Chapter 165 - Put His Foot Down (1/2)

”Sorry about that,” Emily sniffled. To her surprise, the man offered her a handkerchief as he was on autopilot, handing hankies for every person that he sees crying.

”You can keep it. That's clean,” the man said, pushing the eyeglasses up in his nose bridge.

Dipping his hand inside his pocket, he slightly bowed and turned on his heel where someone down the bathroom hallways was waving his hand in their direction. ”Chief! Room's ready.”

”Thanks. This is awkward.” Emily dangled the hanky up, patting her tear-stained face. She watched the man called Chief walk away, waiting until he turned a corner before entering the ladies' loo.

”You did great. You did great,” she consoled herself as she regarded her reflection in the mirror. She practiced different kinds of smiles, trying her best to look normal even though everyone in the group would notice her discomfort.

But this dinner was not about her. It was about her Livi darling and Maxen. The thought alone made her lips curl up into a natural and beautiful smile.

Who would have thought that all along, the hoodie that Ollie lost was in Olivia's possession?

She took one sharp breath in, pushing up her bra for support. ”You did great, Emily. Keep moving forward.”

When Emily got out of the ladies' loo, she bumped into Maxen and Olivia who just arrived. The traces of her heartbreak vanished, replaced by her signature sunny and charming smile.

”Livi darliiiiing!” she squealed, stretching her arms out for a hug. To her surprise, Olivia's skin felt warm. ”Do you have a fever?” She frowned and planted the back of her hand on Olivia's forehead.

”Just a little under the weather because of my period.”

”Oooh. I remember your little medical scare almost a year ago.” Emily stroked Olivia's arm, hugging her Livi darling one more time before dragging their feet to their private room.

Inside, Wyatt, Ollie, and Ava were already seated, with the two men busily talking while Ava was reading something on her phone, stifling a giggle as her eyes moved from left to right. ”Let's go. I think Ollie and Ava have arrived too.”

A hostess ushered them, walking until the far-end of the restaurant's left-wing. She held the door open for them, smiling as they walk past her.

This was Olivia's first time in the said place and her eyes couldn't help but look around, nodding as she appreciated the aesthetics of the place.

Inside their private booth, it was as if one was transported back in time with the rustic interior of wood beams and vintage walnut and caned dining tables and chairs. The mood was furthered set with the warm glow of the chandelier akin to a room lit with candles.

”We're heeeere!” Emily tweeted. She went over to Ava's seat and exchanged hugs and kisses. She stole a quick look at Wyatt and their eyes met briefly. Her heart ached to see his eyes red from their short episode of crying.

The rest inside the room had a hunch the two had a conversation earlier, what with their matching red eyes, but they kept mum, and just let the former lovers pretend that everything was going smoothly for the night.

”What about me?” Oliver teased, breaking the awkward tension in the room. He puckered his lips, which earned a flick on the lips by none other than his wife, Ava.

”Whatever, asshole.” Emily rolled her eyes. ”By the way, congratulations on your new house! I'm so happy for you. Finally! Oliver grew some balls. Yey… not.”

”Yah yah yah...” Oliver scratched his ear, irritated with Emily's cacophony. He hadn't seen her since she left for her soul searching but after hearing her voice, he wanted to send her out again for another trip—around the globe as much as possible.

Looking across the table, Ava noticed Olivia's pale face. ”Livi, are you okay? Must be the time of the month again, huh?”

”Yeah,” Olivia weakly replied. She hated it whenever her period comes for that's when she felt her weakest. It was as if she was hit by a truck every month.

When everyone was seated, Wyatt pushed the button for the host, and soon, a man who looked like a B-list actor stepped in, jotting down their orders.

When their food came, out of habit, Wyatt reached out for Emily's plate, slicing her steak for her. It was too late for her to complain, so she just let him take her plate.