Rising from the Ashes BY Only For You

Chapter 691 Lauren said with a playful smile, "Of course not! If anyone's doing the bullying, it'll be me bullying Dr. Lloyd!"

Francesca rolled her eyes and said, "Lame. Then why did you drag me over here? Just to flaunt your sweet, lovey-dovey moments and make me jealous?"

Lauren gave her a mock glare. "Francesca, we've known each other for years. When have I ever done something disloyal to you?"

Francesca thought for a moment and realized she was right. With a laugh, she said, "Okay, fine. What is it then? You've got that mischievous smile, so spill it already!"

Lauren stared at her intently, so long that Francesca started to feel uncomfortable. Finally, Lauren asked, "Fran, tell me the truth... do you like Andrew?"

Francesca gasped, eyes wide as she quickly lowered her head. "I-I don't know what you're talking about. Of course not! I mean... obviously not!"

Lauren huffed in exasperation. "Fran, do you really think you can fool me? I know you like the back of my hand, so stop with the awkward cover-up. I've seen it for a while now-you like Andrew. And guess what? I don't mind. Not even a little bit."

Francesca's head snapped up in shock. "What? Lauren... you really don't mind?"

when we were kids, we made a pact? We promised that no matter what happened, we'd never break each other's hearts and that

me when those kids bullied me. And I remember you sneaking over to my house to get patched up after that accident because you were scared to tell your mom." "Exactly," Lauren replied with a smile. "We've always had each other's backs. Best friends forever, remember? And best friends

"Share everything, huh? Well, if Andrew's part of that 'good stuff,' then I guess he's just a 'thing' to you now-a bad one,

you like Andrew, and honestly, I'm happy for

wasn't joking. If you feel something there,

heart raced,

muttered, "Okay... fine. I admit it. I do like Andrew. I mean, how could

He's the kind of infuriating

actually encouraging me to... you know... do that with him?

and said, "I'm not that open-minded, you idiot! If it were any

chase her out

Of course, I want

I

there's another reason." Her voice softened as she continued. "Right now, I can't... cross that line

off, her sudden shyness making her look