“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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6eor8P4QWr
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XgGp0B7kK
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mYfN71piS
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbpcQ01xMmN
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“You’re the new girl, right?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmYAGpY4Swk
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8UfmKKI3Xj
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgYAvcKQQk5
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSxJIaBYfyo
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhbAmB67uN
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcMvG54A9xZ
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNlj8m0nQZv
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe2n9N83e5
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFpin40yjO
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJjDaWwXZYQ
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5XUzBZ5FL
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnqZnDZy5H
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxgTZysQr4
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcN0tXC2cu9
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3OJVxAygbj
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFAlCSwNbBN
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUGjiHpBgv
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODGZ91UOI2
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdauVV4xG8
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNcMju7lwj7
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1ArqekCEe
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcC4y6G7v0
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrPCOCl2GNK
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡolYjcZGHFP
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcORZlPDVHr
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgaA1lw4a0K
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPZ4QMrxcr
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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:582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCo1LxxI2lQ
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsRTHO6bKF
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡevKzS1mqg6
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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-?"582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxg72087Bhh
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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."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvS7QVstoDO
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9CqHCnKrTr
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgyzhgzpToP
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1S52KHTKn
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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."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdFOpXDiQ7
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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."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8YXPqFVlx
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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."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JFFLq3Cfx
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1GPIGThwK
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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."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr4A2nFdyAj
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79GeLlUZB4
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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."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfWnlZMdbEs
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgGRcdWuMMf
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4cjzgN7Fi3
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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?"582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhqV3yeyNr
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt96YvJdmC0
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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."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr4izfFNCl
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡclSqsqpvK5
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMSbwOyDF3
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlyNIRcXZP
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYeartRgS99
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcAwSWbahh
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABKp3kmSeZ
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc0WuVGGkXE
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJxU8ELA6F
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡusawyRg09c
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrSgO6u3sO
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg9JZIpL8N8
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdNNS4Frv6d
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQriygj7yHp
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“I can’t answer that.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqBie0zHtK
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRTnjg39vpu
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLtDFWQciPo
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6K9qg3ZN7C
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX477dgQFlJ
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkO1eTjvn7
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9gNt1B65of
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvbzgkqWkv
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOnFrNKoaSf
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUjLJSXmsih
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe5fG3z8G2T
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWcwqT2ojc
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqF8pjL0QM
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElQKlIA9N0
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***582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYoN0gBW8Fx
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf7XvmCAeUO
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7DYB5Z8RLk
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5I6adtIx3Q
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpKQJteMs7
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72O6OsiWMq
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyP1IaDviJS
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKgYmB5xknq
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ14PBApxvdv
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWpZ9pe65y
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“Kim texted me,” he said.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgnSuRNVB2J
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2nGOmPMift
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKeb9vmsIx
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYbPTNK0Hr
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Dnj5BwiQh
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklkjvI3FWf
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7RmTiRoPln
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtjdUYDzH49
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“What did she say?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkZ3N8VZuZQ
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“Just a simple hello.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ10MtK8acHX
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyujKoOoSjW
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“And did you reply?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwpRRno6w9X
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“Of course, I did.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThlvOn4VKI
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9UoInaVAVb
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“And…?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnjLTprpUX
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThh0k2dKMm
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX9sts8ylue
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“You better see what that message says.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMzPOhfhN0
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWD1DuQxhbN
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡagFJMPxjyK
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvt1sf0SR6
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7hbO5AArhp
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2901j4Pe6H
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJKKxGVuvfH
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U5n8rhjHR
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vZYhPeWPk
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGdMIZHtEh
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ43yVcKf6HA
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmrb51aPyE
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“The less who know, the better.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3c75uLL5G
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttwlFCmCSP
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6gBlIwbwVN
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ma1CE36sV
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBX2LBqj9BA
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwlMv56Jan
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2zhZVQiW7e
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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?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzu0CVrWWh
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCYcM4nxId7
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZTUkVfRAOA
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB2C1jCtuNk
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2yNCSzZts
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA9StrNA9s
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KCYGHw43Y
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0FkN34uIh
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlFp7SYfH2g
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ292ucerSAl
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTwGIp5heUL
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡej8G3lDxRb
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjmDr6HJuA
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0eY7dLKm4
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTVZRC2lKpZ
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The two laughed.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiRUKhGkHs
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SrI4dTaYT
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡafYZefJRqh
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEQWXbrtdsQ
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***582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJaqWlQ0k6N
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtyf6CP4M9
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7P8Y7fSp2R
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqyhiOzpkR
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYf4rNVjjL2
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDKFajFJJOr
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2GYmGfQ54x
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlQZIV2by4h
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWGFf23JevY
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡttx4J42KUQ
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RdBNIii9I
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MSnSnxFnW
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwAeoCkz4ME
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkp8WQrZkZ5
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpKJ0WgV5JY
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFJuXEW0jo
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGOt4GaIPI
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7psWCJiBW
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXncvvTJWtm
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwxL2VdDfK
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbexma3s3V
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtgfweWcSa
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWV8GBAjDt
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNeWZObb5bi
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ136lwfUMaU
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvp2GYaQbRA
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3n82rk1qsV
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTcXuPwYNlo
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuLNTvA3HMY
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcXB8H53NsA
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YFG6uWyU8
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK1kkMe20oC
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDBwMYmVMI
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxz6QQmyBxB
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm3wu7E01cn
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkoHi2HhLxe
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtKWwkTekye
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuU5FDRsQSk
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCB2Zt6B3Nd
582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkPbfBsI5N
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxgrkSB0W0
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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?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggH4hzNb1V
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0RVXiO24pA
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ29XjERXnp
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cyJ6YPgTb
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***582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmgUybgUdR
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJe6YBSn2h
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYo5d2e5MZ
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbeUakuIfbv
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7aUFrShG9
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENPxh37XsT
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtOjKZRp9X
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjde2YgGlZ2
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzF0VIWXfFf
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkbBZW4gxKp
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4LksmjAP4
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqOxBr6LO0G
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgjOtoOsS99
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkr3OltJqE7
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“I won’t.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D9E1IQHKo
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkD1bYSkUiB
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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?582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNQ6AdMDz0
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2EMKNCX1O
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4kYMGU9DYt
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCpSj6Zha8e
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***582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi0wTN6m02o
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqtSUGUa0s
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrT6ISI8CRd
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfa1mNSvidB
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmiqAhoFSWq
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDeh5QBVuI
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQeOtEmM5Vm
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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?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrwkmSBG07X
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoxuvvyojwa
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYTydgyuS3G
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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?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqrzycvyTuy
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yJgwwTCVm
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY8tiQayiCA
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTC5NjpNqqL
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAWN4s2FXp
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0ZcKltMkuE
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOLfygArIi0
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0ihxv9A8F
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2JozclinfE
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWX2avoRj0G
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZxuHRFDpv
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2OnLFAX6sS
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SdA9fYxQT
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvd4C0y6rvf
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDEDcqtlpX
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLV0Id8I8V1
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CBB6F9xS8
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzFbDGjP0z
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUuIuFM4ptw
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzOr3QmJfK
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbFOfuJPOk
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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?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwMfZ1Ut4Vg
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt5VcEiUfn
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCi5iHRRman
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3VCGx4Jlj
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwJDVhdTN2
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡByGU57xCrK
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87Fakeg9WO
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxCi1zKAds
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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?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCl9TIeM6C
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8PVJBNRkt8
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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?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGdf4vPBv4
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxPZ0XIPbo
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJztKWB634
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmgltfMbvs
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpSLfhYBrQs
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOdefmRJSuF
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13eOU59x0Q
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66WC49WcQo
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvhn6uKVV9z
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡigFdvDFvSI
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiBBgiwxl8D
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4T6mqTzm3H
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpV49W1Xu6
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZnBlCnwVs
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPTvoChGHk
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN0wJAczmEJ
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTI38tJjMR8
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQVRottMnNE
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbNyQoYDUWZ
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwVeXHy6zD
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlSWXSiNb4p
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbrTU23KqJ
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLdoJgYo99t
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6X2MKDUklM
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXwxMyW70Ie
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuIN2y6UJ4e
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXIUsaFVVT
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"Yes.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASAlPw8Xj2
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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?”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTfcEVaOnh
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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.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyHhAq9V2zw
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxlKY7ifhy
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseOqfb0iQF
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3WFqzZWlRs
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7yDIBCZ0Nz
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbCYRF2BWVU
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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.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ593ibM1Dr0
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMKeXJRUxGb
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”582Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBDOgnNTZxf
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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.8964 copyright protection578ＰＥＮＡＮＡceZGJYnak9 維尼

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