Chapter 20: Spying
Ava panicked, then she smiled.“I begged the dorm matron for ages to let me out.” “It wasn’t necessary. I was just drunk,”
“But I was worried! I couldn’t sleep without seeing you.”
As Ava clung to him, Jake thought of Riley, Riley’s concern had been superficial; Ava’s was genuine.
Jake hugged her.“Thank you, honey. You even made me hangover
hangover soup.”
Ava stiffened.“Hangover soup?”
Jake frowned, noticing her expression.“Didn’t you make it?”
Ava quickly responded, “I just learned how to make it. It wasn’t very good.”
“It was delicious. I love it.”
After breakfast, Jake took Ava to school. She hugged him, reluctant to let go. Jake coaxed her gently.“Be good, sweetheart. I’ll treat you to something yummy after class, alright?”
Then he saw a familiar figure getting off a bus. Riley was coming to school at this time? Hadn’t she stayed at her apartment last night?
Suppressing the urge to confront her, Jake calmed Ava and watched her enter the school. When he looked back, Riley was gone.
Impulsively, he parked beneath her apartment building and looked up at her floor. He soon saw her on the balcony, talking on the phone.
Jake instinctively ducked down, avoiding her sight. He sat up straight only after she went inside. With a sigh, he drove away.
Riley returned to the dorm and received a call from Chloe, who was inviting her to dinner. She grabbed Liam’s scarf, planning to return it to him.
They met at their usual restaurant. Riley expected a girls‘ night, but Chloe’s boyfriend was there. He was tall and handsome, the ideal type for Chloe. He was indeed charming Chloe whispered, linking arms with Riley, “What do you think of
Riley nodded.“Good taste.” She asked, “What’s his name?”
The young man introduced himself, “I’m Noah.”
That was a cute name. Riley chuckled awkwardly, “Call me Riley.”
my puppy?
Noah smiled brightly, resting his head on Chloe’s shoulder. Riley felt awkward, wanting to leave. She texted Chloe: What am I doing here? Ruining your date?
Chloe replied, “Oh, I wanted to introduce you to him.
Riley glanced up at Noah and smiled awkwardly. Noah said to Chloe, “Honey, did you say two friends were coming?”
Riley was surprised. “Who else is gonna be here?”
Chloe’s phone rang. She answered. “Hey, are you here? Okay, I’ll pick you up.” She headed for the
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Chapter 20. Spying
door.“Wait here. I’ll be right back.”
Mera
The room was now just Riley and Noah. Riley opened WhatsApp, seeing Liam’s message from last night. She hesitated before sending him an emoji. He replied instantly.
“Is this how fast you can respond to messages?”
Riley chuckled. Noah asked, “What are you laughing about?”
Riley felt uncomfortable with him.
Noah added, “Riley, can I have your number?”
Riley felt he was overstepping. He was Chloe’s boyfriend and was trying to get her number when Chloe wasn’t around. She started to suspect his motives.
She smiled.“Sure.”
He was about to open his phone when she added, “Chloe can give you my number.” Noah’s smile faltered. It was a clear rejection. He could only chuckle awkwardly. Riley checked WhatsApp again. Liam sent her several pleading emojis. She sighed and replied, “I’ll return your scarf today. When are you free?”
A location ping appeared: Fowler Corp. He wanted her to come to his office
“Chloe, look who’s here!”
Before Riley could react, she saw George. She’d been set up.
George approached, smiling.“Riley, it’s been a while.”
Riley was embarrassed. He’d asked to meet her previously, but she’d refused. She hadn’t expected this. She glared at Chloe.
Chloe chuckled, “Let’s have dinner. We’re all old friends, right?”
George sat beside Riley, casually saying, “I heard you broke up with Jake.”
Riley was embarrassed.“Yes.”
George smiled.“Good. Jake’s not right for you.”
Riley didn’t want to continue this topic.“I thought you’d stay abroad.”
“Well, home is better,” he said, looking at Noah. He raised an eyebrow.“Chloe, this your boyfriend?”
Chloe, holding Noah’s arm, smiled sweetly.“Yes, this is Noah. Noah, this is George, a seniorof mine.”
Noah greeted George politely.
Chloe abruptly stood up.“Oh no, I left a document at work. Sorry, enjoy your meal. We’ll hang out again soon.” She dragged Noah away.
Riley saw through her. She stood up.“I have something to do too. Let’s go together.”
Chloe froze, looking at George awkwardly.
George smiled.“Am I that scary? You’re both leaving without finishing your meal?”
Riley looked at Chloe apologetically. Chloe gestured for her to sit.
phone rang, breaking the tension. It was Liam.
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Chapter 20 Spying
Rifey answered, “Hello?”
“Did you see my message?”
Riley realized she’d forgotten to reply him.“Sorry, I forgot.”
“It’s okay. Are you coming over?”
Menu
Riley looked at Chloe, who had sat back down. She couldn’t leave.“I’m having lunch with my friends. I’ll come later.”
There was a pause. Liam’s voice was low.“Okay, I’ll wait. Have a nice lunch. Although I haven’t had lunch either…”
