“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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOyaFUYsdrr
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“Hello, am I interrupting anything?” came a voice, bringing her out of her thoughts.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVqQjNKMoxy
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBEP8ZOKyt
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“Uh-yes, I’m fine,” Angel quickly answered as she felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPVaRa2zWEy
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“You’re the new girl, right?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlZnm22Pen5
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRSYK3PwwIw
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“Yes, I am,” she quickly answered again. “Angel Barclay, nice to meet you. You’re…?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4t9PBDCVl
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZ1nfirjDa
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq6xrUvf72n
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“With your looks, you’ll be the talk for a month. I can guarantee that.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzh3zYyGZ7
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Angel nervously chuckled. “Don’t say that. I personally don't think so.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLQXjaxGa4E
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“Well, I do.” He looked at the files in her hands. “May I carry them for you? They look heavy.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFoiLtNtALQ
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“Ah, no thanks,” Angel quickly refused. “They aren’t heavy at all.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPWdAS9hiz
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“You sure? Here, let me help.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1pJa0VUM7
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg35LDFwOzq
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“Thanks,” Angel managed to say.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr01Sy2vVtU
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“Are you walking over to your desk?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxk69euYJj7
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ0hR79qW2d
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Derrick put the files on her desk. “I see you’ve a lot to work on.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMR4AzgJRi
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7xUAFxRlv
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“I hear you'll be working closely with Mrs. Lance. You better buckle up. The woman is hard to please.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp9GGlXCdxh
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“Ya, I’ve been warned. But I’ll do all I can to work hard.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqCSkHpzwxb
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0BAFWrUbVN
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtloW8res3j
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“Ah, I see. People are already asking you out?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8mS42fVTo
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs08Vam3Y6v
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Derrick raised an eyebrow and a smile soon came across his face. “Maybe another time. How does that sound?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj75WfsH397
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Angel quickly shook her head. “That will be great. Thanks for helping me carry these files.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjyWyfQ1ne
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“You’re welcome. It’s nice meeting you. I’ll see you around?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzcoJ93XXI6
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“Ya, I’ll see you.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZHsO46ST5L
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLOWFYfCjC8
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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:522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfG3WeowstM
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“Excuse me, it’s Angel, right?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucOXiuth3N
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhuziLb1wrb
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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-?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRsJTRa9m4b
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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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmhbqBj5agE
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"Maybe it's because I'm new here," said Angel, trying her best to stress a point kindly.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCtKREmtqHX
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"Or maybe it's because you're just too pretty," Sabrina gave Angel a flashy smile.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡASNhdItD4g
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Angel playfully shrugged her shoulders. "I can't be too sure about that."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsVOwMLvtY
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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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBApI6jXmz5
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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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHxACFFsIoj
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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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3re6zTd4v
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"Okay, but what does that have to do with me? I just met him."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5EjUWgQfUT
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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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLXzS10XsO2
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"Oh, I see. But that doesn't mean he likes me or anything, right?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoptJNU0K8m
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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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxXm0iJkIL
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhmE94aNjDw
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"Not that I know of," Sabrina answered her. "Angel, this is Beatrix."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR27vQPx05f
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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?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1Ka6RlvDJ
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"It's okay," said Angel. "It's nice to meet you, Beatrix."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs2A1ibLXv8
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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."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ03xgEtS6JP
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"You see," Sabrina said to Angel with a smile on her face.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPLhzac3Rj
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"I'm not going to say anything," said Angel. "You obviously know him better than I do."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0QWK2bNka
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"Just admit it. He has his eye on you."522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNYtcA4QQ1W
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Angel blushed. She looked to the floor, hoping that the other two wouldn’t notice.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡberHiHerwc
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"If you managed to get his attention, what more of the other male folk around here who are single?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXiHnQ6NU0E
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ87aWnthHOA
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“Was it like this at your previous workplace? I hear you worked for some editing company, right?” Beatrix asked.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdzT56zZKRp
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSI3sya1Jaw
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“Anyway, since you’re close with Eric and Leo, I bet you have their attention too,” said Sabrina.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe7sUVODbqN
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“Oh, no, I don’t think so,” Angel was quick to deny.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCXBWrA8CdC
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8nA6mNtMyM
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡezcYJKfUDR
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpNf7DRuBO
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“I can’t answer that.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBb3Em9Lw2A
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Sabrina drew herself closer, dragging the chair with her. “Why not?” she asked. “Is it that bad?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8NZQGe33C
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“No one actually knows why Leo broke things off with Kim, and so does she.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhI9ONxQHRt
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“Oh, darn!” Beatrix clicked her tongue. “Everyone around here also says the same thing.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNRnazqtRS
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMfaJcNqD0
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCZvy6IkuZ
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“Well, he does have an attitude, I can agree on that," said Angel.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu8MJEhFTOH
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“How do you handle him? Doesn’t he get on your nerves?” Beatrix asked.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpoeUQNE4W
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“Sometimes. But he isn’t that bad.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ2we2hPQXG
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Jpz1Ad4Qq
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You and me both, Angel thought. “I better start working on these files.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnb963h8g8
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“Oh, ya, sure,” said Beatrix, “sorry for disturbing you.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGtgzE4Zxn
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqbAaSwm4DH
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOs9IHd8N0M
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***522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3owtPtAvU
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjNf2fEHuYq
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYx1UMJ8sm
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnpqadjqlMz
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltrpbzzkNZ
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwyzYQ9k3nx
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“What’s up with you, grumpy?” Eric asked as he came to sit on the chair, facing Leo.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3Et0GUM64
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“Why don’t you ever knock when you come in?” Leo asked as he folded his arms.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhrKCDO7wHw
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“I’m sorry, but I already know you’re used to it. So what’s up?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnHThO854D
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ96WIXYx4i
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“Kim texted me,” he said.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0QJAf0mjo
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“Whoa, Kim texted you?” Eric for some reason didn’t look at all surprised. “How come?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAizX5fXMDn
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“Angel and I met her at the café where we bought croissants.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQjG1F2bw6I
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“Why didn’t you tell me?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrUfs9B5pAJ
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“It didn’t matter then, but it does now. She just texted me.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZF2RKCBbUV
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“What did she say?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmjvGQSFODG
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“Just a simple hello.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor4Bdi4B8p
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“And did you reply?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgTJdLsmH9I
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“Of course, I did.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl1KFICiYOM
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“And…?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡacseNP5kc5
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“She texted back and I haven’t read the message.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuwfrFhHjoJ
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“You better see what that message says.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVGvOnyQtM
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡihlVOj2bce
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“You’re right. I’m impressed with how much you know women, nowadays.” Eric gave him an encouraging smile.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgDRF51F9cq
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDf4ApHvKgf
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“You’ll never know what you’ve to do if you don’t read the message.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYa5triswy
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfxl0Et0zGz
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy2IIsDLB5g
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKKscXSIUW
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡollRYSiz8h
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69zI5g6Blo
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“The less who know, the better.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCjubr9Ide
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“Sooner or later, you’ll have to tell Kim the truth. If anything, she deserves it more than anyone.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7UyFgBGOy
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡubWY9GETuz
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“What did you tell her?” Eric couldn’t help but look on curiously at Leo’s phone.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM3np6G80u5
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“I told her we can meet,” Leo answered,522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡECFymBNu7n
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“WHAT!” Eric held his head, not believing what Leo said. “I don’t believe you. Let me see the message.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqqgI0zQofB
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGqd334hiaG
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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?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS7oJjIsjzq
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“On that part, I don’t know,” Leo answered as he leaned back on his chair, deep in thought.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl52i7T9xZq
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“Well, if you tell her, it will finally give her the chance to move on, don’t you think?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcj92BoOWZt
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“If I do tell her, she’ll kill me.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI1xDLDKU5M
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLh0f4dnUX
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOrHrlgeEbj
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAcCM7e1y9I
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWW739QQLu
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Eric smiled. “Grandma will be glad if she heard those words coming out of that mouth of yours.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk2eGg4nIW
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“I know. Seems like she was right after all. Kim was never good for me.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIADjTttkW8
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“Wait until she finds out that you’re actually in love with Carly.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdjOogQZwWg
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The two cousins looked at each other, imagining the scenario. Eric reacted first.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE9f634DHFM
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwG2PTINRh
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYcSId7YhXf
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS8ANkIvZn6
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The two laughed.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDbTsNCv2ea
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0rBkQj1dVU
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMvQ1jywY8x
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A brief silence passed between them when they suddenly burst out laughing at the same time.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡviPBGQx6x7
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***522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX2kQrxmue1
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"Hey, Miranda, are you okay?"522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQGOfYQBBQa
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqG652AjYS
522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFjm9Wsxwt5
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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRgDNulkVMM
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOFPSEiVtj
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“Scoot over,” Brad insisted as he moved his body closer to hers, forcing her to move.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzoUqf4C60D
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Miranda moved over to the next chair which was empty and Brad finally managed to sit next to her.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9SzAAbUsl
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“What were you looking at?” he asked as he tried to see what's on Miranda’s phone.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69EJrYyUjc
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFH7aQirzPo
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“You seem really fixed on it. I want to see what’s caught your interest.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl2YA0CLbSg
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“Like I told you, it’s nothing. So why don’t you just mind your business?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0xvzy99qSK
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“I would, but I’m not going to this time.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7HCfFJ0CKW
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“You never do.” Miranda gave him a gloomy look.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtVaTPntYDM
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“I say that because something’s been different about you lately.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtket2Sy0OJ
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She raised an eyebrow. “What do you mean?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPZKPHPpycq
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeRCsPzZEwd
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“I had a slight problem with my laptop, that’s all.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd1BiEX9wkH
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd8mEnyPJ8i
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“I’m just busy, that’s all.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwKzs431DVB
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“There’s a difference between being busy and getting distracted. And you, my friend, are distracted.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGewiDaX2Dv
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb5H51jQlLQ
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“So what were you looking at on that phone of yours?” Brad went on to ask.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwmaEwwjpj3
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Miranda looked at him through the corner of her eye. “You really don’t listen, do you?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9oVx4OOT4L
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4EtoLIMsj
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vtGIQYLie
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“Let go of me, Brad,” she warned him.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4wjCareFP4
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“And what if I don’t want to?” he asked with a smirk on his face.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdAoH9RQnHo
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“You’re hurting me. Why are you being such a prick?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwhYKmg1SZi
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡph4DNXrqJO
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXHzDhNiLf
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiW3TyilxK
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCOw5DazplI
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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?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpfUX2HgmgT
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“When the time is right,” said Miranda, doing her best not to sound nervous.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsLHEJMFzPX
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“So who is this guy, anyway?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvjEB2c74eG
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT8fm60RK5A
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnIW9EKZum
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“Whoa, where do you think you’re going?” Leo asked, still seated behind his desk.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ13DhoESAZQ
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“I’m going out for lunch,” Eric answered, heading for the door.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY41xdNdeTW
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“You look like you’re going to the bathroom.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1WxFqBIboQ
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“I’m taking Angel out,” Eric said with a proud look on his face.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQrlUQKC57S
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Leo couldn’t help but roll his eyes. “Oh, you’re going out with Angel, then?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7j23gh7DbJ
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“Yep. Wipe that sour look on your face. Or are you upset that you have to go out with Kim?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0asyqOOWOE
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“I couldn’t care less about that. Besides, having lunch with Angel doesn’t appeal to me.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIqtJPHFLY
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz74XKvlHpm
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVJXO5wDBi
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDXeoKggk3R
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“I beg to differ.” Leo’s face became even more serious.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFFlp9y2UgL
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5OvYzBKDU
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“I won’t.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gioWv6m72
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Eric gave his cousin a concerned look. “I sure hope so. I’m off. See you later.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3al4L0Ia9c
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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?522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo2FUYJ6r0
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ09U2ExWxDy
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOk3yM7AEb4
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2NoMqkvh1x
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“I bet you’re hungry, huh?” Eric asked as he and Angel finally got out of the complex building.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo5zUbuSTKO
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"You can say that again,” she said turning to look at Eric. "I’m so famished for my first day.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cF0K6benS
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQm6HSVgbhd
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0YnKGusZ8Z
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ865FZrJLM3
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvF6wJfZZx
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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?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡThe1solpfa
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1eDL25ie6N
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSgaa1mmo8A
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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?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODUG0YjRs2
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uv2cHp16F
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAhkN7RX4j
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9g9xzPAi65
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2sUMjpU51b
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeOwJk0aEvx
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3AB2occOhW
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4gJYShO3TY
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"I’m glad,” said Eric. "I thought you would be upset or something.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiNIrmS2wLD
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"I’ve received such comments before, so I’m not.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyTJMcDYPVH
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Eric clicked his tongue as he shrugged. "You would, obviously. I also shouldn’t be surprised.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kpd0hE38I
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnaiN7HbdG
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡweyUSgepyX
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tCWQYTE9b
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"Well, the food is on me, so I won’t mind if you order countless dishes.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi9EnskUmOq
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"Thanks,” this time she laughed. "But even if I’m so hungry, I don’t eat that much.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGiRgJhKyPZ
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"Just letting you know that the offer is on the table. Ah! Here we are.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAaEw1K8zM
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9WMmWIkR1J
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"Shall we?” Eric held the door to the restaurant open as he waited for her.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYVQQPiqDl
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Angel shook herself from her daydream and went through the open door.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZ3eTKNMZI
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQLKqgVR76l
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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?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFG4AzK3ZGP
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"That’s if it’s free,” Eric answered.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwi1Qfhqez
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"Well, you’re just in luck. Please, follow me.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMCxK2CWm8w
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFmZWRYtzxN
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"The waiter seems to know you very well,” said Angel as she picked up the menu card on the table.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSbTiChrjE
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"I come here a lot,” said Eric as he also picked up the other menu on his side.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxOUvBom6d
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Angel said nothing as she smiled and looked at the menu.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Csmx5tVSj
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"It’s sad that Leo couldn’t join us,” said Eric.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUsPQP5AyD6
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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?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9X93jruhR1
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipHKyRYN1a
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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?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mdPe2Wu79
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"Because he’s having lunch with Kim. He must be heading to her as we speak.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJmGtpudlT
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Angel raised her eyes from the menu. "Kim? We met her when we went to buy croissants this morning.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7g3GpYooP5
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"He told me. She actually texted him that she wanted to meet. And he agreed to do so.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxVQ0vOVWqS
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiDTZDBEaT7
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfVCWNQEm9
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkYG13stUT
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXW5Jk9V8gs
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"Now that you mention it, I fear it will turn out to be a disaster.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3HLQn53ey
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjrj9LmoER
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPZLlPwbhT
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"What are you doing?” Angel asked.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeIi6iQcXLk
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"Calling Leo so that he won’t tell Kim the truth,” Eric answered as he looked through his phone.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCi2QbAjNp6
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUEn1XZkJEa
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"You’re probably right,” Eric put his phone aside on the table and looked at Angel.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2INgwwkkPD
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzjq8l1pJlv
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"I agree.” Eric quickly took his phone and went on to call Leo.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8qspClmfJ4
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88wn1JfIbD
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"Hello?” came Leo’s voice.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZSPiaD4R2
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"Thank goodness, you picked the call,” said Eric. "We were starting to get worried.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lE0gvKsdh
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"By ‘we’ you mean, you and Angel?” Leo sounded unconvinced.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnxaaoOEukH
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"It might seem unbelievable, but it’s true.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQjdyRYaCe
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Leo sighed. "Get to the point. Why are you calling me?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1unL5EhCEJ
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"Are you heading to lunch with Kim right now?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWUaI3tLZ1Q
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"I was about to enter the car and head there. What’s up?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1yqIMLoojg
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"Quick question. Are you going to tell Kim the truth?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqRTP3W4za
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"The truth about what? Why I didn’t marry her?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5hwa48CRn
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"Yes.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbaeJDj19Nj
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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?”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuskKrmndOK
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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.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFjFg7g38z
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"Nah, you got this all under control,” Eric quickly pointed out. "I trust that you’ll do the right thing.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsSxpIb9zi
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbFVfL14jKj
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"I believe you. You’ve a nice lunch.” Eric cut the call.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnGLzl8DKYV
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"What did he say?” Angel quickly asked.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2lCHrG6OO6
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSnKce31TR
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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.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdnyGXBwU08
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The two looked at each other in silence, again. They both shook their heads as they picked up their menus.522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAO9hYeHIu6
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"Leo has this under control,” Eric assured her. "We’ve nothing to worry about.”522Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDYoryG785
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"Ya, you’re right,” said Angel as she looked at the menu, holding it tight. She really hoped that Eric is right.
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