“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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAWi9ybNpEf
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr2MA6uazae
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIuI5U2yF2i
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZRwct8HACj
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“You’re the new girl, right?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQy7QYqLej
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw3t0jFa2EO
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIn09lux5Nt
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE2Bm34ipdG
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfUr9SkdEr
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFUEDif8sDy
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWwGfAcAoc
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lHjMmydyw
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtoeRyYuQOW
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTToW3UStC
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPw0wbwT2D9
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjty5QfG9R
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI2UgFZlVQp
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGvTBpwaHvX
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXyVLqrYGG1
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSBevOOEbr
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnQFrRZV7d
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNC61Nl8cQ
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSv1r4Ixdyr
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPjUzdfdACk
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6IGEH2qIpb
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTJkvKSBAmF
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMgugeIMNFq
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2agVnOdZzs
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ95stndPe6i
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPtvhQzfNV
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9aUT1tI7l
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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:471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡngRbjr6yOw
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OLEafLj2j
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡABWLzD5ugr
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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-?"471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCFrd4aRY2v
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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."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeiIen2GlnO
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrHzJEUFW0B
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw6H9ghumWQ
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFxVrkiRX7
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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."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZBYD8tJGUS
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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."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVn6Qkyhayi
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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."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTuKJE96SyD
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxh8Yf6zfBq
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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."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUx10lCQcBS
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgbq7Y4GrV
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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."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3CtfrPtQ9
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ9t9fuJ8sa
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuKzKD7UJU6
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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?"471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtnw6xovopR
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtrKoSM6O8
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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."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVPn6EN21U
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbmmNfCV9mQ
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPOSHzktiW3
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLjNhEWqdNG
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vjCBTXMtK
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBjV0tqW7b6
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTgzsOrr5T
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGtxUKv6Ow
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxJlw2K1fn
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH4kyst5H4K
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIadaRnIYrZ
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH4qiCTBVR
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQKOJGGtEL
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNaMmI6MNsw
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“I can’t answer that.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0uPCll43Z
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJwfyy2V9Z
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf8eT9sRQw9
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1U16rCbgSO
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVANqJA73z
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZfMkb5b41
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsdhcJjoJt
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5vwdB6ORNo
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjJh8vPjpTE
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡViAC5yQBJK
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjCktBCuY3
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrh08xy9rv8
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyEjfJtiDBX
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0V2EjuOtx
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***471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquhDJZeeqR
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBHjiESmg3T
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2yAfPcmrVJ
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXWGWkqjxK8
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXQz1W1hjGw
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf5qb0E4wLO
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJQc5HUEuJ5
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJPg4T0onfC
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrFFRWA40yK
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTsFhKKbnX
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“Kim texted me,” he said.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDmlP63yHT
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWKUUIuYXOf
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuEHaP5kOzU
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkFZ8yGTSsk
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsXj8XfB8c1
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“What did she say?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVoaHQlQxL
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“Just a simple hello.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsFX1u1qY3n
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“And did you reply?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVJHbNbFmMd
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“Of course, I did.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkNNrlRvmYa
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“And…?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbAJ5Dkqgmc
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2z57DoQ3u
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“You better see what that message says.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAZ9sdXT96p
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnJ58dRex9B
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaWtNMgUAc5
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrfe5Sc2uU0
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdQESBpPzGM
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0kdFHKnE3z
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOWAr06DeFC
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONXIIpqamp
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLhtnpcN1B
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“The less who know, the better.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvrxMlK1wvB
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpu9Z3AJXUZ
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiklXlfZy3u
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ45ANARMNRJ
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBoXKHNkyCn
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfTnZC4mCj
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFHa6NDD2qn
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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?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡORYGF0k3Qm
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDPILd9bs6W
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNZ49soxGFN
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYiQGFqh3Fx
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXeChRiPPoI
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi69WKnIfpU
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKU4vmZocNp
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2UCz8WCD6
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDGEt4DQnFD
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZzx1f4HcxW
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIbbMd14f47
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFiYg2gy7ZN
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB34XZYorPI
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvgflEB0yUW
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDvdP1pRIl
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The two laughed.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzA1v0Egwz
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkyVAyzI7Xp
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIiqaL4noSa
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ19oZ8TVSpM
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***471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvt4DIojHxm
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkGKhed7rlL
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3f7uKAfNGh
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFpGdZtVq6c
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIZ3qeFCUq
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWC0yBo49FO
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgqI4VOvyS
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK698gd6Alf
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6GNzHYBd0p
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgBvt02Bi84
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfoZN4scjW
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcMz01EbOZ
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpvp0YslimP
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHexrsOV4XQ
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCJHegIYNA
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXrecgsfbv
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuBCaco1kJ0
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbgeaS7qgp4
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylIhINUO5S
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAP1zmRtwml
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh5JnVmSpz
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ65muthsTp
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS84WKt0q5k
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLDPuFBj4pO
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6aol1cndU
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX94JUG68vz
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlXjbv8XECA
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcaVuSGvVFl
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gZqeEFG1T
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBfaRishMI9
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0WFCElGHHS
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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?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkBDSPiga9
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpqOiC9tbh
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3gIdIps7bq
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPIGCaCokGu
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjp053HV6C
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxWozrZuAJL
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSWX6RCQAmK
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKmap4JP5i
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwuUUKWlsIC
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjFChoWlZ4
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCCfEdfn7xD
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbvs7lF2KHI
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeVNEBASXBy
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt2o8ths5hk
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ75QQHagOmk
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFKwdj9FejS
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUNGtSxAAJ
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“I won’t.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEuUsrVmLLa
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJn8k2aIrOt
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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?471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwbKxD3eqVA
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoEV4ulBZhv
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡumPWob2ezG
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPfKEmmdMq
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***471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXArH7dNDKI
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdbjTZzvGSF
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMBIIrIB4g
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5cB5bkRrz
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDcl1SnTyK
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFo8PPsMaw3
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwZY6FTDzR
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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?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYRtZU3l6WZ
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBns2GxGbK
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlR6IJtZiix
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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?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzo5JxPpYJY
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy4NE07SSIv
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0AdZ7w1Jk
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTK84RKzLQJ
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsces9COvAm
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKrdIX8ZKvs
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lXCM7iWNW
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp8NwdlR0jx
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXYscl3Npc
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNj3D4l6MY
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOBf0rHgxm
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCkm7T6trtI
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnTK11CiY9F
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQA2gfjtXPS
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA5TKuyb8kE
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ094UAPa3Lk
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgxm3j4jfcs
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqYWis7Apn
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R4lGcYgsx
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDuUM4h9WTO
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡANsko3hnWy
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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?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNgbpj5s9lH
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwAmm9Oa7M
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVXhIcPBytt
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKjYBzdswR
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdqCKXh63d
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgAR4hZ3TGh
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehRxRD0KUO
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8ca7LwGsBL
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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?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXVNToypw2
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPK8wkGwvQ
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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?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7rks18odad
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiSsZA3MjC
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvWESOQflVL
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4waCtRuuiE
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5VbC9C5yNN
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZXvKOBALfb
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoErXhodpp0
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh79kDsOIIW
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEK9XBZ1CzS
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2ttCcZ8vNH
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMtgUVmk0Yf
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Afv3Ofhvv
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOvUv0rRH4F
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBZ778NYQ4l
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJEMlI8oO8
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQvgVMwyqTb
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtA25JmGow1
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdYnCdelfdc
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4up9xXkw5r
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGLYuAzsHuo
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoOmzj9afDg
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVB8B9pQpry
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc09j0hQhQx
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbudSUnzqeL
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡahAp4S6PXk
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5GkvDruywk
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwkFbNRgvr1
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"Yes.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisobqGdU2U
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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?”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzH927ZCVwr
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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.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8wsxAeUie
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9YkuK8wnum
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYqrC8MTln
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYidVrwceL
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvz3TKNOhp
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyzip8kBVe2
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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.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkmfAAW5JzC
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIWJo7rYksX
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”471Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQilmoX5r3P
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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 protection467ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3y4mM8F6ij 維尼

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