grateful about these games was that it didn't take too much time. They were obviously going to go for another round of bingo.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGqTVY1gVi
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5DBazr0ujp
Leo turned to look at Kim, who was looking back at him. There was a look of hurt in her eyes, and sadly, there was nothing that Leo could do about it.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0bjK10Xdz9
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJdG5pmF03h
“I better be going back in there,” said Leo. “I’ll see you around.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyds6qbGGD
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXeAZvS9E7
Just as Leo was about to take a step towards the door leading to the ballroom, Kim blocked his way, standing in front of him. She looked set on not moving aside.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmVCF5eGfB
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg2J7Zwbrmd
“Kim, please move,” said Leo.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsgJbyqfIF
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyQ7kU7qG1
“I’m not going to end this conversation like this,” she said.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtRX0C6Jrp0
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oNe5N3peh
“What else is there to say?” Leo asked as he shrugged his shoulders.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3CFfRNAZBO
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4eu1hgDNVX
“Don’t you care about me at all? Don’t you think I've got the right to know who she is that stole your heart from me?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ64NN83RbtE
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh0IINgcpbb
“Kim, your voice is getting a little too loud. And no. I don’t think you’re ready to know who it is. Not with that attitude.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUQCKo2ehP3
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnwtms0L7Zl
“Why are you protecting her? It’s not like I’m going to do anything.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuQUcxMLGTq
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNSZhsbMPbM
“Says the person who isn’t over our breakup. I can’t tell you who she is until I’m sure you can handle moving on. Right now, I clearly see that you can’t.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm5WEu7IbU
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVDGOydH9p
The door to the ballroom that stood ajar opened up a little, and a young man stepped out. He walked past Leo and Kim. They remained silent until he was out of sight.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9q0uW1yDNs
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn6OQPAuMCj
“I promise, Leo, I won’t do anything rash,” said Kim.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8BgD6rUMLZ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp6Fm35gzt
“No,” said Leo. He was firm with his response, and Kim could clearly see that her whimpers weren’t going to work on him. “Not now, Kim. Not like this.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5XMT4GoppS
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIs5Zqv9eZ2
Before Kim could think of another way to persuade him, Eric appeared at the door. Leo could never have felt too relieved to see anyone.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFXYOt4pdQ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsV4dE4fUt
“Leo, I need some assistance over here,” said Eric. Kim turned around to look at him. “We need to clear out some chips on the papers for the next round, and there are a few people who have trouble getting them off since they are old. You could come help too, Kim, if you want.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcKhrBXQXmt
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgGi1cNPGV
“I’ll be right there,” said Leo. He turned to look at Kim, hoping to say a few words to her, but nothing came to mind. She looked at Eric with an angry frown, upset that he had to interrupt them. He walked past her and joined Eric inside the ballroom.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGyYrLUbwIi
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFg4lX5ggq
“Thanks for that,” said Leo when he and Eric approached the tables.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24krOLnpYY
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFy11BE4eW7
“I figured you needed the help,” said Eric. “And we really do need your help with those chips.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqrMkSSs1k
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFe31ERxyrS
“Never have I felt relieved to help out with anything.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTNz8dE0QGU
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvCBUpZtLOe
Leo heard footsteps behind him, and he saw Kim enter the ballroom. She was making her way to the patio, where the lively people were. As she passed, she gave Leo a side-ways glance. Judging by the look, Leo could tell that she was upset.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRl092GNkO7
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qXCYkzuof
Three rounds of bingo were played, with three different winners. Amanda happened to be one of them, for she won the last round. Her grandsons, Angel and Carly, went to congratulate her. Amanda couldn’t help but express how excited she was over winning the game and that it was her first time.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWCPhCdoBS3
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZAbfcaxVp
Mrs. McAlister and Mrs. Harris presented prizes to those who won. Afterwards, the place became more of a social event, with those who were outside coming in. The helpers had to arrange the tables and chairs for the elderly as if in a dinner-like manner, in case anyone wanted to help themselves with some food and needed a place to sit.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9HbRbyXWa
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk9u4H57IQs
Leo has stepped out for a bit with a glass of wine, out to the patio and to the lawn. The sun was slowly starting to set, and he had a clear view of it. He had a feeling they might have dinner at the McAlisters, considering the amount of food that had been brought in. With so many people around, all he wanted was to be alone.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSk9xPi6LaG
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hk7xeFk5h
He took a sip of his wine, so lost in the beauty of the setting sun that he didn’t hear soft footsteps coming from behind. It only took him a minute to realize that Carly was standing beside him.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKFzgJyG4VL
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdZMBFfLzEx
“Hey,” she said to him.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl8VGwIya1E
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0nx6BVIXL
“Hey,” he answered back.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCfv2WwC9B
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDkEvT5QiDB
There was a brief moment of silence before Carly spoke. “You’re not mad, are you?” she asked.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkclRUOzjrB
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUGF3fRd2gs
“Mad about what?” He asked with an eyebrow raised and looking confused.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNycUmLw5d1
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYbU2QPAXar
“This thing with Zac and me?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1oH9RUDsDh
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmujhsvyyWe
Leo chuckled. “I had just forgotten about it. To be honest, I was so busy that it never once crossed my mind. Until now.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP36Tthvbf8
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfrFMuDJzdr
“I know it’s weird…”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHcJSPEPEIt
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSYDM3fyl5
“Carly,” Leo interrupted her. “That’s all in the past. As much as I would like to keep a grudge, you knew Zac before you knew me. I shouldn’t be jealous at all. He’s an annoying prick, yeah, but I can’t blame him for that either. The last thing I want is to be mad at you.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOU3ylmrXA
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDyIzCCEQF
Carly smiled. “That’s a relief. If there weren’t many people around, I would’ve hugged you.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1LKyzKV7X
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmsODbgd8n3
“Tell me about it,” said Leo as he turned around to look at the guests that remained outside. “Let’s not draw any unnecessary attention.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe3aCK5q3zB
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkv0pOmNwT
“And what about Kim? What did the two of you talk about?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwn1SFKLZQ
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqZ9GvemUeU
“The incident at the hotel when we had dinner there. And also, she wants to know you. Or let me say it in her words: The woman who stole my heart from her.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1u92wXFfxz
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCKXM9bgBbK
Carly rubbed the back of her neck. “She must be really mad, huh?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXm6Oo3JglS
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgCfi487X3
“Yeah, but I’m not going to tell her until she settles down. Better yet, she’ll know when everyone else does.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Zy7hOkKsp
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ74WFptTTo
“We still have time. And what are you going to do about your mum? It’s clear to see that she brought her here to try and bring you two together.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC0hwo755e
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKD9Gw2KeJb
“It’s annoying, but I’ll have to have a talk with her one of these days.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3k1rE6WOf
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡufEt9jtTYW
“Leo! Carly!” came Angel’s voice behind them. The two turned around to see her approaching them. She wore her white jacket over her shoulders, as it was getting chilly now.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1M46ZdMAl
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNOKD0uYL5i
“What is it?” Carly asked when Angel came closer.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsX90HuTldt
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7dCVpfr4L
“Zac’s girlfriend is here, and Zac wants to introduce you to her,” Angel answered. “He made a show of how you and I are like goddesses, and she wants to see you for herself. So that’s why I came to find you. They’re in the hall outside the ballroom.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6X2Eyxxfk
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHrwhv5BknR
“Fine,” said Carly. She turned to look at Leo. “Aren’t you coming?”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTiEwTGAvOM
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyf1Zul1I6
“Yeah, I’ll follow behind you,” he said.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsJxTXOn2Wo
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsUIxFDQmz
“Before I get there, I need to stop by the bar to get a drink. Let’s go, Angel.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFbcJKI11EX
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Uu23skghW
Carly took off quickly before Angel. In trying to catch up with her sister, Angel also hurried. In doing so, her white jacket slipped off her shoulders and fell on the green grass. She stopped in her tracks and turned to pick it up. However, Leo already got to her jacket and picked it up for her. He placed the empty glass he was holding on a nearby table.
Leo closed the distance between them. Before Angel could reach out her hand to grab it, he swung the jacket over her head and made it rest over her shoulders. Angel looked stunned at the gesture that she was almost lost for words. For some reason, her cheeks started to tingle.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiUKDLZyKp
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAG9BV1RWGV
“Thanks,” she managed to say. “You didn’t have to do that.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV9GXeMvk4
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqwniGIPyX
“It’s nothing,” he said.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGEZDuGHVqF
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwNMpwq7dMu
Leo still held on to the collars of her jacket, and Angel realized why she was blushing. The feel of his fingers tucked under the collars slightly touched her neck. His hands soon fell away, and he placed them in the pocket of his trousers. He gave her a cool look with his eyes, and that made Angel blush even more.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡISjKf5HBV2
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z8chdl4Sj
“Are you okay?” he asked, raising an eyebrow. “You look shocked or something.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaR8vu7D9H
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxnudcaB4WI
“I’m fine,” said Angel, quickly drawing her head downward. “Let’s go.”
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDU8wTJxEu
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl40qFrBiLz
She quickly turned around and started to make her way back into the ballroom, with Leo following behind her. She shook off the feeling and told herself it was nothing. Leo, on the other hand, didn’t seem bothered by her reaction or what had taken place.
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU9LgsIulji
242Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarsTWs8g6f
Standing by the window inside the ballroom was Kim, holding a glass of champagne. She had seen the little incident between Angel and Leo. That sent her mind buzzing with thoughts. Apparently, she wasn’t the only one who had seen them
.
ns52.15.154.142da2
