"How come you're here?" Fleming Mercer set his bag down and turned to face

her.

Esmeralda Mercer felt a strange, indescribable awkwardness, mixed with

emotions she didn't dare examine too closely.

"I just brought you a jacket." She held up the coat in her hands, as if she needed to prove she hadn't been eavesdropping.

Adrian rubbed the bridge of his nose, suddenly feeling more out of place than ever-even though, technically, he was just an outsider.

He barely knew Fleming's fiancée; after all, Fleming never mentioned her. But for her to overhear that conversation just now... It didn't seem right.

"Alright then, why don't I give you two some time alone?" Adrian flashed Esmeralda a friendly smile, doing his best to seem welcoming before stepping out. He even closed the door gently behind him.

Esmeralda hesitated, remembering that Adrian was closer to Lucy. He'd probably take Lucy's side, if it ever came to that.

"Okay," she murmured, nodding.

Finally, she walked farther into the room and handed the jacket to Fleming. "Have you settled in here yet?"

Fleming would offer some explanation for what she'd heard. Something like, "It was just a joke," or

she was embarrassingly

and walked toward the bathroom, tossing it into the washing machine. "Almost

was always quiet and reserved, rarely wasting words.

felt a pang of

him put her worn clothes into the machine, wondering-Did he find her dirty

it, she mustered up her courage and asked, "Were you talking to Lucy just

clothes in the closet.

out the little bit of

with her fingers, her voice barely above

a small jade pendant hanging from Fleming's phone-something she'd never seen before. It was unique,

touch it. "Didn't

good look, Fleming abruptly set down the hanger,

though his tone wasn't overtly angry, Esmeralda could sense his displeasure. The shift in his demeanor

like a stranger,

his thumb over the jade charm a rare softness flickering in his eyes. Then, catching himself, he tucked his phone away and looked at her.

effect, asking her

wasn't stupid-she could tell how important that little

panicked

mind drifted

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255