“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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4SLquNF4mx
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOy9i0uPoWO
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnNjRp1OE7
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6Ha3V2cRmx
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“You’re the new girl, right?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNhqtkOIprz
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdg3V11Tz0x
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBEGaMVRpd
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjTo5QXU97c
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRJ6TwlYhk
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNTO6MH3Uaf
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPmJzkEtyl
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOCTiCBB8I
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Nv7y80dCL
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkhgj8OHvx
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DKtelJdT2
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpfKAaYDH3
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7sJNDUwCRS
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI9WBReF9nu
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctktm7Xzgt
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGGtltIGAh
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO5mhCrBODa
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQI5HlGsrav
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8IC3PKqfqq
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7kZaH5FDh
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0IEssHwth
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG9y8wismIx
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmdj4DMN9n
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDAzlO9cLGY
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsrHNNoKKbZ
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfra8eIIi1H
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAYjAQQh0WC
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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:475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspE4suulbG
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuGbwahm6g
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU5KxOfnPNK
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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-?"475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdDkEJrtlOR
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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."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrdLMQra5C
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI0wU8cCW60
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWFhvbJdV0
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrhROFw5rc1
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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."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcc6dUg0qoB
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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."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdS1zgyn2ff
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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."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAQM9YOzfZ
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyfbMm5sCCt
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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."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSJcjnj6paJ
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7TsULLeln6
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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."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjWhXMj1fqo
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu63OGR6Vpw
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFtEIE8svQ
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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?"475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqFjq9ljPw
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbkQ7MktDS
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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."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkKrlNAq5M
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkueT1diUz
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ6dY7XNIa
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHe5aFN483K
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSaqwrGhNei
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmwG6dZ9qoj
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmGDFvzhGoK
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yiSm1vtTs
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxukAwun0VH
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP9Ekts27qy
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZDTWlgJtNT
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJJ2f6EfEe
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAd9Rb0faQ
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw1SH02rwKW
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“I can’t answer that.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfR4bh8rIU6
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡURHd1u8Rgx
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq7qonKKGfj
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTCX6maNpAj
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1nAj5LOzKa
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcJ8b2Sf4Fb
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5uylsweJ9C
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOyd1FfhFY
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc30vKr7N3M
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpo2aT6G92e
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCmS0m73AAr
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGukMqJjkK2
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFNQ1nIvz1x
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwPk1R3Ivc
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***475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0tLMEEcRua
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aZOefgWVM
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlCUD0X7ckP
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwCPeWdI8v
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsfJVjvl0cW
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9zH9VTIvcy
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaDzHf8bSnH
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxTQcafYuay
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV6RlYkJjsy
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Yzh3bTgF8
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“Kim texted me,” he said.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAE87K0zpUs
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBe5iqIUEl
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjEPcVHtjdH
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB0XrR3um7F
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBK6E1so5RV
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“What did she say?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOcbKSEngtz
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“Just a simple hello.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ivhrHUv6P
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“And did you reply?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9vnGzQIzVt
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“Of course, I did.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEOYYYJ23Uw
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“And…?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhEKMBZfKhD
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB921RENlLi
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“You better see what that message says.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1alOOyR2V
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCF1wcX2ztR
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbUX3M0ZKP2
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL2tau6BPfJ
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDrYW61tjb
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVh7seVRAhq
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4GLsxet72W
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOZ2UXexNQl
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVhiReeZ8j
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“The less who know, the better.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXujGKhpHjv
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlxRSny2w7W
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIHlMiu5Y4X
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs3MzuJ29Mb
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe8SZBdBWtB
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ18PWcvPMZo
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGfFfAp1uKk
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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?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOd7tB0I4g
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgFWzWeX3LH
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrLA3DXevef
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTzH7ZQybh
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hEQmx47ii
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrEPXH1XUnS
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdNkXwBKYH
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1T3rOt1pra
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPmX1NAaKBy
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0Shbq8VdE
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxz6Xw7nu25
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFwZ0ghvYs
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV4CmiFGeLl
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡseKFhxzjT1
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxexghFMiw
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The two laughed.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEFukRZk3K9
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc3qKQmzKRY
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WDzce7WTs
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgEbTDxWtCv
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***475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmcV0yNL8O
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT9tWmTcak
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwa78wFCLW6
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8v8827tlj5
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL6XS5HEZhM
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTejMkknHgo
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22kGl1wJDI
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeT0ISPsnVt
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjZuCJu8Xcl
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8MwvDxYODE
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡky7xNngP9p
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1PvmdpColk
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZx3rKQDNZL
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKcyJfWH20
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrYgqTnQxjk
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVG0RIVNjV6
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdoy80V7lP8
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLYy5K1QPr
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyCbv2XFiq7
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIxzW3XmNbu
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdNlroEDRE
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2T8jLDcjB
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmIApZ90sxH
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMK5uo1R9p
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt6qQ590oa
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDBN0E9FSg
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVx3uIXsSx
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLayC8s4PI0
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWL5A1GGmvw
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0G17F2AbEE
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQZjHrahMJM
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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?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtP1z5CZHtg
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOwaiIIiYY3
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJT10ERWHWK
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ8AtwbjqKd
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT6yfhC3A79
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGihR8C307z
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU88K1gf46S
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgdM0iGCwxI
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOuPZ4Bg6eg
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8vdPZPDA9w
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQp9hN6Hy53
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvHhABBy8z
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINfe1IdMyu
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zAHvXDpoB
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlsqDfQZOv
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfAlZC6OwW
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdS1bjN5yUF
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“I won’t.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwjIewol9P
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe4lrzyDOiB
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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?475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡean1M9XTsi
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawkHZvEjp2
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm9VzxtVqN4
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxkE4XqKmm
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD1Jax3z9bv
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGE1KjIeGa
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNt1g4FX06
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkQLNTL2Fk
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdgAlbrzlQq
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdwcDCLMSSL
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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?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqRAiCTIJ3
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnTIqp4CdL
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSkwIpNm6BN
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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?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUcTEdWi8sa
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfuPhDQAn59
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG5NEqN8zGQ
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZFPgOBroUm
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoszf8Keckk
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlBtdS4cLl1
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡglfg1WcJ24
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNw3rVf8Oi
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKbe6d6mYmG
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡczoBBZSt2x
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXtxrMZvEZt
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ85RWq41Dco
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsj2zcFNWp
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlgZgeSZp1Y
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH3CKv2hvFn
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQfjAP1rZl
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8jB6GTzBgr
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTbEQNqC6y
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrL0UhXHy8r
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPPOdZerg1v
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRKm7dQ5aj
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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?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8K7w6TrB8v
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMJ6xsdHux
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0o4UwgCpF
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqs8MrqazWD
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡykaQOIEAnd
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWj9V0iphF
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCeOp7KgvMk
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPRwwsmpSz
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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?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQpMldxgPZ4
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sWm6vnrO2
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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?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv7gVd8hAKh
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZdiq060kTx
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqCFiIDCB6
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfhcOsQl6KR
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTGSzdtzfRQ
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy1vJLPUInl
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMNuMDPo7Vc
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf5opoPKgq
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYH33DaTmbv
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1aX5PNQMS0
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCoTUNS2Vc8
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhODU1HqF8B
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrmRo5bY2i
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdFSG6jFjuy
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc2k3DZLrBz
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCVPZJEDyG
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKRoV8NeFHG
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLczOclJxu
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeQ7XQXurcl
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0CuJk05gau
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYdIup092Ba
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9RCO9VQVrj
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5RJrgHdEzL
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpGcb58RXEH
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOSrUujuJB
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRzP9VoQITB
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbdVJn4Yba
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"Yes.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQnpoY3GUND
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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?”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZYK0fcx3Zp
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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.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWLUgBX3Io8
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9kw8DvmOTZ
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwscLGs8zr4
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRWr0TwBqF
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOORNZVZMYy
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViMhfr3wBe
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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.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iD1p86Rbx
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhtkfFWcceW
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”475Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg3lGlXnbuN
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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 protection471ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3hBCzN8akR 維尼

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