Chapter 141
I hesitated a little before taking it. “Thank you.”
Oh no. I just remembered–I still had his other handkerchief with me!
After dabbing my eyes with this new one, I said timidly, “Um, I’ll return this after I wash-”
“It’s alright. You can pass it to me,” Soren said, taking the handkerchief.
I stared intently at my food, hoping to hide my burning cheeks.
Once we finished our meal, I summoned a waitress for the bill. However, she informed me that it had already been paid.
“By whom?” I exclaimed.
“Soren, duh!” Soleil chirped, leaping to her feet.
I rose from my seat, too.
“Mr. Kenway, the lunch was supposed to be on me!” I protested, flustered.
“Oh, who cares? It’s just a meal, and my brother has too much money to spend. Let him pay for someone he ”
Soren suddenly coughed–loudly and pointedly.
Soleil corrected, “Like I was saying, it’s because there’s a plus–one this time. Me! So we should be the ones footing the bill, ha!”
I blinked, stunned.
What had Soleil been about to say? Someone he… what?
“He likes?” Maybe it was “someone he likes?”
Could Soren… actually like me?!
Soren studied my dumbfounded expression and chuckled. “You can foot the bill next time, I promise.”
I reeled and replied, “Okay. Promise.”
“Next time.” Oh my God, that meant at least one more “date” was coming! Yassss!
“Thank you for the meal, then,” I added as we stepped out of the Pride Room.
“Really? You make it sound like it was some sort of royal favor!” Soleil teased. “By the way, I’m heading to Lundyn next month. I was wondering if you could make me a bespoke dress similar to my mom’s Rococo–inspired gown! Ren said you already have some designs like it. May I?”
I nodded happily. “Of course! You should just come with me right away!”
“Yay!” She looped her arm around mine. “Bye, Ren! You’re on your own now.”
Soren smiled at us with unmistakable fondness. “Don’t be a troublemaker and a distraction, Sol. Go home as soon as you’re done.”
“Gee. Way to show your confidence in me. I’m not three!”
“I know you’re not. You’re even more troublesome than that,” Soren quipped.
+25 BONUS
Chapter 141
“Hey!”
As we reached the main hall, Jean approached us.
Soleil’s attention immediately snapped to her.
“Oh my God, Jeannie!” She gasped. “How?!”
“Her family owns the Oriole,” I explained.
“Oh my God! This is a small world after all!”
Soleil spent a lot of time abroad–either refining her craft, hrowing concerts, or participating in performances.
Even when she was home, she mostly stayed within her musicians‘ circle. There were plenty of things she didn’t know about her fellow socialites and elites.
Meanwhile, I had already informed Jean about Soleil’s true heritage after Lisbeth’s birthday party, so she wasn’t at all surprised to see her.
“Hello to you too, Soleil!”
Jean then addressed Soren, “Good afternoon, Mr. Kenway.
Likewise, Miss Valentine.”
Soleil studied us both and sighed. “The universe really wants us to know each other, huh?”
“Wait till you find out the chef here is the same one who works at your place,” I said.
“No way! That’s insane!” she exclaimed.
