84 Chapter 36 (1/2)

Blinking lights from the city skysc.r.a.pers and the dancing advertis.e.m.e.nts on billboards and projectors illuminated the cityscape while glittering falling snow blanketed the paved walkway and asphalt road. The people confined in thick fabric coats were sprawling like ants, frolicking about the night market sale, adding up to the festive mood.

Inside a Benz Maybach, Aldrick sensed that something was not right with Angel. Ever since she came back from the restroom, he noticed that she was acting a bit . . . odd.

She even made a few mistakes during the shooting, which was extremely rare. She was not like that this morning. Something must have happened.

The face of Eric Phelps appeared in his mind before he completely shook it off.

Angel couldn't fall for a guy like that.

No looks, no decent job, no car, no house.

Aldrick didn't know that Eric was a handsome man beneath his unappealing exterior. He wasn't informed about that part since, for some odd reasons, all the women and men present at that time decided to keep it to themselves for different reasons.

For the men, who on earth would gossip about a man who was more handsome than them? It was best to let others know that Eric was a nerd. Less compet.i.tion for them.

While for the women, it was a straightforward reason that they didn't want more contestant lining for Eric's attention.

”You okay?” Aldrick asked after a moment of silence.

Not glancing at him, Angel answered, boredom in her tone, ”I'm fine.”

Aldrick smiled, reaching out for her hand, wanting to hold hands like they always did whenever they were alone. Only, he didn't know if it was something he did or said, or Angel was really exhausted when she retracted her hand in silence, and rubbed her eyes before resting her hands on her lap, away from his reach.

He didn't mind and asked with a gentle voice, ”Where do you want to eat dinner? Should I reserve your favorite restaurant?”

Angel, who was feeling annoyed, depressed, and frustrated at the same time all at once, didn't reply. She was still feeling emotional when Eric rejected her and avoided her like he was avoiding a rabid dog.

She couldn't believe her charms and tactics didn't work against him!

Silently nibbling her thumb, all kinds of ideas and schemes flowed inside her head to get Eric to say the words 'I love you' to her.

Then her deflated mood brightened when her eyes caught something or . . . someone.

Since traffic was horrible at this time, the car was moving extremely slow. Thus, she caught a familiar face.

Nothing beats a deflated mood than to have it fixed by bathing in the misery of others. Her favorite mood remedy, watching others jealous and envy stares at her.

”Aldrick, I have something to buy at that convenience store. Can you park somewhere nearby?” Angel beamed, and Aldrick complied.

Once parked, they covered themselves enough so the public wouldn't recognize them. But of course, Angel was confident that woman would recognize them at first glance, especially the man beside her.

They got out of the car, and Angel took the initiative to interlaced her fingers with Aldrick, which made the latter smile in contentment. His eyes beneath his sungla.s.ses softened as his whole person radiated happiness.

But his happiness died down like burning ravaging flames doused by the arctic ocean when he saw the familiar figure behind the counter the moment they entered the convenience store. The softness in his eyes vanished, replaced by harshness while his body emanated hostility and disgust. His hand unconsciously grasped his Patek Philippe watch when his left wrist itched.

Satele, who finished arranging some stocks outside the store, quickly tottered in the comforting warmth inside while she stood behind the counter.

People were busy buying stuff at the night market a few meters away from the store's location. Thus the little store she was working was near empty at the moment since all were crowding at the other side of the street for the night sale.

The moment the twinkling bell made a sound, she made her usual greetings. And her voice got stuck in her throat when she saw the man who went inside together with a woman. Her vision focused solely on the man. The tiredness on her face disappeared, replaced by a light feeling like the warm, refreshing spring kissed her exhaustion away.

”Aldrick . . .”