Lucas brought Carla to a restaurant by the beach that they used to frequent.
The restaurant was beautifully decorated, but Carla wasn't in the mood to enjoy them. She felt really exhausted.
She had run out of words to convince Lucas to change his mind.
The man was still lost in his own world as he grabbed her hands in a pleading manner. "Carla, are you still upset over Marianne? Mom sent her away. I won't see her again, ever!"
"No, it's not that." Carla sighed, feeling weary. "Even if Marianne doesn't exist, we can't get back together."
"Why?" Lucas stared at her in disbelief. "Is it because of Zayn?"
"It has nothing to do with him." Carla gave him an apologetic glance. "Lucas, it was all my fault. I should've rejected you and insisted on remaining friends back then. If I had done that, you might've found happiness by now."
Alas, Lucas paid no heed to her advice. He was engrossed in his own feelings. "No, you're the only one that can make me happy. No one else can do that."
"Lucas…" Before Carla could say more, someone greeted politely, "Mr. Giblo, Ms. Gold, welcome!"
"Did you prepare the stuff I requested for earlier?" A melodious voice rang out.
"Yes, but…" The manager glanced at the couple seated by the window, seemingly torn. "They are VIPs, too. We dare not turn them away."
Both Zayn and Nella followed his gaze and spotted Carla and Lucas at the table by the window. The four of them froze in surprise.
What a coincidence!
The sight of Zayn caused Lucas to bristle in annoyance. He gripped his utensils tightly as hostility blazed in his gaze.
Seeing Zayn together with Nella, Carla felt conflicted.
If that encounter back in Stifling Night was arranged, this must be pure coincidence. Lucas and I decided to come here without making any reservation, but Nella and Zayn must've had a reservation. Looks like they are indeed dating.
Carla looked away and put on a calm front, but her grip on her wineglass was so tight it might shatter any minute.
Zayn felt a wave of fury course through him when he saw Carla together with Lucas.
"It's fine. We're friends, " Nella assured the manager. She took the initiative to greet Carla. "Fancy seeing you here, Ms. Lierger!"
They both made their way to Carla. Zayn placed an arm around Nella's waist nonchalantly, which came as a surprise to the latter.
"Ms. Gold, we meet again, " Carla whirled around and responded.
The sight of Zayn placing his arm around Nella's waist went straight to Carla's heart like an iron shard. The pain turned her inside out.
She pretended to stay calm and flashed a smile, standing up to shake Nella's hand.
Lucas was initially smoking in anger, but the weird situation confused him.
He stared at Zayn, utterly baffled. Why is Zayn with another woman? Carla seems unfazed. She is even greeting the woman politely!
"Do you remember who I am, Sir Lucas?" Nella inquired with a smile.
"You are…" Lucas couldn't recognize her.
"My name is Nella Gold. We've met several times during public events. Perhaps you don't remember who I am, " Nella explained pleasantly. "I didn't expect to see you here. What a coincidence!"
"Oh, I see." Lucas regained his composure and looked at them in bewilderment. "The both of you…"
"We're here for dinner, " Nella revealed. "We'll leave you both to your meal, then."
"Mm." Lucas bobbed his head.
Nella led Zayn to the table right beside them and sat down.
Zayn didn't utter a word throughout the entire exchange. He stood beside Nella silently the whole time.
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