“Okay, I can do this,” she took a deep breath and tried to relax. She wished she could be in a quiet room, but with the noise around, she had to get used to it.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRaoFEDF7AJ
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX92yYpfoY2
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Angel quickly opened her eyes in fright and found a smartly dressed man standing in front of her. He wore a silver-grey suit that fit well on his body. His clear blue eyes looked at her anxiously, and Angel couldn’t help but stare at his kind, round face with his blonde hair cropped around his head leaving a reasonable amount of hair in the front and middle. A few strands of his hair fell in curls just above his left eye.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5d2Nq82lbq
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeS9StW0PqK
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“You’re the new girl, right?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDSf0CyLBY
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Angel didn’t know what to say as she felt she would drop the files in her hands. The man in front of her is gorgeous. And judging by the way his suit fit well on his body, he definitely does workouts at the gym or something. She told herself to pull herself together.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisT5AL8F91
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImnpR49HOp
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“Derrick,” the man quickly drew out his hand to give her a handshake. Angel had to carry the files with her one arm to draw out the other. They shook hands. “I wasn’t in the architecture department when you passed by. I just heard we've a new girl in town.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJj9h5xQHXO
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“Oh,” Angel felt her cheeks heat up even more. “I didn’t know I would still be the talk of the department.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzvSwpnlR31
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwgWrTJU3Fe
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMhqbwykcOn
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tTHcBY9Ik
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlygcmicO4c
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9neBaIIDCV
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Derrick came closer and took the three huge files from her hands. Angel felt like a huge weight has been lifted. She hadn’t realised how heavy the files were until now.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcUQ6bpVoLq
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05cA11NcSb
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUKqliSQfdB
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“Ah, yes, I am.” Angel led the way to her cubicle in the main work area. She could feel a number of eyes on her and a few whispers here and there.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkNdrvGdkz
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgQBkTTD3ea
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“Not really,” Angel said, trying to shake off the feeling she's getting from people around her. She started to rub the back of her neck. “Just trying to familiarise myself with what I’ll be doing around here.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpOIxQGIjc
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWIaZLj1xZ
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZQR56wkSII
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Derrick gave her a kind smile. “Well, I’ll leave you to it, Miss Barclay. Hey, if you’re up for it, you and I can go out for lunch with the others from my department.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgWwgDegQ4E
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“Thanks, but I’ll have to decline. I already made plans with someone today.” Angel stared at her phone on the desk. Eric sent a text a few minutes ago inviting her to lunch, so she couldn’t turn him down.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkgesFDwvW7
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaLvmMS7A5
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Angel found herself blushing even more. “It’s not like that,” she managed to say. “It’s just between friends, nothing special.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSCOtnHD99
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpnDW342mVJ
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Eq8KKvj4L
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡverRPTMqfH
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlapY6Nz70K
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Derrick gave her a wave and started to walk out of the work area. Before Angel could take her seat, she could’ve swore that he had turned to look at her before disappearing out of sight. She didn’t want to think too much about it.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTVFQt5fFN
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She looked at the files in front of her and knew she had a lot to do. She better get to work now before work starts to pile up. She got one file and placed it in front of her when she heard:483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQONXI1NTA
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvIjWZIxzB
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Angel turned around and found a young lady, an African American like her, seated at her desk opposite Angel’s cubicle. Her skin colour is darker than Angel’s, like that of dark chocolate. She had black, kinky hair tied above her head and leaving a huge tuft of hair. She wore glasses with a blue frame and wore a black suit with a white blouse and matching black high-heels. Angel couldn’t help but feel intimidated by the lady’s beauty.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOigkFgkrJ
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“Yes, it is," said Angel as she fully turned around in her seat and drew her arm out. "Your name is-?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUDQj5ol0ni
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"Sabrina," said the lady as she leaned forward and shook hands with Angel. "I see a lot of people really want to know you."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrY0fSQvlVZ
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwUx5yeCxl
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ501JDKhwBp
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn37MdqSmy9
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"It's because you don't see it. The person you were talking to just now, he's really hard to come by. A lot of ladies around here try to get his attention. For him to actually ask you out for lunch will probably leave a lot of people here speechless."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxuz7akIA1
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Angel raised an eyebrow. "Really? Why do you say so? You make it sound like he's an introvert when he seems like a really outgoing person."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9x57s0n9C
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"He is. It's just that he has his own circle of friends. When many ladies try to get close, he pulls away. He's acquainted with a lot of us, but none of us have ever gotten close to him."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGgAcz5Vqr
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRaY9VZ0A8
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"Him escorting you here and asking you out for lunch is actually the first time I've seen him try to engage a lady in a conversation. He rarely does, unless he is talking about work."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8QyMMbluzQ
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFtueNxhuU
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Sabrina shrugged her shoulders. "Who knows with men. One minute they're leading you on, the next they aren't. But with Derrick, he might really like you."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBzFsWspqNc
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"He doesn't have a girlfriend, does he?" came another female with blonde hair and striking blue eyes. She stood in the aisle with papers in her hands. She seemed to have popped out out of nowhere.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnXLElO5Fs
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8R5l5njBi
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"Oh, sorry for butting in in your conversation," said Beatrix, looking at Angel and raising her hand apologetically. "Where are my manners?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyKmw3OxPc
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfVEYQRyjJx
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"Nice meeting you too. Just like Sabrina said, I'm also shocked Derrick actually talked to you so casually and actually asked you out for lunch."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDFYXWGYCi
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTYRRCzfVUv
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxus7vCONZ
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlUYjeevzzz
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQoUPuFlyQ9
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjqLHWPO0N
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"Let's not talk about that," said Angel as she quickly spun around in her chair. “The last thing I need right now is to worry about who likes me.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGjigZO8WW
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ322wu4BgY
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Looks like they got their information from HR, Angel thought before she turned around to look at the two ladies. “As far as I can remember, no. Most men were married, so, I didn’t have any problems.” Except Mark, of course. She made sure not to say that out loud.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu0eODf34h
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMXK0yZmUFy
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMBMZ71wZR
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“They are very good-looking and all the ladies wouldn’t mind getting close to them. But just like Derrick, they also don’t like to get too close. Eric's better since he’s outgoing and all. But Leo keeps to himself. He seems like a no nonsense person and he was pretty serious with his relationship with Kim until they called off the wedding.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBiClu61Cg
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Angel didn’t want to hear any more of this. If only they knew that the reason why that happened is because of Carly.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgPYwPe3mL5
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“Do you know why that happened, Angel?” Beatrix asked. “You’re close to the family, so you should know the reason.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4XDMEK1zN
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“I can’t answer that.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKotpbC1OEW
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLHN2IVoqdo
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnqHqCq58V
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ81gEeJyTsH
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Good, Angel thought. It’s best she went with this. No one in the McDonell mansion knows the truth except for her, Eric, Carly and Leo. The more people think of it as a mystery, the better.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡArOR3TC97d
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“You see, Leo keeps things to himself,” said Sabrina. “As much as he is good looking, I feel he has such an attitude. You feel it sometimes when he talks to you, though he isn’t always like that.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcdhpPQNoD0
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhshnGLVgDp
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fV2V827PD
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSYTYpOLBLO
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“Ya, I see how he’s close with his family, especially Eric,” said Sabrina. “I just wish he was more outgoing, you know.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOipXVUpeOf
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnnbYhY17r
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5T1AC94tAq
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“Not a problem.” Angel quickly swirled round in her chair to face the file in front of her. She really needed to get some work done. She didn’t expect to be in engaged in so much talk on her first day. She still felt uneasy as she heard a whisper across the room and thought she had heard someone mention her name. She had to agree with Derrick. She would be the talk of the office for a while.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzXAsKHZ73U
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She closed her eyes shaking off the feeling so as to try and focus on work. She always did this, even at the editing company when she sometimes felt anxious or pressured. When she opened them, she went straight to work on the files.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8rJZd46Sf
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***483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwOPCqJBL7R
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Leo heard the phone on his desk vibrate. He wondered if it’s Eric sending him a text that he couldn’t find what he went to look for. Leo sighed. He now wished his father was handling this meeting with Eric and not him. With Eric out of the office for a while, now is the time he can try and catch up on work, especially with answering his emails on his iMac.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY3hXplpq1y
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His eyes left the computer screen and he went on to look at his phone. A sudden feeling came over, telling him that it might not be Eric who sent him a message. Could it be his father? If he wanted anything from Leo, he would've called. Maybe it’s his mother? No, he shook his head. It can’t be her. Just like his father, she would’ve called. Could it be Carly? It might, he thought positively. Maybe she thought of texting him.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwINFYPdnGa
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He quickly took his phone and turned on the screen to find the message isn’t from Carly. It's from Kim. He felt like putting his phone aside and getting back to work. Instead, he unlocked the phone to read her message and it was nothing but a simple “Hello.” He rolled his eyes as he wished he had never bumped into her at the café this morning. Should he ignore the message? As much as he wanted to, he still had to say something. He didn’t want to seem rude like he does sometimes.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VAVBIEKW3
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He texted her back and quickly put his phone down on the desk, hoping that she wouldn’t text back, but she did. Leo couldn’t help but groan.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgmXhcWPsY2
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A knock soon came at the door and before Leo could tell the person to come in, the door flew open and Eric walked in with papers in his hands. Leo groaned even more, throwing his head back onto his chair.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzloTYXzhgj
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5adF5X7Lly
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Kf7vvnCm7
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtEOpH3GUaB
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Leo looked at Eric. His cousin knew him better than anyone. He took a deep breath and leaned his elbows on the table.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXy6XZkVDDu
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“Kim texted me,” he said.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcDVPQD36g
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzIQovXw1e
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDc0KEjgMB
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡblKxlKDr3f
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡymhjD8Q0cq
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“What did she say?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHyB0W4FIuZ
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“Just a simple hello.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJrHnr4QA2
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“And did you reply?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jeQY3uAfa
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“Of course, I did.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WlPDSdz1X
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“And…?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBYxLfe539
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrfeCoTG7p
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“You better see what that message says.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDYSEDpEVEk
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“And what if I don’t want to? It’s pretty obvious that she wants to hook up for lunch or something.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mPSw4YtMF
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LxxtOtvDH
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“Don’t flatter me. What am I going to do? I don’t want to meet her, that’s if she does ask that we should.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcxQ4Crl33
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh2wBoYGnUp
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“You’re right.” Leo took his phone and unlocked it. When he read the message, he suddenly had a gloomy look. “She wants us to meet.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55IYrOoz5t
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“She really must be desperate, huh?” Eric raised his eyebrows. “Who can blame her? Being dumped on your wedding day to such a handsome man like you wasn’t what she expected.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeAYL21Geke
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“You aren’t making me feel any better. Besides, I apologised. I don’t know what she wants me to do.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYzRpyP4agu
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“She needs an answer from you. That’s what.” Eric leaned back on the chair. "You never told her why you left on your wedding day. In fact, everyone keeps asking me that question and I always say that I don’t know.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MyCHnpMhR
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“The less who know, the better.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLn5oWaT69S
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1TmDhZX7gT
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Leo didn’t say anything as he looked down at his phone on the table. He took it and started to tap away, then he quickly put it down.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2PYXWnXUM0
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOUmD3deDP
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmFdg8MLhGY
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDLkDGiFVvR
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Leo groaned, but he got his phone, unlocked it and gave Eric. When Eric read it for himself, he stared at Leo.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIA6DjUn4vL
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“You’re serious,” he said as he gave Leo back his phone. “Are you finally going to tell her the truth?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9QqiEf5ko
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5Rxvf7775
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu2pobAHU95
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfdjjox4eZ
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“It’s typical of a woman. Even I would kill you. I wouldn’t like to know that the reason why my man left me was because he fell in love with someone else.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAqiUeQjzu
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Leo chuckled to himself as he stared at the ceiling. “I still remember that day. Gosh, all of that happened so suddenly.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcnYaISh7P
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“I thought you had gone mad, but looking at you now, you seem to have made the right decision. You don’t look regretful for leaving Kim.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzTF3NkNQhA
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“I think it was the right thing to do.” Leo now had his eyes on Eric. “If anything, I feel like I really didn’t love her at all.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyEtUFtGwV
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hWzGLYWbY
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMxUsMnE6yF
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfFzVFec4ve
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFMspAzcx44
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“No, I don’t want to imagine it,” he said as he shook his head. “Something tells me it won’t be a good one.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1xDKSNNPu
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“I agree,” said Leo as he rubbed the temple of his head. “I don’t want to imagine my mother, though.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5rZNBwyTg
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“That one is pretty obvious; I don’t have to imagine it, that’s if I want my head to explode.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9h6tFyPlaI
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The two laughed.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnZ7gYx04a
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“Okay, okay, let’s get back to work,” said Eric, wiping away a tear in his eye. “Remember, we’ve to finish these arrangements before lunch.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBiSpzfIMW0
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“You’re right,” said Leo as he went on to look at his screen and switched windows from his email to an open document.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwwTQXygqZ
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVyhNxfkJE9
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***483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UlYaxE9lX
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhAjbQ5lfC
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Miranda quickly turned to the person who spoke to her. It's Brad. She rolled her eyes. “Oh, it’s you,” she said, turning her head to look elsewhere.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW44lqofiRK
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Miranda was seated on a chair in the lecture room. They were waiting for their next lecture as the previous one ended minutes ago. She had been going through her phone to pass time when she was supposed to be studying. God knows just how behind she is.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdOG9xEY7yZ
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0codXHvmvd
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKwVXHqjaED
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBABSJaOK9W
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“Nothing, why do you want to know?” she asked, holding her phone tight and facing her body the other way to avoid him from looking.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3rklMdkh8s
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSGvOPxHFB
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuCJKg6YsG
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaGSOwc1x6
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFnNEm2Tk9
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlG9b7tbhS4
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXXR16DvY7k
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“Well…,” Brad placed his elbow on the table with his hand supporting the side of his face so as to get a good look at Miranda. “You’re barely concentrating in class these days. And last week when we were handing in our assignments, you were late. You were so lucky that the madam took pity on you and accepted it.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpC7HmtQRZ
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDVCBS1sc4
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Brad scoffed. “Nah, that’s not it.” He wagged his index finger in front of her face. Miranda got irritated that she pushed his hand away. “Something is keeping you distracted.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC6ywYQsSfS
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9ZHSnAica
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhVvgWzd2B
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Miranda rolled her eyes at him and looked down at her phone before she went on to look in front of her.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNuU1DsufSh
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxZZku9tYv
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiYnXrsDfFK
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“I thought I saw you looking at a guy's photo on Instagram just now. I feel like I’ve seen him somewhere.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0HyTlkEyl
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Miranda felt like standing up from her seat to go elsewhere, but she soon felt Brad hold her free hand, pinning her in place. It’s like he knew what she was about to do and he did the only thing possible to pin her down.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiw1HRlqO6k
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXt4BrAVzT
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIr2UYoP45V
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOvkwZXgCA
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“It’s because I’m worried about you. Something is up and I need to know what it is. Is it that man you keep looking at on your phone? Mind you, I’ve seen you looking at him time and time again.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nk8Po80sW
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Miranda felt her cheeks heat up. She couldn’t tell Brad about her sudden interest in Leo McDonell. Brad just said he looked familiar. And if he kept looking at her phone, he might realise who he is. She had to think of something.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZBsoX59ow
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“You’re worried over nothing,” she said. “Just some celebrity that I follow on Instagram. I think he’s really cute and that’s why I look at his photos.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9535k1Az04
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Brad stared at her for a second. Miranda knew she had told him part of the truth. But she couldn’t go into detail or else she might say something about Leo. If he knew, she didn’t know what he would do.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0AWCJayBwk
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“Girls and your stupid crushes,” he said as he finally let go of her hand. “When will you ever let it go?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBCBFfaKHA
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6AcYB3xgK
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4LMX3he6Cv
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She was afraid he was going to ask that. So when their lecturer walked through the door of the theatre, she let out a silent sigh of relief. Everyone who was still up and about went to their seats, and the lecture begun.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvFjEgFwsUE
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It’s finally lunch time, and Eric couldn’t wait to get out of the office with Angel and go somewhere nice. He had been in Leo’s office preparing for the meeting with the Chinese. Now that they're done, he couldn’t wait to leave.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtztuKgPhyP
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZw5RDgcKi
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9HMyVWVbKf
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaPFNb36r5F
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuhbZZia1o
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhpHitVhFm
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6ktZOqGMyF
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUfLZbgiyM
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“That’s because you don’t like her. Mind you, having lunch with Angel is way better than having it with Kim.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfQ5reForD6
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The look on Leo’s face became grim. Even when he didn’t want to admit it, he knew Eric is right. He cleared his throat. “If you ask me there isn’t much of a difference.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMN8tvdnYS0
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It's Eric’s turn to roll his eyes. “You know, if you gave yourself time to actually know Angel instead of fighting with her all the time, you’ll find that she’s okay to be with than Kim.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPeRn2QfRZ
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKvQ54uMRmL
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“I’ve to go now,” said Eric as he reached the door and held the knob. “Tell me how things go with Kim, okay? And try not to start an argument with her, wherever you will be.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpe1xIJafJ6
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“I won’t.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqj8W1C3Kkr
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbvxo4UypF
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Leo gave him a nod and Eric quickly rushed out of the door like an excited young boy who had been told he could go outside and play with his friends. Even when Leo felt irritated by Eric’s enthusiasm, he couldn’t help but envy him a little. The man is in love, Leo thought to himself. Even when he knew he loved Carly, he didn’t experience the kind of lovey-dovey nonsense Eric is in right now. Is that what he admired? The crazy feeling of liking someone that you couldn’t wait to see them?483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP7bp3ukS7n
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Leo shook his head. People are different and express love in different ways, he concluded. There’s no doubt in his mind that he loved Carly. Besides, he thought to himself, I don’t think Eric likes Angel to that extent. Maybe what he feels for her might pass in due time. Leo thought again, and concluded that Eric’s feelings towards Angel aren’t going to pass any time soon.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGHLzsX41Wd
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He soon got up from his seat as he also had to prepare himself to go and meet Kim. He didn’t know how his lunch with her is going to go. Before that, he thought he could lie to her that something came up to avoid any drama. But he couldn’t do that now. He would look like a coward. Something he doesn’t want to be.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3161JD4KA
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He walked up to the door and got his jacket on the coat hanger. And with a deep breath, he opened the door and walked out.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci5gPzdupu
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJgESs9hOx
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERX5WHpj9m
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"I get what you mean. So many people keep asking me about you.” Eric had his hands in his pockets as he stared up at the sky. "You’ve made quite a reputation for someone on their first day.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHo0myEZCvq
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"All that will pass.” Angel smiled at Eric. "It’s just the first day. By the end of the week, everyone would’ve forgotten that I even existed.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZ0726ERDx
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"I doubt that. People will forget, but it’s no question that you’ll still be the talk of the office. I mean, you’ll obviously be classified as the most beautiful female member of staff.” Eric now had his eyes on her as he chuckled.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIMViL8EPn7
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Angel playfully punched him on the arm. "What are you saying? There are many beautiful women at the company. If you ask me, their beauty is intimidating.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3F6zQzlSR
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"That’s because you miss the big picture,” Eric stopped walking as he now held her arm to stop her as well. "You really are very beautiful, you do know that, right?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNE1ohYjU7n
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Angel couldn’t say anything as she continued to look at Eric. Her heart started to flutter and felt her cheeks heat up. She found all of this awkward as she started to look around. She looked back at Eric, wondering how to tell him that they were standing in the middle of the street and might be in the way. But the look he continued to give her left her speechless.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnr29OYOMj
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"I wish you could see what I see,” he said in a whisper. Even with all the bustling of people about and the hooting of the car horns, Angel got what he said. That made her cheeks heat up even more. She cleared her throat.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLozw3zEuV
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"Ummm, Eric, we’re standing in the way,” she said. "This isn’t the time or the place for this, don’t you think?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhall1FiVmO
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"Oh,” Eric forgot they were in the middle of the sidewalk, with people moving around. "I totally forgot that we were here in the first place. I must have spaced out a bit.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡexRjCpczkw
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Angel cleared her throat again as she looked down at her feet for a brief moment. "That must be it. Come on, weren’t you taking me out for lunch? I’m starving.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeHqjlXzCd
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Eric nervously chuckled and at the same time scratched the back of his head. "I shouldn’t keep a lady waiting. Sorry about that.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq5rOzTQd9b
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"Not at all.” She tried her best not to look like she had been flattered, but her cheeks continued to blush, making her even more nervous.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFph4BD2lT
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They continued their walk down the sidewalk when Eric said, "I mean what I said, though. I hope you aren’t offended or anything.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSzaLPFWkUK
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They stopped at the traffic lights and they waited for the walk sign to light up when Angel turned to look at Eric. "No, don’t worry,” she said.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u2WuqjtNj
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The light soon went green and the pedestrians who stood at the edge of the sidewalk crossed the road to the other side.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlTU7GUvOh
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv4vqAAo1v7
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCIiEXh5aQ
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVEHRAK4ZJ
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Angel tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. She couldn’t tell Eric that his approach was different from the ones she had encountered before. Even from Mark. She felt her cheeks heat up even more by the thought of it. It's best, she thought, that I don’t say anything.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgfYjMCCm2
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"Let me take you to my favourite restaurant nearby,” Eric continued as he smiled at her. "You’ll love it. And you can order whatever you like.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcWilojhSgD
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Angel couldn’t help but chuckle. "Don’t be so silly,” she said. "As much as that offer sounds tempting, it’s pretty obvious that I won’t be that careless.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEv1lB99S54
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqPciyyBsoB
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEAUlWFBqra
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kdICFIzAZ
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They stopped in front of a small restaurant. From outside, it might not look like a five-star restaurant, but for some reason, Angel found it almost elegant as she looked through the huge glass window. The décor is simple but had a touch of elegance. White chairs and tables covered with white cloths with beautiful gold embroidery on them. Elegant flowers of different colours and types sat on different tables, making the place look more romantic. This scene reminded her of the place she went for lunch with Mark last week.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKa2WwmSDx5
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5JrwDwsXx
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbg7dsDYTrP
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She started to look around the place when a smartly dressed male waiter, approached her. Eric stood behind her after closing the door. Immediately, the male waiter smiled at Eric like they know each other. Angel shouldn’t be surprised. Eric did say he liked coming here.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnoKND7ny71
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‘"Hello, sir,” said the young waiter with a wide smile. "I see you came with company. Will you be taking the usual table?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9OQ1ghAUUF
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHMAvcxgHR
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol3NWnnitE
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Angel couldn’t ignore the way the waiter addressed them with so much courtesy. He led them to one of the tables by the corner, close to the window. When they neared the table, Eric drew out a chair for her to sit and Angel did likewise. Eric sat on the other side of the table, facing her. He told the waiter to serve them a glass of water as they looked through the menu before ordering.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzknzOwtKg
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gXaBknmYR
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9lxuddKk6a
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5HTLdCHoa
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoiVMzczQW
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Angel looked at Eric. "Why do you say so? Were you scared that the two of us would start a fight in the restaurant?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKr6pFyc9pJ
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Eric laughed. "No, I didn’t think that way in the least. If there is one thing I know for sure, you two can behave yourselves in a public place like this one. I wasn’t going to worry at all.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lll1zl27n
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Angel made a face because she knew Eric is right. She looked back at the menu when Eric put up a funny face. "So then, why did you say that?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq9n03sRzGf
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq56M46uqu6
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6c93jAMuT
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Yy0gSSYvq
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"That’s so unlike him,” she looked towards the waiter who had brought them glasses of water. He asked if they were ready to order, and they both said they weren’t.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ41sTnpmkIk
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"I know, right?” Eric agreed with Angel after the waiter left. "I think he’s doing the right thing. Maybe he'll finally get to tell her the truth.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4R8rnyaYoI
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Angel didn’t say anything as she thought about it. "Do you think he will? I mean, him going to see her is already unbelievable as it is.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHHkd7tBwKZ
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Eric shrugged. "Who knows. If he does tell her, I think she’ll be at peace, right? But she’ll probably freak out and would want to know who it is.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoRx5rrWPx0
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYgbGWhfY5r
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"You’re probably right,” Eric looked up at the ceiling, deep in thought. "That’s if Leo does tell her the truth and mentions that it's actually Carly he’s now in love with.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIM6VnSQBI
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The two looked at each other in silence as they thought of the scenario. Eric groaned in frustration as he quickly pulled his phone out from the pocket.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpIO76NIvWo
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbTWA0pHUR
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZgV89Aw3pv
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"I think we’re just overthinking things. What if he doesn’t say anything? Or what if he does but doesn’t mention Carly’s name? If Leo is in line with what we just thought, the best is not to mention Carly.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBk9MjbjgAp
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDSuqe5oDL
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Angel continued to stare at him, but then, she put the menu on the table and started to play with her fingers. She bit her lower lip. "On second thought, I think you better give him a call. Just in case.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhhxJkSK1t
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3WyIOgkaT
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He had his phone to the ear when the ringing tone of Leo’s phone came up. He started to get worried in the moments that passed as the phone kept ringing. Could Leo already be with Kim at this very minute? He looked at Angel who looked back anxiously. She also started to worry. And just when Eric thought Leo wasn’t going to pick the call, he heard the cracking sound at the other end of the line.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxwRYvOM9f
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoqW1FC7YZG
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9staw0ggS1
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbx5FXa4M0I
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR3GqWp03GC
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCggYDuo8a
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMbFHoRrUuo
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbs8dTJYjEJ
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwA1swtSLkG
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe9mPUAQKTC
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"Yes.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1zIkakpfM
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"Weren’t you the one saying I should? What’s wrong? Are you getting second thoughts or you think I might screw this up?”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1jBnEm6S2N
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"Uh…,” Eric hesitated as his eyes found Angel who had been looking at him the entire time. Judging by Leo’s statement, he felt like he didn’t have to worry at all.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOqOxmcM8U
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxU0pztkdA
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Leo murmured and Eric knew he had just got on his nerves. "I don’t know why you’re scared, but I already know what I'm going to do. And if I'm going to tell her the truth, then you shouldn’t be bothered about it.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElrhJ35sPH
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPTpPuT5snO
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xO6eQU7M8
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"That he’s got everything under control,” he answered. "I believe him. If he really is going to tell her the truth, I don’t think he’ll tell her he’s actually in love with Carly. If he does, then Kim will tell aunt, and she’ll be furious.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kSQ5BlDyW
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Angel cleared her throat before she said, "not only that. Once she finds out, she’ll realise that before Carly and I moved in, we had all known each other and have been pretending this whole time. And they might end up finding the truth about how Leo and Carly met.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXT0k9elA30
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQtFNQYBkRl
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”483Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrnftmzdCQ
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"Ya, you’re right,” said Angel as she looked at the menu, holding it tight. She really hoped that Eric is right.
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