“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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTn9UulzbC
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQlfMWfN4Uv
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh4rOFyqGrW
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiiWsmsPYK
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“You’re the new girl, right?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy8Sgj5BkHh
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBEHfVf8QCq
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgJD05Ir864
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQds27QOei
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFo31Q9s6tS
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLxQF92qBd8
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5wDA4Lq6y
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEnx21OK4jM
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ73kOTGcNb4
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDlcHCrkFH
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjY1VnnuWo9
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUSIwxapVz
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntzk6p9EIB
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT619KLMBEG
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGSjPi4hns
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8x5XU26lc1
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6WJ0mqCWY
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1uMqT0vW3R
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPv7v4fy2t
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrMYIBMoQ9
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlfz1LBxDrR
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u3wHAcawd
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxovYuJvfTr
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLEKxH1N5TH
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1qQgp8s6g7
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkLsybkWKa
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiKmuLHL77
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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:491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5QLETAlue
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkTpCgDnax6
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ97pHacE1fy
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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-?"491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpQrgzLdoZ
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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."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGQQ3M6rOyM
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOEkrKbgk1D
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxGXAKuLog
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5NHB0itjms
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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."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3LvN198O4H
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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."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZxLv2jzsBc
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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."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tCxTDaaMw
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjkLDK2XJfw
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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."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5CSAmIj0W3
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9524qaRAME
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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."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC7HMOj9K09
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqGeBEwm1e
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtydiK8LB2c
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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?"491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK9JSxCsBi
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsqw3SB2MOA
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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."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3iWgw7018k
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4VDXfWdPrB
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpF5g5O8QGw
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJwPI3B5pqn
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ96ZZwsL4Lk
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi0vsufbCy
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwy19bzciag
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiQRjipvipf
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtOt8klD0b
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWZ3FzN5es
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn5D2k7QxI
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbBI6CkAnT
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkHAgg6snd
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2MNTSYG6iE
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“I can’t answer that.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwZ8ZW5zBbP
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQo53rG8xCt
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQ5we9Ttl8
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKpnyUtDPi1
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaHA7jee53g
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlkYkBNfuHe
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmaKZ4Oekxn
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2S7ifjcPp
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIAyBtXX2x
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6yE4pRaaVm
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxapuvsgxH
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiw43l4aGq
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmCkHOFoYz
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqo378eTzD
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15FhmmbqNK
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsVUdiRftTp
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlwJn8lWxF
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYvtM954cl
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTFuBomUv4
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡppir3w1NxA
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoM0MF62cI
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX3OKcvHTje
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjKLD3MltGF
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“Kim texted me,” he said.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0JvJIqyxo
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gdDNm6Uim
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoyu28GKByU
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJUBMsItwe
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9V8SoTMHud
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“What did she say?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJiFvm7iY8
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“Just a simple hello.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZMxdWFGU2y
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“And did you reply?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmb0ixrQeO
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“Of course, I did.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2DlwkiE5SS
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“And…?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDugCxDnEa
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsa8H22Nfc
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“You better see what that message says.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJH8qnWkPx3
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6uXFofKe3
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjIMNyh1dO0
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqeqMiUmVf4
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn2tc8aDdj5
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO0Lz57IKcu
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFlWzaM8wzw
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRmK2WMRdkA
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡShnGkX5uvN
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“The less who know, the better.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvLf4jfqXJa
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFb4kareKyq
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl5mEnSRvM2
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBbm1fysSP
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxN9zsj9nuq
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMDSOSeqEf
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxBUvLzFtAK
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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?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ16jnS901wI
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKtVYFWy6R
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAISmwQl4Ww
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5Hg7Map41
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6cMcsOsFTT
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgx3fhTxRln
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7SkvBaQfnI
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyoMuDdobi
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMPNCrlwJVn
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWB9W7CR5B
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUW9NZh10E0
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJMvd5J0yXh
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98Aeam4zxy
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkDTwDmdTY5
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9wyx4ZA2s
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The two laughed.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGu7MqSudKK
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6Lz5U1r9X
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCebWy6fXq
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4LcNBsChI
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***491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyTkBMsyir
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV57EXcTZNv
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZJCUtqpbW9
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoIcVlCh9NA
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVVK0AeRYw5
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx2yNyIAxGJ
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTPVWHbBgv
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZLzNJt3IJ
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOHJ2PUL18E
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEWtVFi0iVe
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnlHKO0osZB
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPlZDOKXwBu
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2QLi2wt2BG
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡism5pr9YGz
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcyT1NlfoFC
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9Tjk8JyCE
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeambnxuI0z
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd4AbTlvXl4
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRLoI1yRja
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD9yVNS23jP
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡepvXx9N2Uc
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3EztiI6rN
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQSIO7kg2pR
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvUmcM1QpdV
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL1fAxVdQQY
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5073wWNzC
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfr3gy10IB3
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdD0Ogsmc7M
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcrKAJioAwd
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzzEZmCUQfX
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuDFEG9CF5
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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?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcWUOfKQ81
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡel5hXwoVRB
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqvVrmy9kXs
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQakoxV8uyU
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cd9JAbFzP
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgYz47V2bR
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzwHeEdPf0w
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6MRNt8VI9z
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgp00Kaz3eH
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAKWjT0ZI3T
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI4MYRmifLl
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxtP0RS5WFo
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgPp9N12Qk
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdDSfj7bKk
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2riz1QsO2
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZ7C7qGPCp
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBko6TsWUCg
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“I won’t.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjdjMijspur
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJ0ujNBkzv
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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?491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvoh5nTpzKk
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8JKNx5wJ6Z
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi3rt9vOrtD
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWeAMtGZqwl
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKNjVzwhCcC
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyIhXRLzf0o
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxs91hko6c
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnfPidVOkx9
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqGJFR0NLYU
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn3xVbJh5D
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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?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm4XmPCBG8l
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5C4cTys7ei
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡarMF0wLYag
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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?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9bf1E4GdD
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ANLJ59fQ1
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpHszgBhyX
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaBLAuwkQI
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXtXubtwSY
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8N2j9k7zVx
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGXJnN64gw
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtiHPUPmW5
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQRgnahifZJ
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCvPjsA9R7
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4sP7e4JXma
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkVIUpj7Xwf
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhwKTlu4SIB
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSBiC4bup5x
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFXi6ZQEq6V
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0eYCwtWQxQ
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqScLYZ886x
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGGsry1U402
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFXxnCQ4Uk
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfCikCVNl0
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6PGoJTz8YN
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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?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xzTlYaw1r
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwXh5eumGy
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMq0oUeDDl
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvECXqKKcQ5
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEyXJZ84Ep4
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBPgt5i98AF
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ65OE90b0Gi
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBrKVCkJhSl
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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?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYS1zp4KQ6x
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkv9bTyIaR5
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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?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjOvMUUSgw
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvtZ5odOu2n
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HYozfR7lE
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2jRTPNu3K
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiCyvdZL2x
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7UqsNXKwtZ
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFf936tUOZ0
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhclB0NcCad
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7W5RVFp0nP
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcVbBdwwlYv
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUlHd9AUX2
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnk4kE0cD5
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ4BEcG2RQx
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGTiW5wWwS
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4GXpSQ0V2
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoYTBITXiS
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUE9M96OECn
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKZPWNNvbO
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlNiBYuGiJN
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOkJKy3MWS
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0u6jcrfEcc
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6R2JTDf5G1
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZH1QvjrU3
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIXsWtQH6g
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaE26aGMm8C
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡma1r0tU0Xq
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0EgkKx6bRh
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"Yes.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnN5E8l9LIs
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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?”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLyvHTk3a5
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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.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRiyDEmcahW
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXt4z0Ot5t
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTrl6F4ges
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEXB7KrmoJs
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdd96xySLnL
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsSDBcWcm5
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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.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOPdrukZZe9
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV144Sz6Kds
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”491Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2bz2JkRAok
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"Ya, you’re right,” said Angel as she looked at the menu, holding it tight. She really hoped that Eric is right.8964 copyright protection487ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35jAZgDxWJ 維尼

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