Leo took a deep breath and let it out after a second’s pause. You can do this, he told himself. No matter how uncomfortable he felt, he’s going to walk through the door in front of him and have lunch with Kim. He felt like leaving and telling Kim over the phone that he couldn’t make it. But it’s too late now. Kim must’ve seen him through the large glass windows and it would be embarrassing if he were to leave now.211Please respect copyright.PENANAo9HdYRwgJL
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He gathered his composure as he straightened his collar. He started to make his way towards the restaurant. Before he could get to the door, it flew open and two ladies walked out. Leo made way for them and he thought he saw one of them give him an eye as they passed. He ignored them and held the door open before it slang itself shut.211Please respect copyright.PENANAWITG66YlE5
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He is greeted by a waiter. "Good afternoon, sir," the man said. "Would you like to make a reservation?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAiDxoZRrKuR
211Please respect copyright.PENANAnoh5c2v7Mo
211Please respect copyright.PENANAktc1QWysPo
"Actually I'm here to have lunch with someone," Leo answered. "Kimberly Gates?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAewILGDuJtT
211Please respect copyright.PENANAJF9uNhAOyT
211Please respect copyright.PENANAaUnysjRaa2
"Oh, yes, she told me you were coming," said the young man. "Right this way, please."211Please respect copyright.PENANAgtDV9mtJl7
211Please respect copyright.PENANACByD4uapxl
211Please respect copyright.PENANAdPqW3cooCC
The man led the way with Leo following behind him to the centre of the room. Leo saw Kim looking just like she did when he saw her this morning in her white office dress and a cashmere pink jacket. He noticed that her long blonde hair fell in curls and she wore lovely gold studs with a matching gold neck chain. When she saw Leo, her eyes widened with excitement.211Please respect copyright.PENANA3wWK6DvMPu
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"Here you are, sir," said the young man with a bright smile on his face. "If you would like to order, please let us know."211Please respect copyright.PENANAoYTATm45k7
211Please respect copyright.PENANAYdxRqeWmmi
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"We will, thank you," said Kim as she smiled at the young man. Leo took his seat opposite Kim immediately the waiter left.211Please respect copyright.PENANAoRByPjbYlu
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"Hi, again," she said as she put up a nervous smile. "I honestly didn’t think that you would come."211Please respect copyright.PENANAbjC0kTJPHF
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Leo had to pick his words carefully as he already felt irritated over the whole scenario. "It would seem rude if I didn’t," he said.211Please respect copyright.PENANAxlzmhzgIbU
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"Oh, not at all," said Kim as she shook her head and leaned back on her chair. "I would’ve understood if you were busy or something."211Please respect copyright.PENANAJu4qlTfJdu
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"I wasn’t so busy. And we’re meeting during lunch, so it’s not a big deal."211Please respect copyright.PENANAM2QrA0Led9
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Kim continued to smile as she tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "So how is work going?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAaR6Skvd4xJ
211Please respect copyright.PENANAcnB7Aihm5j
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"It’s going well. We have a pretty busy week."211Please respect copyright.PENANAAH4Vt6mkZf
211Please respect copyright.PENANAJRvrtYpMvj
211Please respect copyright.PENANATjj8QYCvKQ
Kim raised her hand to call out a waitress who was just behind Leo. "I would like a glass of water, please, before we order," she told the waitress.211Please respect copyright.PENANAUZENwb1kbz
211Please respect copyright.PENANAA7AZY2QFcF
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"I would like one too," said Leo. He suddenly felt his throat run dry all of a sudden.211Please respect copyright.PENANAaNb7ZXPbK2
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"How is your mum doing?" Kim asked as soon as the waitress left.211Please respect copyright.PENANAzYq0LlokS2
211Please respect copyright.PENANALXiIie6n5R
211Please respect copyright.PENANAZ09hXt2Pxl
"She’s good. I thought you two are still in contact with each other."211Please respect copyright.PENANA7pc1OIVEfO
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"We are. It’s been a while since we last talked."211Please respect copyright.PENANAluwrJfdgmP
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Leo raised his eyebrows in acknowledgement then took a brief look towards the wide glass window to the side. He already wishes for this lunch to be over.211Please respect copyright.PENANAOdjL6ySaWu
211Please respect copyright.PENANAU1iP7OA88v
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"I saw you with Angel today," said Kim. "Were you two getting breakfast?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAooz9m9QTt3
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"We went to buy croissants for dad," said Leo. He expected her to ask such a question. He remembers when Kim would sometimes ask about the women she would find him with, especially when she came over to his work place or when they went out for a social gathering. She still has that jealous trait of hers, he thought.211Please respect copyright.PENANAlPk33AMAtR
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"Okay, so you two were going to the office together, then?" The waitress had finally come with the two glasses of water. Leo was grateful for it.211Please respect copyright.PENANAzz20exDm8T
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"Yes, she’ll be working with us starting today," Leo answered and he soon drank from his glass.211Please respect copyright.PENANARqUpjFcVPG
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Kim raised an eyebrow as she tried to put up a smile. Leo knew better. She’s acting jealous again, even when we’re not together, he thought to himself.211Please respect copyright.PENANASf66VnG5yt
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"Really?" she asked, trying to sound calm. "Did your father give her the job?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAcjpSs1tHUM
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"It was my grandmother’s idea," said Leo as he put the glass down, feeling confident now. "If you ask me, I think she will work well with Mrs. Lance who was really in need of someone to keep the records straight in the Procurement department."211Please respect copyright.PENANAr46X3yhcfu
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"I guess so," said Kim. She put the glass of water to her lips and drank.211Please respect copyright.PENANAk92OKxydNx
211Please respect copyright.PENANAnGhSfZma0T
211Please respect copyright.PENANA1iGhRhGIFw
"And how about you? How is your work going?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAiAQQ69QoFW
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"Oh, it’s busy," she answered after putting her glass down.211Please respect copyright.PENANAeuug1Lvg39
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211Please respect copyright.PENANALzZvmpousP
Leo nodded. "I see. You models are always so busy."211Please respect copyright.PENANAId3II35Pjy
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"Yep," she took the menu that lay on the table in front of her. "I think I’m going to order now. What are you going to get?"211Please respect copyright.PENANACiOBkZFpsF
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Leo raised an eyebrow. "I’ll order the usual."211Please respect copyright.PENANAvOvN4lHeSW
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Kim’s eyes flew from the menu to Leo’s face. "Are you sure?" she asked.211Please respect copyright.PENANAhnmG5kar85
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He looked at her before saying, "Of course. If this was a different restaurant I wouldn’t mind getting something else. But you and I have been here several times. So you must know what I order."211Please respect copyright.PENANAY5ttToS0mO
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He noticed her cheeks start to heat up and she went on ahead to call one of the waiters. He almost rolled his eyes, but he did his best not to. After Kim gave the orders, the waiter soon left.211Please respect copyright.PENANAHad5m5Vb09
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"May I ask why you chose this place to begin with?" Leo asked as he started to look around. The place is almost packed. "We could’ve gone to another restaurant."211Please respect copyright.PENANAD9CzbzOdoc
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Kim smiled. "That is because I thought we would feel comfortable here. Why?"211Please respect copyright.PENANA5vIdfWjlZF
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"I won’t lie, I wasn’t expecting this. We used to come here for our lunch dates."211Please respect copyright.PENANAfVfzROCUJn
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"Of course. Don’t you still like the place? You said you did."211Please respect copyright.PENANAuZXsijIml1
211Please respect copyright.PENANAhLnBF8Fsmx
211Please respect copyright.PENANA9Gq3YXBH9x
"That was back then. Things are different now."211Please respect copyright.PENANAQVCSnq5SFN
211Please respect copyright.PENANAglgSZMYm0q
211Please respect copyright.PENANAQKUFZJ71hZ
"I know, I’m sorry. Next time I’ll make sure to take us where we’ve never been."211Please respect copyright.PENANAkBOU3wWyr2
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211Please respect copyright.PENANAoNoeXMmyW5
There’s going to be a next time, Leo asked in his thoughts. He’s glad that he didn’t say it out loud. He didn’t like this, and the fact that he couldn’t speak out his mind is killing him.211Please respect copyright.PENANADI1guuWjaC
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"I thought bringing you here would remind you of all the good times we had," said Kim as she twirled a strand of her hair with her fingers.211Please respect copyright.PENANAo2YyZuAPxd
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211Please respect copyright.PENANAxY7Gx0ztOn
"I'm sorry, Kim," said Leo as he folded his arms. "But I didn't come here to try and get back with you."211Please respect copyright.PENANAX8CJ8z1xZc
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Kim now had an embarrassed look on her face. She should be glad that I didn't say that out loud, he thought. He'll try and keep his word to Eric to try and not pick a fight in a public place.211Please respect copyright.PENANArmQKHQX3bh
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"Oh, don't get the wrong idea, Leo," Kim explained. "As much as I miss you, I know you wouldn't want to get back with me."211Please respect copyright.PENANA2WxeToTzc0
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Leo raised an eyebrow. Is she playing with me, he wondered.211Please respect copyright.PENANAuU4dGFipns
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"Ah, the food is here," said Kim as she turned her eyes towards the waitress dragging a movable serving tray.211Please respect copyright.PENANAzzL7ssYOV0
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When the waitress arrived, she served them their food. Leo looked down at his plate. Kim had ordered for him tuna, his favourite. As he continued to look at his plate, he realised that his appetite had disappeared.211Please respect copyright.PENANAZ6sE1kzK6d
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"Bon appetite," Kim said with so much glee. She ordered herself lobster. Leo knew that’s what she liked to order whenever they came here. He really isn’t liking this at all.211Please respect copyright.PENANAlYJiAtmNFr
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"You don’t look excited about your food, Leo," she said as she noticed the look on his face.211Please respect copyright.PENANA3YrdyQEION
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He soon picked up the knife and fork. "Why am I here, Kim?" he asked.211Please respect copyright.PENANAex7d0RtP3v
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"What sort of question is that?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAIc6onIHrua
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211Please respect copyright.PENANAKjSIbAQRrR
Leo didn’t answer as he cut a piece from his tuna. And put it in his mouth. The food tasted different and he found it very difficult to chew. He looked up at Kim after he swallowed.211Please respect copyright.PENANAWH4mh8tHC2
211Please respect copyright.PENANAtCqF08aO5F
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"Why are you acting like this?" he asked.211Please respect copyright.PENANAUi8Jco8tvz
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Kim shrugged her shoulders as she happily giggled. "What are you talking about?" she put food in her mouth.211Please respect copyright.PENANAQOFeuPtaYg
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211Please respect copyright.PENANAeM1pZMJpep
Leo felt like dropping his knife and fork so as to stand and walk out of the restaurant. But he restrained himself. He soon sat upright as he continued to look at Kim.211Please respect copyright.PENANAQtG2a89fSm
211Please respect copyright.PENANAd4KOZZcxTI
211Please respect copyright.PENANAlI82gGKfWK
"Why did you invite me for lunch?" he asked.211Please respect copyright.PENANAzj5kB1UGC0
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"I just wanted us to come here to eat and chat like friends do," said Kim.211Please respect copyright.PENANA6SZaGlbrGg
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211Please respect copyright.PENANAk50VWouvyo
Oh, we’re friends now, Leo almost said out loud. He didn’t know how to tell her this properly, but just because his mother still considers Kim like a daughter, doesn’t mean he wants to be friends with her. Not like this.211Please respect copyright.PENANAXwmGx8POHe
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"If you ask me, it doesn’t feel like a lunch between two friends," said Leo.211Please respect copyright.PENANAuTAOgCyQNt
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"Don’t get me wrong, Leo. I know you don’t feel the same way about me anymore. The reason for this lunch is just for us to set aside our differences and just be friends. I know, it’s weird, but I think you and I can make it work."211Please respect copyright.PENANAGfJXtp6KZM
211Please respect copyright.PENANAPu7i9la5ih
211Please respect copyright.PENANAH4l8zWZBbs
Leo really wanted to laugh, but he dug into his food instead. Kim watched him for a bit before she also went back to her meal.211Please respect copyright.PENANArtQJP0Zxkh
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"I see you’re now enjoying it," said Kim as she smiled at him.211Please respect copyright.PENANAfXwLXT7rbs
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Leo isn’t enjoying it at all. The food in his mouth tasted like plastic and he didn’t know if he could keep up with eating when it’s pretty clear that he isn’t comfortable.211Please respect copyright.PENANAIYBHgLMsXY
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"It is my favourite meal, after all," Leo responded trying to sound as normal as possible.211Please respect copyright.PENANAxHuosRuK6C
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"I’m glad. I wish we could do this more often. You know, just as friends."211Please respect copyright.PENANAfMNl0jMRQg
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211Please respect copyright.PENANAzMSMARgcr6
"I doubt it," Leo muttered as he put his knife and fork down on the table. He managed to finish his meal as tasteless as it was.211Please respect copyright.PENANAnZJk5fDBdH
211Please respect copyright.PENANA1KF5vZ5oiL
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"Sorry?" Kim didn’t hear him at first.211Please respect copyright.PENANAHcKZqyhoBc
211Please respect copyright.PENANA8KMYcEZ6Lp
211Please respect copyright.PENANA6n1N74VQrl
Leo looked her dead straight in the eye. "I said, I doubt it."211Please respect copyright.PENANAYWHb3J2hd5
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Kim looked a little perplexed but soon replaced her look with a smile. "I know what you mean. We tend to be pretty busy sometimes, and also because you might be seeing someone else, right?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAiopT1yZLmN
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This is exactly what Leo wanted to hear. Eric was right. She wanted this lunch so that she could get him to open up to her and tell her the truth.211Please respect copyright.PENANA2BjKOYEl7z
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"What makes you think that I’m seeing someone?" he asked as he folded his arms.211Please respect copyright.PENANA9xQMahkvhM
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She looked up at the ceiling before looking at him. "It just feels that way," she answered.211Please respect copyright.PENANA8aFFxtf6d6
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The two looked at each other in silence. Someone had to break the ice, and Leo knew he had to be the one to do it.211Please respect copyright.PENANAyR5oyNyUiv
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"Yes, I am seeing someone, Kim," he said.211Please respect copyright.PENANAsuAA9koenH
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211Please respect copyright.PENANAmi0ARwtEcG
Kim didn’t say anything as she looked taken aback by his confession. She expected him to lie, but Leo thought better than to come out clean, just like Eric suggested. She bit her lower lip as she tried to figure out what to say next.211Please respect copyright.PENANALPhRLi9Rbh
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"Is she the reason why you ran away from the wedding?" she finally asked.211Please respect copyright.PENANAFlfpXOZj7q
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"Yes," Leo answered.211Please respect copyright.PENANAyX52pzgVSN
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Kim gasped and she tried to pull herself together. She felt like she could start crying, but she didn’t want to do so in front of people. She held her chest and she felt it hurt like a stab wound. She also found it very hard to breathe. She tried to breathe in calmly, but it didn’t work. She had to get herself together or else she might lose it.211Please respect copyright.PENANACoQhdEvhQQ
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"Do I-," Kim tried to speak, but was finding it hard to do so. "Do I know who it is?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAWDm4eIx1lf
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211Please respect copyright.PENANAVyM8xdSiu3
Leo raised an eyebrow. If he didn’t try to calm her down now, she might have a panic attack or something. "Does it matter?" he asked.211Please respect copyright.PENANAb5CKAdAgmZ
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Kim didn’t answer right away as she tried to take a deep breath in and another one out. Her chest went up and down heavily. After taking in a few deep breaths, she managed to calm down a little.211Please respect copyright.PENANAP7EFWeQzQh
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"It does," she answered as she strongly looked at him.211Please respect copyright.PENANAUD70yxzZbx
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"You don’t have to know who she is right now."211Please respect copyright.PENANACctXDJOdxO
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"Why?" she asked, this time sounding a little loud like she’s about to snap at any moment.211Please respect copyright.PENANA3u4ujpEKep
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"I know you, Kim. You just want to meet her so that you can see what I saw in her that I didn’t see in you, like if she’s pretty or smart or something."211Please respect copyright.PENANAUFyWboxeOY
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Kim looked the other way. Leo caught her as she couldn’t find the words to defend herself. She bit her lower lip and Leo could see she’s getting teary-eyed.211Please respect copyright.PENANA2TD9fjiouE
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"I really love you, Leo," she said, gaining her composure. "I just don’t understand why that woman is in the way. She ruined my life when you ran from the wedding."211Please respect copyright.PENANA07Bpsq3CIG
211Please respect copyright.PENANAN5FzF8mcXt
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"Until your anger cools down and you get over me, you can’t know who she is," said Leo.211Please respect copyright.PENANAClrlxP8LL6
211Please respect copyright.PENANAt7ibhFvkMV
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"Why can’t you tell me now? Why are you protecting her?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAwZoLxuXXfT
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"I know you, Kim. You’re one who doesn’t get over things easily, and this issue between us still hasn’t settled well with you. I’m afraid you can go out of control and end up hurting people."211Please respect copyright.PENANA3DrphHxa7Q
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"Are you trying to say that I’m a psycho?" Kim asked, her voice a little higher now that a few heads close by turned to look at their table.211Please respect copyright.PENANAswbp8CL6qN
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"You’re about to make a scene, Kim," Leo told her calmly. "Calm yourself."211Please respect copyright.PENANA4o9z8O6Fu4
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She took in a deep breath and in so doing placed her index finger near her right eye to wipe away a tear that was just about to drop. This isn’t going to end well, Leo thought to himself. He had to find a way to do this peacefully without her completely falling apart.211Please respect copyright.PENANAhHqFGjC9ED
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"I’m not calling you a psycho," he continued. "You’ve just admitted that you still love me, and I know I hurt you a lot. It’s why I think you shouldn’t know who it is. If anything, you and I aren’t supposed to be seeing each other. It’s just because your family and mine have had a close relationship for a very time."211Please respect copyright.PENANAFshexMfN3K
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Kim sniffed quietly. "Were you meeting this same woman before we got engaged?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAxAiYy6HRwx
211Please respect copyright.PENANAPKkryyIWNI
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Leo shook his head and at the same time, he wondered if he should tell her that it was on the night of his bachelor party. That would be devastating. She didn’t have to know all about that. Not yet, at least.211Please respect copyright.PENANAnN12JnzpYn
211Please respect copyright.PENANA4ZTCKtxp0j
211Please respect copyright.PENANA59E84mguOu
"No," he answered. "It doesn’t matter when I met her."211Please respect copyright.PENANA2sbRERZYQA
211Please respect copyright.PENANAcN5anzu2uQ
211Please respect copyright.PENANA5qWTlJD09E
"It does to me," she sounded composed. "I want to know for how long you’ve been cheating on me instead of manning up to tell me we were through."211Please respect copyright.PENANAlzoKObqkDi
211Please respect copyright.PENANAetbqxPBxWe
211Please respect copyright.PENANAbJK1q3nGKb
Leo is about to lose his patience. "What has happened has happened, Kim. We can’t turn back time. You’ve to try and let go."211Please respect copyright.PENANAXu1Nij9UKX
211Please respect copyright.PENANACXgCH5QPu0
211Please respect copyright.PENANAw3k3FlcbBi
"And how do you think I’m going to do that? You tell me because you moved on pretty well. I bet you don’t even think about me anymore. Not to mention that your grandmother is very happy that you’re with someone else."211Please respect copyright.PENANAy3NCluke4U
211Please respect copyright.PENANABva0aa4CAv
211Please respect copyright.PENANASjo1pKgDMj
"No one knows that I’m seeing her, mind you."211Please respect copyright.PENANAkpECSYGsxF
211Please respect copyright.PENANAfTHpIJ0oKS
211Please respect copyright.PENANAG9KyHYVnC5
Kim now looked perplexed. "You didn’t tell anyone?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAC3G9wz8ICL
211Please respect copyright.PENANAF0nMpd7AW5
211Please respect copyright.PENANAFF3kGPzFJ3
Leo shook his head. "I didn’t want anyone to know because they would start asking the same questions you’re asking me. And knowing my own mother, she’ll totally go psycho."211Please respect copyright.PENANABbUblbiyO9
211Please respect copyright.PENANAypNhWX7Joi
211Please respect copyright.PENANACGTXt0Rztn
Kim voiced out a laugh. "You always managed to put a smile on my face when I least expected you to. It's one of the reason why I fell in love with you."211Please respect copyright.PENANAY2cxbcSAQE
211Please respect copyright.PENANAIxG4iJDM6h
211Please respect copyright.PENANA7aP9NKvY6J
"I know what you're trying to do, Kim. It isn't going to work."211Please respect copyright.PENANA0WeqGx1zAO
211Please respect copyright.PENANAVODmB83hI8
211Please respect copyright.PENANArAIpaIz91r
"Why? Because you're more in love with her than you ever were with me?"211Please respect copyright.PENANA9TglVmwYu7
211Please respect copyright.PENANApdq3Vg1Oq5
211Please respect copyright.PENANATktVoF6mjQ
Leo didn't want to answer when it's obvious. He continued to look at her, hoping that this conversation will end soon.211Please respect copyright.PENANAZ2UyD2QBNv
211Please respect copyright.PENANALtmpBEKIxJ
211Please respect copyright.PENANANQHogzs4jC
"I'm sorry for overreacting like I did just now," she said as she wiped her left eye. She's getting teary-eyed again. "I just-you know-I really wanted to know."211Please respect copyright.PENANAU84jSeKiyN
211Please respect copyright.PENANASakUlBTWXJ
211Please respect copyright.PENANAtjFD5wroo7
Leo gave a nod. "I'm sorry for all the pain I made you go through, Kim. It's unfair that all that happened as it did. In the end, I think it's best to tell you the truth. You deserve that and a lot better."211Please respect copyright.PENANA0MeHAj2uYx
211Please respect copyright.PENANA2wBOBvLblf
211Please respect copyright.PENANArNTspZ58vu
Kim continued to look at Leo and a genuine smile appeared on her face. "You rarely apologise, you know. But you do so when you really mean it."211Please respect copyright.PENANAFpQVHrxMkJ
211Please respect copyright.PENANAXima3m1TzF
211Please respect copyright.PENANANrEoYQVx98
"I really hope you can move past this, Kim. It's why I think you deserve someone better. Not someone like me who left you on that important day."211Please respect copyright.PENANAhecjvz6eSw
211Please respect copyright.PENANAbtSDIhKLNn
211Please respect copyright.PENANA70H34JPs3L
"I'm still upset with you over it. But I can't promise that I'll manage to move on, Leo. You're the only man I've ever gotten so close to."211Please respect copyright.PENANADYYYOrXk7T
211Please respect copyright.PENANAxmPyIeJXrP
211Please respect copyright.PENANAtSeo1ha4Tg
"Trust me, Kim, you've to. It might take some time, but you'll have to forget about me and live your life."211Please respect copyright.PENANARF1SwHOwE4
211Please respect copyright.PENANAqJHWIfqqAo
211Please respect copyright.PENANAyvK3eOmDoU
Kim's eyes are starting to get teary again. "Easy for you to say since you’re already with someone else."211Please respect copyright.PENANA6FPAmeTrpB
211Please respect copyright.PENANANsZKINxZoh
211Please respect copyright.PENANAB9eUuHnNB0
Leo would’ve shrugged his shoulders but he didn’t. "The heart wants what it wants, Kim. Once again, I apologise for all the hurt I’ve caused you. I wouldn’t mind if you don’t want to forgive me."211Please respect copyright.PENANAry8s4yvdSC
211Please respect copyright.PENANAEe8XPMjbeH
211Please respect copyright.PENANAutFSnnHaLw
"I don’t hate you, Leo. I just wish you and I were married now and living happily in that pent house you wanted."211Please respect copyright.PENANAqyRbELNjgc
211Please respect copyright.PENANA2qodvgB0nZ
211Please respect copyright.PENANAQlKeMA2aBv
"I’m sorry it didn’t happen. It’s just the way life is. You don’t always get what you want."211Please respect copyright.PENANAEDTGbirCYv
211Please respect copyright.PENANAqXxLnNxPLp
211Please respect copyright.PENANAxC8QHOVI7l
Kim gave a nod of her head. "I guess you’re right. I also have to apologise. This has turned out to be an awful lunch."211Please respect copyright.PENANA1MkVRipDaO
211Please respect copyright.PENANA2cc2UXqnXz
211Please respect copyright.PENANAc4WW6GlqJl
Leo chuckled. "Ya, you’re right. Yet it’s good we had it. I finally got to tell you the truth."211Please respect copyright.PENANAf1VRnQkMcj
211Please respect copyright.PENANAjLbTDBs6wt
211Please respect copyright.PENANAwPiQATBvJq
"I thought you would lie to me, but you were really honest. Thank you, Leo."211Please respect copyright.PENANAsjuQm6wZ7g
211Please respect copyright.PENANAKsqJTDfOxX
211Please respect copyright.PENANAWN684fXNgL
Leo managed to give her a smile. "I hope you really do move on, Kim. It will be better for you."211Please respect copyright.PENANADo8VUf8gpM
211Please respect copyright.PENANALXODaITSCp
211Please respect copyright.PENANAkqp9TkZGyK
Kim managed to put up a smile but Leo could see how much she’s struggling to do so. She turns around to summon the waiter nearby. They were done here and Leo couldn’t help but feel a little relieved. He couldn’t wait to go to his office and hide in there for a while.211Please respect copyright.PENANAfzlVxgYahN
211Please respect copyright.PENANA5e5l0aO0Nb
211Please respect copyright.PENANAZDDF0bEHse
They sat in silence as they waited for the bill. Leo thought it best that they leave the restaurant together. He soon felt the phone in his pocket beep. He pulled it out and it's Carly calling him. How ironic, he thought to himself. Just when he’s about to leave. It is lunch time and sometimes they call or send each other text messages. Her calling is putting him in an awkward position of whether to answer or not.211Please respect copyright.PENANAje1WjmouUi
211Please respect copyright.PENANAcHgKrx9nxP
211Please respect copyright.PENANAk3teFz4xwp
Kim looked at him as he continued to stare at his phone. "Is it her?" she asked. "You can answer it, if you want. I won’t mind."211Please respect copyright.PENANAs2Bt8vME6l
211Please respect copyright.PENANAn5zzHAjZA1
211Please respect copyright.PENANAx8r7Ff3R9g
Leo pretended he didn't hear Kim as he slid the call icon to the side and put the phone to hisj ear.211Please respect copyright.PENANAq6TFS3RswV
211Please respect copyright.PENANAXvALkZpVPw
211Please respect copyright.PENANAWurd04I2Gh
"Hi, Carly," he greeted her. "How is school going?" Kim looked on intently at him.211Please respect copyright.PENANALjzB0630N1
211Please respect copyright.PENANAvuJm09q2Mw
211Please respect copyright.PENANADrETXLMbL7
"Uh…, hi," came Carly’s voice. "I’m not calling at a bad time, am I?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAdb1jWMioQa
211Please respect copyright.PENANAISYEKBUFMY
211Please respect copyright.PENANAb7RBTVQrac
"No, I’m actually having lunch with Kim. What can I do for you?"211Please respect copyright.PENANA5urJPDJLt7
211Please respect copyright.PENANAlemcT3wvpa
211Please respect copyright.PENANAjDy5bkKT4A
"Oh, I see," the change in Carly’s voice made him realise that she knew the situation he is in. "Do you mind telling Angel to call me? I’ve been trying to call her but she isn’t picking up."211Please respect copyright.PENANAjkKOt5qwFC
211Please respect copyright.PENANAtc1hCZHWJr
211Please respect copyright.PENANANXS5JcC6Q2
"She’s out having lunch with Eric, but once she’s back in the office, I’ll let her know."211Please respect copyright.PENANAdibQLuA1n7
211Please respect copyright.PENANAIsNWM8BVhX
211Please respect copyright.PENANA0lckaEn7AX
"Okay, thanks. Bye."211Please respect copyright.PENANA35pIacAxKO
211Please respect copyright.PENANAMT6udXwZIo
211Please respect copyright.PENANAnn8sbNF375
"Bye." Leo cut the call and turned to look at Kim who still had his eyes on him. But he noticed that she looked relieved.211Please respect copyright.PENANAAXlB8mxQCl
211Please respect copyright.PENANAvaGgGtebjR
211Please respect copyright.PENANANoEa9E3J2D
"That’s Angel’s sister, right?" she asked.211Please respect copyright.PENANAuCV93pWf4N
211Please respect copyright.PENANAG0wzVF75vU
211Please respect copyright.PENANAlvjwCAh536
"Yes, she was asking about her."211Please respect copyright.PENANAhegomh4s5I
211Please respect copyright.PENANAaEUxMjMFrb
211Please respect copyright.PENANA0UlewfzIc9
The waiter came at the right time with the bill before Kim could ask him any more questions. She looked at it and told the waiter that she would pay with her card. The waiter advised that she go to the counter. She stood up and Leo also did the same. They both went to the counter together and Kim paid for the meal.211Please respect copyright.PENANALTlptliyLx
211Please respect copyright.PENANAXAx6S5yzqv
211Please respect copyright.PENANA2oqtD3ci3J
"Thanks for the meal," said Leo as they started to make their way to the door.211Please respect copyright.PENANArCswJQN8Hz
211Please respect copyright.PENANA6IiqVxqtl1
211Please respect copyright.PENANAdEzo25CFph
"Too bad we couldn’t stay for dessert," said Kim as she walked slowly beside him.211Please respect copyright.PENANAwGkdJkdDcS
211Please respect copyright.PENANAQQJ3DJK7eB
211Please respect copyright.PENANAEc4ZGyi5AJ
Dessert would’ve been a disaster, Leo thought. He’s glad that the worst has happened: he finally told her the truth without compromising Carly. He reached for the door handle and held it open for Kim to pass through first. She walked out, saying thank you. Leo followed her and when they were out on the pavement, he escorted her to her white Lamborghini packed a few feet away from the restaurant's door.211Please respect copyright.PENANATtlPXX6KlK
211Please respect copyright.PENANAQHHx36KP2v
211Please respect copyright.PENANAq6M6rCUoFI
"Next time we’ve lunch I’ll make sure we go somewhere else," said Kim as she stood in front of her car. "And maybe then, you can invite your girlfriend along."211Please respect copyright.PENANAZE8kUNlKxg
211Please respect copyright.PENANAMuiQ9T8V5W
211Please respect copyright.PENANAzuogfToV6G
Not going to happen, Leo wanted to voice out, but he smiled instead. "You take care, Kim," he said.211Please respect copyright.PENANAbHgSJZ48gd
211Please respect copyright.PENANAEpyEGhX7Hv
211Please respect copyright.PENANARZqux2tOoQ
"Thanks, you too." She turned around quickly, and Leo couldn’t help but notice her blush.211Please respect copyright.PENANAxtZQ36YhGA
211Please respect copyright.PENANA6gT7RcQnNF
211Please respect copyright.PENANAmhMbMdz7z2
He watched her as she got in the car and drove away. He drew out a deep breath, feeling relieved. He pulled out his phone as he walked back to his car. He hoped Eric is done with his lunch. Boy, did he have a story to tell.211Please respect copyright.PENANAx3I8624CmC
211Please respect copyright.PENANAxiYIvNdY7U
211Please respect copyright.PENANARzaVbKV2KA
***211Please respect copyright.PENANATA0p1Qdvqf
211Please respect copyright.PENANATP7rwtvaJY
211Please respect copyright.PENANAhKwDnibrg9
"Don’t put up that face with me," said Diana as she sat at her desk.211Please respect copyright.PENANALSvgH8a0xY
211Please respect copyright.PENANAgO06DJABAc
211Please respect copyright.PENANABBgBF3c02N
"What do you want me to do?" Mrs. McDonell asked as she slumped further in her seat. "The fact that those two girls are at my house is a problem."211Please respect copyright.PENANA0iyZehtS10
211Please respect copyright.PENANA9ed20FHDBu
211Please respect copyright.PENANA6tmnOUiB1u
Diana shook her head at her sister-in-law. "Sometimes I wonder what my brother ever saw in you," she muttered as she picked up a sheet of paper on her desk.211Please respect copyright.PENANAqJwTOweTdh
211Please respect copyright.PENANAG4MJamzYHw
211Please respect copyright.PENANA4vratuQ3MF
"What did you say?" Bertha asked as she sat upright.211Please respect copyright.PENANARdhb9lNpHg
211Please respect copyright.PENANA1vcq21a9rq
211Please respect copyright.PENANA7MiKwwAXuJ
"You’re exaggerating is what I said," said Diana as she looked at Bertha, pretending to be busy looking at the paper.211Please respect copyright.PENANAv9il1akzAZ
211Please respect copyright.PENANAYemxCXSgtx
211Please respect copyright.PENANA4UN2eTm0vo
"I’m not exaggerating. I just don’t know why my husband would want Angel to work at the company."211Please respect copyright.PENANAvK3bnSb9mm
211Please respect copyright.PENANAx2nX6SVIDy
211Please respect copyright.PENANA7KYPPS4Uc2
"Let’s not forget that it was my mother’s idea."211Please respect copyright.PENANAZV7SAdBqO6
211Please respect copyright.PENANAnPOspyV14k
211Please respect copyright.PENANAneaenGKMxg
"Well, I wish they could’ve found her a job somewhere else. This is stressful. You’ll see. One of these days those two girls might be the ones running the company and maybe even taking over your massage parlours."211Please respect copyright.PENANAR6wrP5luSm
211Please respect copyright.PENANANPQdraQ6Lq
211Please respect copyright.PENANAMqAtC4uJNi
Diana shook her head. "You watch too many soap operas, Bertha."211Please respect copyright.PENANAPvbqmNQnDe
211Please respect copyright.PENANAjbuMYTp2zA
211Please respect copyright.PENANAnasLe6aycZ
"At least I don't watch them alone," Bertha gave Diana a look.211Please respect copyright.PENANAYT6M1RS4m5
211Please respect copyright.PENANAOzKGr7iki5
211Please respect copyright.PENANAdNKY0Tm7hp
"I'm the one who doesn't take it like it's real life. Besides, what have those poor girls ever done to you? Fred is only helping them get back on their feet."211Please respect copyright.PENANAM9MpahXPZ5
211Please respect copyright.PENANAFsZAuwHkzL
211Please respect copyright.PENANAooOVRFBW49
"By using our resources? Wasn't Angel already working when we met her?"211Please respect copyright.PENANALlJchdU2EY
211Please respect copyright.PENANAfnebfDp41W
211Please respect copyright.PENANAfO6ma9uv3T
Diana rolled her eyes. "I see you're still as self-centered as ever. He's just helping her so that she could get their house back. The salary at her previous job wasn't going to cut it."211Please respect copyright.PENANAVcsdYwgrnk
211Please respect copyright.PENANAUN6jj7AoXl
211Please respect copyright.PENANA1fGiBDJg3m
Bertha rolled her eyes. "Fine, I don't want to talk about it anymore."211Please respect copyright.PENANAHZOvE5OrSc
211Please respect copyright.PENANAwSqfRfBkWh
211Please respect copyright.PENANAAyqMje1bA0
Diana shook her head. "You're the one who brought it up in the first place," she muttered.211Please respect copyright.PENANA3Km8EPUFs0
211Please respect copyright.PENANAjdxIG109qA
211Please respect copyright.PENANAhbouVgWwlk
"Are you almost done?" Bertha asked, she looked down at her diamond wrist watch. "We're supposed to go out for lunch."211Please respect copyright.PENANAMsTRTEKDNM
211Please respect copyright.PENANA4jCydsF8a9
211Please respect copyright.PENANAFwUtprolrD
"And I told you, I still have a thing or two before coming with you," said Diana as she looked at her computer.211Please respect copyright.PENANAprgLlXOP8n
211Please respect copyright.PENANA1R8mEFRrvg
211Please respect copyright.PENANA0KgIrVETH7
"Well, hurry up, will you? I’m supposed to meet my doctor at 2 PM."211Please respect copyright.PENANAxwAcspjp5d
211Please respect copyright.PENANAWgCzBvSe3p
211Please respect copyright.PENANAUOhtXj0MAF
"Whatever you say," Diana tried her best not to sound irritated, but even if she did, Bertha couldn’t care less.211Please respect copyright.PENANA1LyVm8dPoj
211Please respect copyright.PENANAss1ARwgNtU
211Please respect copyright.PENANA9cCg20M0ew
Bertha soon went for her bag right next to her and retrieved her phone. When she turned it on, she found she had a message from Kim.211Please respect copyright.PENANAJ1Mc2zp2pl
211Please respect copyright.PENANAWrsKi4YwZM
211Please respect copyright.PENANAwnR4Jz61zv
"I have a message from Kim," she said with excitement.211Please respect copyright.PENANAFp7JNFT07b
211Please respect copyright.PENANAdvuxMDFNMW
211Please respect copyright.PENANAfousxF7VC9
Diana frowned. "So…?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAMv1fwoTsRv
211Please respect copyright.PENANABcVSHLOpIH
211Please respect copyright.PENANAJK4wURSG0f
"She told me earlier that she is going to have lunch with Leo today."211Please respect copyright.PENANANic4U89kxp
211Please respect copyright.PENANAPEFTdTpEaH
211Please respect copyright.PENANAF7St1NtdBr
Diana now had her eye on Bertha. "What? Don’t tell me you talked her into it."211Please respect copyright.PENANAuuzQR6fsOU
211Please respect copyright.PENANAiXd8BdfixT
211Please respect copyright.PENANATstE1OpLHu
Bertha shrugged her shoulders trying to look innocent. "What did you want me to do? She told me that she had seen Leo today at the café and I thought it be best that the two of them meet."211Please respect copyright.PENANAzlY7LfKP7l
211Please respect copyright.PENANA8t0vRGbTxQ
211Please respect copyright.PENANAWO4kxLVAe8
Diana shook her head. "I hope he didn’t agree to it."211Please respect copyright.PENANAb3gXDhVFg8
211Please respect copyright.PENANAtREproj4Je
211Please respect copyright.PENANAwLD5hJDRlf
"Apparently, he did," Bertha looking confident. "It still shows that he has some love for her, don’t you think?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAKCIH3Fhx0c
211Please respect copyright.PENANAKZUCMuz7OQ
211Please respect copyright.PENANAro6SBZVoC6
"I bet he agreed so that he wouldn’t seem rude."211Please respect copyright.PENANAIJkEo6yTF4
211Please respect copyright.PENANAhY38voMEsO
211Please respect copyright.PENANAGYzHWRu4au
"I really hope those two have patched things up," said Bertha as she clutched her phone tightly with both hands.211Please respect copyright.PENANAN1MfXOi9Ea
211Please respect copyright.PENANAhRirixVDO2
211Please respect copyright.PENANA0LtWXzmjOi
"It’s not that simple, Bertha. They didn’t go through with their wedding and you expect them to act like nothing happened and get back together? Love doesn’t work that way. If you ask me, I think you wanted her to make Leo open up about what happened."211Please respect copyright.PENANArRbAA6bY9I
211Please respect copyright.PENANAhHNqzS2J3F
211Please respect copyright.PENANAVFQZToei2B
Bertha scoffed. "You know me so well, don’t you?"211Please respect copyright.PENANA4rOy5pLWxG
211Please respect copyright.PENANAVRz8GeL4QA
211Please respect copyright.PENANAbTPXXJvQFS
"Of course, I live with you after all."211Please respect copyright.PENANAxD9QjRoqYk
211Please respect copyright.PENANAFTJJ8xbEzQ
211Please respect copyright.PENANALXWWMpTnpk
"Something happened to him that day for him to leave his wedding. I bet it’s another woman."211Please respect copyright.PENANABtXYILVedT
211Please respect copyright.PENANAolpotw3bjl
211Please respect copyright.PENANATTJ9dDSst6
"We all think that way. But the best thing to do is not probe the answer out of him. You know how those first days were after the wedding and the accident. He wasn’t willing to tell us anything. And if you ask me, it’s best he opens up about it himself. So I guess that’s why you wanted Kim to have lunch with him because he might tell her since out of everyone around him, she deserves to know the most."211Please respect copyright.PENANAJ1M8ZU7xJP
211Please respect copyright.PENANAx22MsO9MmA
211Please respect copyright.PENANAoH5d3xUWW6
"You’re so smart, Diana," said Bertha as she laughed. "I should’ve let you in on my plan earlier."211Please respect copyright.PENANAPZqHfjzwNQ
211Please respect copyright.PENANAkOIY7mH6AS
211Please respect copyright.PENANAw8EVpzUSLu
"You know I wouldn’t have allowed it."211Please respect copyright.PENANAdzqBrxAslS
211Please respect copyright.PENANAuiMVm6eVQy
211Please respect copyright.PENANArnb5sbJopb
"And that’s why I didn’t want to tell you. Anyway, let me see what Kim has to say."211Please respect copyright.PENANAQKeAqPUPQl
211Please respect copyright.PENANAyQ5HWp9QVC
211Please respect copyright.PENANAlTyrtwEcqT
A moment of silence passed as Bertha looked at her phone. Diana, though she had her eyes fixed on the computer screen, knew that she has to be prepared for what Bertha might end up reading. And she’s glad she did as soon as Bertha shrieked.211Please respect copyright.PENANAFSsU3vRFp0
211Please respect copyright.PENANATiXTIJcVcR
211Please respect copyright.PENANAWjWvZdVfer
"I knew it! I knew it!" Bertha stood up from her seat and went straight for Diana, who had to draw back a bit in her seat as she thought of Bertha as a car that might run her over.211Please respect copyright.PENANAtXajBDF3K4
211Please respect copyright.PENANAc6pJ0W1FIM
211Please respect copyright.PENANAP3SJ9xu4h8
"Look! Leo is seeing someone." Bertha shoved her phone in Diana’s face, and Diana again, backed up a bit so as to get away from the phone’s screen. She took the phone and read the message.211Please respect copyright.PENANAMTmtokHslW
211Please respect copyright.PENANAA8Hgreg7Vv
211Please respect copyright.PENANAztOEL7UsxH
"Like I said, we’ve been expecting this. No one just runs away from their own wedding. Unless they have some undying health condition or they just discovered they’re homosexual," said Diana.211Please respect copyright.PENANATkC90zO5fX
211Please respect copyright.PENANAOUKoyhBdzv
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"What I don’t understand is who it could be." Bertha went back to her seat. "She says he didn’t reveal who it is."211Please respect copyright.PENANAyx2QRSuPjs
211Please respect copyright.PENANAudrxhF57lS
211Please respect copyright.PENANA7CJMSivSdK
"I think it’s good he didn’t," Diana puts Bertha’s phone down on her desk. "Kim’s wound is still very fresh and if she were to know who the woman is, she’ll track her down like a hound and God knows what she’ll do. And you might even help her do it."211Please respect copyright.PENANABbQdu7XxyC
211Please respect copyright.PENANASb5vHQHZ4i
211Please respect copyright.PENANAtQKxzmKSvG
"What? No, I wouldn’t."211Please respect copyright.PENANAEZcmG2yOuN
211Please respect copyright.PENANACqstSRfQpG
211Please respect copyright.PENANANAira8AR84
"I know you too well. You’re just as hurt as she is, and you’ve been dying for Leo to tell you the truth. Not to mention that you’re still supporting Kim to try and get back with Leo. You two are very unstable."211Please respect copyright.PENANASpVWctqd5h
211Please respect copyright.PENANA0kWQKz86NU
211Please respect copyright.PENANAuzlQ0BeCGZ
"Are you calling us crazy?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAwqNsQ1pS2Y
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211Please respect copyright.PENANApzC3HKFfaB
Diana knew better than to answer honestly. "All I’m saying is that you need to cool down for a bit. You lose your temper a lot, and you’ve to consider your son’s feelings this time around. He has his reasons for doing what he did."211Please respect copyright.PENANAhTruKYnbHr
211Please respect copyright.PENANADVD0vCvlSa
211Please respect copyright.PENANAobEY7MAJk9
"But I’m just looking out for him. Kim is and has always been good for him."211Please respect copyright.PENANAKbOEQl4HXi
211Please respect copyright.PENANAHM7N6KVAcN
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"That’s just an overprotective mother talking. Haven’t you ever considered that Leo went on to date Kim and got engaged to her because of your influence?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAz5QqpI0aGg
211Please respect copyright.PENANAAIy6HV40d1
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"Are you trying to say I’m a bad influence? Leo is the one who wanted to get married to Kim in the first place."211Please respect copyright.PENANAybLKbWpaLe
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Diana shook her head. "I feel you’ve had a very big part in this, Bertha. And if it wasn’t for his stubborn behaviour, he might have gotten married to Kim and who knows? Maybe in the end, he wouldn’t have been happy."211Please respect copyright.PENANA6rNh1je8rk
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"Don’t make me look like a bad guy here. If it’s anyone who should be blamed for what happened should be that woman Leo thinks he’s in love with."211Please respect copyright.PENANA6lgbbVVwHK
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Diana raised her eyebrows. "You talk like you know what’s best for Leo when you clearly don’t. He’s a grownup now. He can’t always rely on you to make decisions that affect his life."211Please respect copyright.PENANAU9QNOgJrRC
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Bertha rolled her eyes. "That’s why you’re no fun to hang around with these days."211Please respect copyright.PENANAee9smGBFzs
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"That’s because I speak the truth and you hate it."211Please respect copyright.PENANAcBv6Y2EC2W
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Bertha folded her arms and looked the other way. "Aren’t you done yet?" she asked.211Please respect copyright.PENANAiBLZEzwfij
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"Almost," said Diana as she moved her mouse around on the table. "Now that you know that Leo is in love with someone else, don’t confront him about it at home. He’ll obviously know that you know, so don’t pressure him to the point where you might drive him out of the house."211Please respect copyright.PENANA7hHWbT5vIr
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"Stop talking nonsense, Diana," said Bertha. "Why would I chase him away from his own home? I'm his mother."211Please respect copyright.PENANAB0zVxY9qXV
211Please respect copyright.PENANA2fGwX5reu1
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"If you continue pressuring him like you do, you just might."211Please respect copyright.PENANAkhXZrzEzF5
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Bertha pouted her lower lip, upset that Diana had said that. "I'm just looking out for my son."211Please respect copyright.PENANAZR0tLcC1TX
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"If you ask me, you’re not doing it right. And you of all people are supposed to understand. But instead, you want him to follow on your every whim."211Please respect copyright.PENANAW3h2MvvQNe
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"No, I don’t."211Please respect copyright.PENANAGhXScUOjMS
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Diana gave her a look. "Then why do you think he has that temper he inherited from you that he only got to show a lot more after he cancelled his wedding? He’s tired of you controlling him. So if you really don’t want him to retaliate and leave you, then don’t be so nosy, please."211Please respect copyright.PENANAqVJyL9pai7
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"I’ll see what I can do. But I still feel Kim is good for him."211Please respect copyright.PENANAbL7NsAHkCN
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Diana sighed, shaking her head. "It’s pointless talking to you sometimes." She turned back to look at the computer screen. "When will you ever understand that only he knows what’s good for him. Not you."211Please respect copyright.PENANA1bCfj971DI
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There came a brief silence between them and Diana made sure to keep an eye on Bertha. Bertha had her arms folded, looking into a distance. Diana noticed the sullen look on her face. It’s not the first time they’ve had it. All she hoped for is this time, Bertha might take things to heart and realise that Leo’s life is more important than what she truly desires.211Please respect copyright.PENANAGfXxz5zEdo
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"I’m done," said Diana as she stood up from her seat. "We can go for lunch now."211Please respect copyright.PENANAsi3kC3RZWp
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Bertha didn’t speak, nor did she move. She just sat there. Diana started to worry.211Please respect copyright.PENANADSx9w2j0DP
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"Bertha?" she called out to her as she went round her table. "Bertha, are you okay?"211Please respect copyright.PENANA94F9rdAqEJ
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Bertha still didn’t speak. The last time Diana saw that look on her face, Bertha did something beyond what others thought she would do. And it wasn’t pretty.211Please respect copyright.PENANARPwf9PcAVS
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"Bertha!" Diana shook her as she placed her hand on Bertha’s shoulder. Whatever cloud Bertha was on had suddenly dissipated as she now looked surprised, finding Diana in front of her.211Please respect copyright.PENANA8y8l7qeypD
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"Are you okay?" Diana asked. "You looked a little lost just now."211Please respect copyright.PENANAJGDlDUOYYa
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"Yes, I’m fine," said Bertha, sounding a little shaky. She slowly stood up from her seat.211Please respect copyright.PENANAR78x9rrUxZ
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"Are you sure? I’ve seen that look before. Remember what happened last time? You literally went on a rampage."211Please respect copyright.PENANAiRIZijKsys
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"That was last time," she said. "Don’t worry about me, I’m not going to go on a rampage."211Please respect copyright.PENANA8HIBmNNPnj
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"Well. I sure hope so," said Diana as she went over to the table to get her purse. "I really hope you’re not going to confront Leo about his new girlfriend."211Please respect copyright.PENANAj439TVOhzJ
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"Of course, not. I’ll make sure not to even mention it to him."211Please respect copyright.PENANAA1AnYNKjmU
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Diana looked at Bertha. She seemed normal. And as they walked out of her office, Diana couldn’t help but tell herself to keep an eye on Bertha.211Please respect copyright.PENANAuI3OJbo7pB
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***211Please respect copyright.PENANATQ9RpBO1WG
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"Wow, you seriously told her the truth?" Eric can’t believe what he’s hearing.211Please respect copyright.PENANAFNq5wT8qWL
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"Believe it, Eric," said Leo seated behind his desk. "I told her what she needed to know."211Please respect copyright.PENANArmW5tI0t7Z
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"But you didn’t reveal who it is, right?" Angel asked.211Please respect copyright.PENANA7jPCaz9Jhn
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"No, I didn’t," said Leo, looking at her and feeling irritated that she’s standing in his office. But he couldn’t do anything about it since Eric came in with her. Chasing her out isn’t an option.211Please respect copyright.PENANAr0mXmWIVN5
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"Well, I want to be happy and relieved, but we all know this is far from over," said Eric.211Please respect copyright.PENANAapCGZ3JBNO
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"My mother. Kim must have told her already."211Please respect copyright.PENANAWo4oUeugRF
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"Don’t you think your mother might be involved with the two of you meeting for lunch?" Angel asked.211Please respect copyright.PENANA0zNPS1gayd
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Eric and Leo looked at her. "Why do you say so?" Leo asked.211Please respect copyright.PENANAV9TuW9oLnf
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"I don’t know. It just seemed kind of strange when Eric told me. Maybe Kim told her that she met you at the café and your mother thought maybe you two having lunch together would make you open up to Kim and finally tell her the truth."211Please respect copyright.PENANAYktJXQIqtR
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Eric rubbed his chin with his fingers as he thought. "Yep, I agree," he said, nodding his head afterwards.211Please respect copyright.PENANAOFBPYN4HBy
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"I hate to admit, but it does have my mother’s scent all over it," said Leo as he leaned back in his chair with his eyes closed. He looked tired and frustrated. "I feel like I’m going to be sick. I didn’t enjoy my lunch, at all."211Please respect copyright.PENANADXJxtVpLxS
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"Who would when your ex is seated facing you? If you ask me, I would puke," said Eric.211Please respect copyright.PENANAalXHLfPGDl
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"No doubt you would," Leo raised an eyebrow, still with his eyes closed.211Please respect copyright.PENANAizweT5sVE7
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"Would you like something? You look like you didn’t eat at all."211Please respect copyright.PENANAA0ugOCZaev
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"No, thanks. I think I’ll get something in the kitchen."211Please respect copyright.PENANAR8rT3ajmVs
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"I’ve been told that Mrs. Lance brought in some homemade sandwiches for everyone in the staff kitchen," said Angel. "And I hear they’re really good."211Please respect copyright.PENANADXprK2rFce
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"I think I should go and get some," said Eric. "I really love that woman’s homemade food."211Please respect copyright.PENANALYz3G0TvhX
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"Isn’t your tummy full?" Leo raised an eyebrow, this time with his eyes open.211Please respect copyright.PENANA2tngWS01bQ
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"It is, but just like I said, I love her home-made food. Don’t you want to get something yourself? For someone who didn’t enjoy their meal, you really need it."211Please respect copyright.PENANAyBo03BrzU4
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"Alright," Leo gave in as he stood up from his seat. "Aren’t you going to try it out, Angel?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAPI2yA6PWND
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Shoot, Leo almost winced. Why did he have to ask? She probably wouldn’t. He noticed Eric give him a funny look and he knew why. Leo now regretted it.211Please respect copyright.PENANADnav2k0KjH
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"I would love to, but there’s something I need to do at my desk right now," she answered. "Won’t you mind getting it for me?"211Please respect copyright.PENANALYPT8SK8wK
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Leo didn’t know if she’s asking him or Eric and whether to answer or not. Eric came to his rescue by accepting her request and that he will swing by her desk to give it to her. Leo soon remembered something:211Please respect copyright.PENANAW8UamBjAHX
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"Oh, Angel, Carly called and was trying to reach you during lunch. She asks if you could call her back."211Please respect copyright.PENANAPaBEfDJx41
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"Okay, I’ll do just that. I’ll see you guys later," she said giving them a little smile before turning around to head out of the office. Leo couldn’t help but blush after seeing her smile like that. As soon as she walked out of his office, he heard Eric clear his throat.211Please respect copyright.PENANAKidFrlfVYL
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"The look on your face says things, you know," said Eric as he leaned in close so that Leo could face him.211Please respect copyright.PENANACO6TW7U61z
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"What are you talking about?" Leo asked looking at his cousin.211Please respect copyright.PENANAsNB4OiiIgK
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"Well, for starters, you asked Angel if she wanted to try out Mrs. Lance's food. Then you had this funny look on your face when she was leaving." Eric now looked at him suspiciously. "I hope you aren’t falling for my girl."211Please respect copyright.PENANAqL9dbE5rOd
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Leo felt his face heat up for a bit, but he isn’t going to let Eric make a fool of him as he quickly said, "you must be joking, Eric. Why would I ever fall for her when I’m in love with someone else?"211Please respect copyright.PENANATeM3vDsICB
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The two looked at each other. There's a serious dead silence between them until Eric suddenly burst out laughing. Leo rolled his eyes and shook his head.211Please respect copyright.PENANARehXQlGhxb
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"You should see your face," said Eric trying to catch his breath. "You really shouldn’t be so serious, man. I was just joking. But I can see there’s some improvement."211Please respect copyright.PENANAP9ZlCrt23F
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"What improvement?"211Please respect copyright.PENANAxfzyTwSzhW
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"I can see you're slowly opening up to Angel. But let me warn you. You can only like her, but not to those extremes."211Please respect copyright.PENANA6PraRs17WO
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"Okay, you’ve made it clear that Angel is a no-go area. But I’m not the one you should be worried about."211Please respect copyright.PENANAjkaWOo57rN
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"Ya, I know. Every guy around here has their eyes on her. Come on, let’s go to the kitchen before the food runs out."211Please respect copyright.PENANAoaXo7cNG9a
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"Ya, we should. I’m starving."211Please respect copyright.PENANAAo98f4PG3q
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The two of them made their way out of Leo’s office and went straight for the kitchen with Eric making fun of Leo over his bad lunch. Leo took it all in in silence trying to get Angel’s smile out of his head.