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While Neil scrambled to flee, I felt I was still caught in the huge plot twist and had yet to come to my senses.Still, there were things I had to ask, and I puffed my cheeks as I glared at Carl. "What about the cup?"He looked wounded. "It's been in my office the whole time. I even sent you photos."He even showed his photo gallery, and the photo he sent was right there."Well, what about the sweater? You weren't wearing it when I saw you.""I wore it under my suit…"I thought about it and realized he really did—the black turtleneck showed under his suit, although the brand was covered."Well, what were you doing at our cafeteria?""Neil was begging me for an investment, so I had to drop by and have lunch here too."Frustrated as if hitting my head on a brick wall, I groaned, "So I took it out on the wrong guy in the end. But why didn't you say anything if you knew it was me?"Carl was on the verge of tears too, and he pointed at my necklace. "That's how I recognized you rig
Carl looked resistant. "Is this stuff really edible?""You'll be asking for more, I promise," I replied and handed him a greasily reflective mutton skewer.He was still resistant at first, but seeing me chomping down with my lips dripping in grease, he couldn't help taking a bite.And with that, he couldn't stop.As we drank and ate, he told me about the cutthroat nature of business, and I told him about the embarrassing tales of my childhood.Soon, the beers bottomed out, and despite feeling light-headed, I shouted at the top of my lungs, "Four more beers over here!""Ms. James, you're drunk. You shouldn't drink anymore.""It's none of your business!"But soon, I was completely drunk.Before I passed out, I seemed to hear someone murmur unhappily, "Baby… Are you really just going to leave me?"It was the next morning when I opened my eyes again—I should be flying back today.However, I searched my bag, but couldn't find my power bank, so I texted Carl.[Have you seen my po
"For sure. At the very least, I'm quite content."Embarrassed, I clasped my hand over my mouth—I really wanted to bite off my own tongue as soon as I said that.Carl was grinning ear-to-ear. "It's just small talk. No reason to get so nervous, Ms. James."-Neon Pulse Amusement Park was very crowded.Still, I made sure to buy VIP tickets so that Mr. Graham could really enjoy himself, and I'd just be claiming the expense off Neil anyway.We went straight to the roller coaster designed with a science-fiction aesthetic. I'd seen reviews claiming the faint-hearted could pass out on the spot, and even the bolder ones were said to feel their hearts thumping afterward.While I could be bold, I was quite the scaredy cat myself—my cheeks paled right after I took my seat, and I stammered, "M-Mr. Graham… We can still get off now if you change your mind."Carl calmly dissed, "Too late for a refund. But you can hold my hand if you're scared."I felt a little awkward. "I-Is that really app
I beamed. "Deal!"-In the evening, the four of us met up.It was the first time I'd ever met Luna—she was down-to-earth and fortnight, just like myself.Still, considering Neil, I wasn't exactly comfortable being her friend.Through our small talk, we learned that they had been dating for three years.In that case, that meant I was an innocent 'other woman' because of our online romance.Still, I thought if Neil could be good to Luna, I could afford to take our secret to the grave.Still, Carl noticed that I wasn't so pleased and asked under his breath, "Why do you seem so distracted?"I shook my head, and he thoughtfully glanced at the couple sitting opposite us, seemingly seeing the whole picture.Turning to Neil, he said, "Let's split up."Neil pouted. "Why? The more the merrier.""No," Carl replied stiffly.Neil shrugged. "Fine, if you say so."Luna came over and bumped on my shoulder, whispering, "I'm getting the feeling Carl's into you."I smiled wryly in turn. "W
It was strangely quiet in the confined space, so I tried to start a conversation to avoid awkwardness. "How about some music?"A rather melancholic tune started playing right then.'Oh, can't you see it, baby?'You've got me going crazy~'Wherever you go~'Whatever you do~'I will be right here waiting for you~'I was a little surprised that the frosty bigwig would be playing such a sentimental love song on loop. "I really didn't peg you for a fan, Mr. Graham."His voice was quiet. "I've been playing it on loop."That caught me by surprise again. "What? Something weighing on your mind lately?""Yeah, just had a break up." Carl glanced at me with the corner of his eye and suddenly said, "There's something I need advice on, Ms. James.""Sure.""What if someone had a huge misunderstanding on you and suddenly demanded a break up? What would you do?"I was quite amused. "Easy. Just clear the misunderstanding.""How?""Show up more around her, so that she'll be able to change
As I peeked at my watch in embarrassment, Carl shook his head. "It's alright—I came early. Please take a seat, Ms. James."The table was covered in beautiful roses, and someone was playing the piano nearby.The vibe felt just like a blind date somehow…Noticing that I was ill at ease, Carl explained, "Don't worry about it. I'm just trying to sample exotic dishes."I chuckled shyly but didn't answer, while a waiter glided to our table as Carl snapped his fingers.He elegantly flipped through the menu, ordering a full course worth of expensive signature dishes.Just hearing the dish names leave me flabbergasted, and a past memory resurfaced at the worst timing.At the time, I had once forwarded a recommendation post of this restaurant to my online boyfriend, captioning: [Baby, why don't we dine here when we meet up?]His reply had been: [Sure, babe. What do you like? I'll note down everything.][Bostran lobster, tiger shrimp, beluga caviar… It's expensive, though. Should we spli







