Chapter 11
My back was soaked with sweat.
Everyone turned to look at me.
“What a coincidence, we have an Arielle in our department too.
“Arielle, why are you wearing a mask today?”
My heart felt like it was about to leap out of my throat.
And Zaiden he was staring straight at me, like he was determined not to miss a single twitch of my face.
I gave a fake cough and lowered my voice on purpose.
“Really… Haha, what a coincidence.
“I’m allergic to pollen. Is your stepdaughter allergic too, Mr. Lowell?”
Mike looked at me, confused. “Since when are you allergic to pollen? How come I didn’t know?”
I wanted to rip his mouth off.
“No,” Zaiden said, still staring.
The lights in the room kept flickering, and I couldn’t read his eyes.
“But she is a great liar.”
I was drenched in sweat.
Luckily, no one pressed the topic.
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Chapter 11
After all, Zaiden was here to manage the company, not like us regular employees.
He was busy every day. Maybe in no time, he’d forget all about the girl who just happened to share his stepdaughter’s name.
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At least, that was what I thought.
But things didn’t go that way.
Zaiden wouldn’t leave me alone.
Go to the cafeteria? He’s at the next table.
Buy coffee? He’s right beside me.
One day, I finally didn’t see him around. I asked Mike to hit the restaurant across the street with me–time for a proper
meal.
Food had just arrived when Zaiden walked in.
Mike was chowing down across from me. He gave me a look–and saw me sitting stiff as a board,
“Why aren’t you eating?”
“You go ahead…”
He smirked like a little devil.
“Don’t mind if I do.”
Then, shamelessly pulled my fresh juice and dessert over to his side.
A tall figure stopped beside us.
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11:04
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Chapter 11
Another glass of juice and a freshly made strawberry cake appeared in front of me.
“Eat.”
I looked up at Zaiden and suddenly felt like crying.
But I clenched my teeth and grabbed Mike’s arm.
“Thanks, but if I wanted it, my boyfriend would’ve gotten it for me.”
The air froze for a second.
Mike looked up, mid–bite
He was a little confused, but–props to him he got it instantly.
He threw an arm around my shoulders and smirked at Zaiden.
“Sorry, man. My honey’s on a diet. Bad timing.”
Zaiden and I were stunned.
Okay. I believe he tried.
Zaiden said nothing, turned, and walked out the door.
I stared blankly at the untouched juice and strawberry cake until his figure disappeared down the street.
Mike seemed to catch on, too. His face turned serious.
“Is he bothering you?”
I shook my head. I didn’t even know where to start.
“Don’t ask. Just pretend to be my boyfriend for now.”
