Chapter 16: Riley, You’ve Successfully Gotten My Attention Ava also saw Riley. She didn’t want Jake to see her.
Clinging to his arm, she whispered, “Honey, let’s go somewhere else.”
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Jake, seemingly ignoring her, kept his gaze fixed on Riley. Perhaps his stare was too intense; Riley looked up and saw him.
‘She frowned.“Why is he everywhere?” she muttered under her breath.
The real estate agent didn’t hear clearly.“Miss Aldrin, what did you say?” Riley laughed awkwardly.“Just talking to myself.”
Intentionally, Jake sat with Ava at the table opposite them. Riley saw them feeding each other.
She sighed. Jake seemed serious this time. They were in the honeymoon phase; how was she supposed to break them up?
Riley lost her appetite. The agent noticed her putting down her chopsticks.“Miss Aldrin, shall we go?”
Riley nodded.“I’ll go pay the bill.”
As she turned, she met Jake’s gaze and was startled. Did he walk without a sound?
Ignoring him, she was about to leave. Jake said, “Riley, what kind of loser are you dating? He wouldn’t even pay the bill.”
Riley remained calm, meeting his gaze.“Sounds like you ever paid when we were together.” Jake’s face flushed. She was right; during their three years together, he had never paid. But was that an excuse for her to cheat on him?
He felt a surge of anger.“Who is he? How dare you compare him
“And who are you to care who I have dinner with?”
Ignoring his darkening expression, Riley left.
me?”
Jake stared at her and the agent, his face darkening, his fists clenched.
Ava approached, timidly.“Honey, do you still care about Riley?”
Jake instantly denied it.“No! I don’t like her. Let’s go.”
He stormed out. Ava clenched her fists. She hadn’t finished eating, but he had left. She followed him.
In Jake’s car, Ava cautiously observed his expression. “Honey, I want to stay with you.”
Jake started the car.“I’m busy this afternoon. I’ll take you back to the university.”
He saw Riley and the man at the electric scooter parking area. They were talking, and then Riley hopped on the back of the scooter.
Jake’s face turned green. He sped towards them, blocking their way.
Riley was speechless. What was wrong with him?
Aya rolled down the window, smiling.“Riley, is this your boyfriend?”
Filey ignored her, looking at Jake.“You’re blocking the way. Please move your car.”
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Chapter 16: Riley, You’ve Successful…
Jake’s anger flared at her detached tone. He sneered,“What, your boyfriend can’t even afford four–wheel drive?”
Riley was irritated by his childishness.“It’s none of your business.”
Jake shrugged.“Considering we know each other, my girlfriend said I should give you a ride? The agent, sensing the tension, quickly said, “Miss Aldrin, let’s reschedule or I’ll have my female colleague come over.”
Riley smiled.“I’m sorry to have wasted your tíme,”
Jake, realizing what was going on, relaxed his expression and moved his car. The agent quickly
left.
Riley ignored Jake and walked away. Soon, Jake’s car pulled up beside her.“Riley, get in. I’ll drive you back.”
Riley ignored him.
Jake’s face darkened. He raised his voice,“Riley, are you deaf? Get in the car!” Riley was annoyed.“Are you crazy? Leave me alone!”
Jake’s face turned black. Riley used to be obedient and polite, now she was yelling at him on a
street.
He realized she was angry about him and Ava, deliberately provoking him to get his attention. It had worked.
A
smug
look appeared on Jake’s face.“Riley, is this your new tactic?”
Riley ignored him and continued to walk. It was difficult to hail a cab in this busy commercial area, so she decided to get an Uber.
The early winter in New York was damp and cold. Riley shivered as she waited. The app that there were no available cars.
showed
Suddenly, a black G–Class stopped in front of her. She assumed it was Jake. “You’re She stopped, recognizing the familiar vehicle. The window rolled down, revealing Peter’s grin.“Wow, Riley, what a coincidence!”
want to deal with this playboy,
Riley instinctively stepped back. She didn’t
“Riley, where are you going? I’ll give you a ride.” Riley shook her head.“No, thanks. I’m taking an Uber.”
Peter pouted.“Don’t say no to me. Get in. It’s snowing.”
Riley hesitated, then saw Jake’s car approaching. Rather than deal with Jake, she got in Peter’s car.
“Thank you, Mr. Brown.”
She got into the backseat, under Jake’s angry gaze. She saw Liam in the car. Riley was stunned, greeting him politely.“Mr. Fowler, what a small world.” Liam frowned, clearly disliking her calling him that way. He glanced at her.“What are you doing here?”