“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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ72WDwUcLbv
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh06V3BnfrD
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtw683LsUgV
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwu59ajuhq6
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“You’re the new girl, right?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzHfP7O7NXP
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa59jgBLmUr
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWlJVPmZ0Nz
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsq1DDZVbVD
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCKeL3ejoZ
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsljXFjKte
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74Xxj4zNFK
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsELNFBd5xY
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPKheehNHH
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡje1rzWymJR
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNjSTaUjTBw
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtNOEZw6zhQ
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡApWWfq4NAt
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3kWsdpW2e
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbBB7B6xxN9
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrMIiGw26cA
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNbQw6Hl6r1
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZlqs8LZqmC
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsF8n2TON47
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwfPH5jRw6U
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEcWvD7wDuy
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgSzrFWyR40
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAF4cFyYWZ
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHz5eLczxJH
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDRXqh4d1G
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3o2R3hKVGR
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡitOS3aJdYN
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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:512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOEegPbSXv
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniDEV3eFxZ
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyF0KurPubg
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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-?"512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNqK1SLXjRZ
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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."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YPbZqQB5i
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY7Hhw9EdzR
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfaK4mY3nl3
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4ymGt51KZ
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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."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2IkLMUOZw
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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."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVH87SKgB28
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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."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIq2cHmEYQK
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRgNeDriNN
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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."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQiC3Hw1fGu
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeAhNFiEqF
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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."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7MAIPxQBUn
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpgMoFcq1g
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQY4lQRrY4
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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?"512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP4zEqs2HfZ
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3pcWP2cHCv
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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."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtQpdKENft
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IZG6dobOS
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqljImQPbi
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91gidJBUj8
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXp7Qzmqh7f
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZoetR52M0
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeEbmBTyDQt
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVa1BEMroBX
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpPkzePxa3X
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4hRiNfaXe
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAPrHkgyjK
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwO0bc7G0F
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRLXhb4AytU
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQSOZ6Wwbh
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“I can’t answer that.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAjm0UllH9
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbnmcI8q5L
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSAf75OxKjK
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmnTr5ONQu
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTySnBagzF
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4j9di3fEmS
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyqiUeW1hv6
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7dn7nhEr52
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1hLAPLOOuo
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwKuxZ3ah9
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLrGKl5A5c3
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPwSlnLPXVe
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qMuQ31iWD
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡysoqJtu35g
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMgez1Y1MW
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8Gm9wZQjQ
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0YBOymFYr
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU7K8p1Njn
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlL8PLzvoyc
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV24BwMFvj8
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoDXBXf65tH
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOXGiL2BTei
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡETkbeCDxty
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“Kim texted me,” he said.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1UZbLY0oaP
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWxJvNVkNn
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡni3AOKkgQV
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1YoRb6r27x
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzL1f0L7jpT
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“What did she say?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IFfOgGCxx
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“Just a simple hello.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNZ3L6MOW5
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“And did you reply?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykefTRQiDA
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“Of course, I did.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnVQBxqTT10
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“And…?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmEhukTqOy
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Dib5uEEZo
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“You better see what that message says.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBRcd48v7Gx
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsoJ9tnRaau
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAkWoFvFep
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvkaGXu8KhV
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWo3OkdUFSe
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwe1qOnty5v
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCayBhFAzFr
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ470C01FBmN
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ539F2nghB8
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“The less who know, the better.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVrbt3zchzp
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtpzO29ZfhH
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyBlcujAZI
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABsybO5zwg
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1dRyHyBo5e
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaS42si7t79
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1erGapW7N
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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?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0e2mrm8lKm
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEt4LyUnS1q
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUA1DW1eDf
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20eS6AIynI
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIp4eITyePd
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjmcL9CH3dq
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLJ4UMvhmR
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg6QIK3P3Av
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGCPbVB1OK
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwakaCq4EzM
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEG45LppyVW
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ7CkesfPaB
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnblvXLpip2
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtUBm3SBcx8
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2jn9RAIrF
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The two laughed.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5reyAvgm25
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOjzH3bFsW
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdXlhaOoERT
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMFYOLa5fLi
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYLaLXI7Arb
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYEA5JX2XtX
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyiY0fjh1o
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvBl2rjulR
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNEWjHMgeD3
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRBWd8MGXo1
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JeWMOEFiJ
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAmv0qc4WjZ
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0FZck4abXZ
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2WBVFM25I
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWpHIcZCT9
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyiA8sVpKu7
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwypc9KlJCz
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEMy8I4lnH
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMuhRFPzzt5
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUZcZYZ9B7
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrrBUPvBdr3
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aO4Zn2Mii
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuIopdukte
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuMI0EnfWJ
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXCWHvjRy8u
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhM3mVeV6ty
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDxpPpcAD0
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGbQ8CAQeT
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2EdVKVhehv
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdtRlgDvmC
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEo4j0mNS68
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zYf0JLkkH
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡggtibQsPQp
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6qSCwsbXV
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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?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzb6sJPLGG4
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWWEcHrLNIv
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGSUImvQ8B
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmxftDV1QS6
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5p0gLHR1p
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC4js7zGFQu
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1GIwkb1o9c
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA4llwYefoo
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKWd8CJC64
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7udSFaHZEP
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrlKdRK2CY1
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEpqXBhCax
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKwJC6970n
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDHyjt3Mmy5
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH8uTjzsJUW
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69NVQSOe91
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡokCE622EZ5
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“I won’t.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0gtmVmwEI
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJf4655MPAM
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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?512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyYoYXDSASL
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbKRz5jXAi
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSGhLl8u52
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGCFRJ6FqT
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Bsydgj886
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbYPLuVPIvD
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQko8fvjK4Q
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGW8cKWGKF1
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEibHWIUMv
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcmYreNric
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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?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKfBShdrqE2
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWVRCmWrRs
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU1MOOwVQMM
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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?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyWCVWYmcj
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3lgw0IEn4
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKJ9i8bJZ8M
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPl0iI2A79l
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7KeT6yEn0
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡancC4M9hPP
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWt6AW0msMi
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYVclfJ7xuW
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Cn3Gb1tbR
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7j5g8ZoDn
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScf0DPCMgB
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNcuSShbAf
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhbLp7bEN3b
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNwfsD4UA7L
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw8k2nHCfDy
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSF891P4Kah
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvqJM8VyuNx
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXT1NwLLc3
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG8X0bSMfme
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56q5uKxDNy
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQffltdV5lU
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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?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA9QuPBSvje
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAJen3bZdCQ
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkq4l9lw9K1
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0BSHccw10
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOmSusZrTQ
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmrQZt1Jn0E
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3TPBZsahI
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTyAIOtih9F
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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?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2L4qFvsXAd
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3352OnF4G
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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?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmoJecfEYZf
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3OKIYigcL
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCf7aVOcIP
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGDLBzlfWnu
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw064YIJBis
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEk0J8znhp
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1ZfB2C43y
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaYMGUXI5xI
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc9bUVjqZ7s
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnF2JcmA8pX
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5yLZ2DZon
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAB4azewAVS
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMsIOkWiIG
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRA5spYakjb
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6FcqYjxq4C
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvk9MT4iifO
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gxddsUc8A
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeab7fjEtR5
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWWppkPdvL
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNnNJDtzWX
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpNvAsqnno
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡifz59bFNM7
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yjnbCLJTy
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHjopRODJqu
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDzof5dUyvy
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkKckhR7ann
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJOpG0O9hZI
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"Yes.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dFATPOLLq
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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?”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRZKLzx9kgv
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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.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYlvCuxhY55
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡislkIOchHF
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVOOOfUsG6
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdmwiRV84Qk
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmW6FbKU1mQ
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrg1vgDfGI
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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.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwBtxWYdJN
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLITHEHUkL
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”512Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJMeuLLoMD
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"Ya, you’re right,” said Angel as she looked at the menu, holding it tight. She really hoped that Eric is right.
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