Chapter 21: A Delicate Atmosphere
Chapter 21: A Delicate Atmosphere
Menu
Riley stared blankly. What the hell was Liam talking about? It felt like he was speaking in riddles, all veiled hints and unspoken implications.
“You didn’t eat breakfast?” she asked.
“Nope.”
“Then go get something. No need to wait for me.”
“It’s okay. I’m not familiar with the area around the office. You know, I just got back from overseas, and I don’t really have any friends here yet.”
“You have so many friends they’re practically living in a retirement home. Don’t give me that ‘no friends‘ line,” Riley retorted, instantly seeing through his act.
There was a long pause on the other end before Liam finally spoke.“Go have dinner with your friend. Friends are more important.”
Without waiting for a response, he hung up.
Riley stared at her dead phone, utterly bewildered.
“Riley, who was that?” Chloe asked, her curiosity piqued.
Riley put her phone away, offering a casual, “Just a friend.” She slumped back in her chair.
Chloe leaned in, whispering conspiratorially, “Riley, don’t bail on me! I promised Qin’s big shot son I’d be here.”
Riley sighed, a low murmur of agreement.
Chloe’s face lit up.“Okay, then! My boyfriend and I are off. Don’t want to interrupt your… dinner.” She practically dragged her “puppy” out of the private room before Riley could even respond.
Riley sighed again, a weary sound. She really didn’t want to deal with George, but this time, there was no escaping it.
George, sitting across from her, took in her expression. He chuckled, a teasing lilt to his voice.“Sq eager to avoid me?”
Riley snapped out of her thoughts, waving a hand dismissively.“No, something just came up. George smiled, his gaze lingering on her.“Riley, how long has it been? Two years? Three?”
Riley pondered for a moment, then replied, “Over two years.”
George murmured to himself, “Two years…”
Riley laughed nervously, shifting the conversation.“How have you been these past two years?”
George shook his head.“Not great, but I’m back now.” Then, as if struck by a sudden thought, he asked, “So, you and Jake… is it true?”
Riley hesitated, then nodded.
George sighed.“I can see you really cared for him. Jake just didn’t appreciate you.” “Appreciate? It’s over. He’s got a new girlfriend.” She picked up the menu and began ordering. George scanned her choices.“I thought you couldn’t get enough spice. What’s with the bland
14.5%
A
Chapter 21: A Delicate Atmosphere
choices?”
Menu
Riley smiled faintly.“My stomach’s
stomach’s been acting up. I need something light.”
George’s concern was evident.“What’s wrong? Stomach ulcers?”
“Something like that,” she replied, pushing the menu across the table.“What do you want? This place does good stir–fries. Wan Wan and I come here often.”
“You pick. I’m not picky.”
Riley’s hand paused on the menu before she nodded.
After ordering, their conversation drifted aimlessly.
“Riley, you’ve changed a lot in these past two years,” George observed.
Riley smiled.“Of course I have.”
You’re even more beautiful. If I hadn’t gone abroad… do you think…” He trailed off.
Riley interrupted firmly, “No.”
George chuckled wryly.“That hasn’t changed. You still don’t give me a chance.”
“George, you know how I am.”
George pressed on, relentlessly hopeful.“But what about Jake? You still haven’t gotten over im?”
Riley shook her head, silent.
George studied her for a long moment before speaking, “To be honest, I was pretty happy when you and Jake broke up.”
Riley stared at him, questioning.
George continued, “I thought I finally had a chance.”
Riley opened her mouth to speak, but George cut her off.“Riley, let me finish.”
She swallowed her words, watching him intently.
bitter smile.“I really liked you, a
George gave Riley sighed wearily.“George, there’s really no need.”
I really couldn’t forget you.”
George shook his head.“You said I was just a fling, that I was just trying to one–up Jake, that didn’t truly like you. But you know the truth. It wasn’t a competition for me. I still don’t where I went wrong.”
Κηδίν
“It’s been years. There’s no need to dwell on who won or lost,” Riley said, her expression unchanging.
George wouldn’t let it go.“Was Jake really that much better?”
Riley remained silent. She couldn’t answer that. Could she tell Jake’s best friend that she’d only been with him because of his looks? Jake would explode if he found out.
Riley offered a vague response, “It’s hard to explain. You’re a great guy, but I’ve already said, I don’t like you that way.”
The
waiter
arrived with their food, interrupting the tense
conversation.
George looked at the dishes, smiling faintly.“Alright, no need for the polite rejection. Let’s eat.” After dinner, Riley packed up leftovers. George teased, “For Jake?”
14.5%
3
Chapter 21: A Delicate Atmosphere
Rifey replied flatly, “No.”
George raised an eyebrow, probing.“Got a new boyfriend?”
“No.”
“I thought since Jake got a girlfriend, you’d get one too.”
Menu
Riley grew increasingly irritated at his constant mention of Jake.“Can you please stop talking about Jake? We broke up ages ago.”
George threw his hands up in mock surrender.“My bad. Don’t be mad.”
“I’m not mad.”
“Where are you going? I’ll drive you.”
Riley shook her head. “I’ll take a cab.”
It’s rush hour. You’ll never get a cab. Are you sure?”
Riley glanced at the time. He was right.
“Then, thanks for the ride.”
She followed George to the parking lot. Riley opened the back door, but George’s voice stopped her from getting in.“Passenger seat.”
Riley joked, “George’s aura is too strong. I don’t dare sit in the front.” Before he could respond, she settled into the back seat.
George chuckled, resigned.“Fine, I’ll be your chauffeur for the day. Give me the address.” As Riley was about to give directions, George spoke again.“Add me on WhatsApp; it’ll be easier to navigate.” He held out his WhatsApp QR code.
Riley, wanting to avoid further argument, added him and
…
sent the address.
Half an hour later, George dropped her off at the Fowler Corporation building. From the driver’s seat, George looked up at the imposing skyscraper.“Your friend works here?” Riley nodded.
George impressed, “Working at Fowler Corporation… quite the elite. Introduce me sometime. Riley offered a polite but vague response, carrying her packed food towards the building. George watched her go, then pulled out his phone and opened WhatsApp. He found Riley’s contact, a subtle smirk playing on his lips. He scrolled down his contact list, finally locating Jake’s contact. He typed out a message:
[I’m back. Let’s get together sometime.]
