Chapter 18

Chapter 18:

Bryan was engrossed in conversation within the pavilion, surrounded by friends—a setting where Eileen typically remained at his beck and call. But today, Eileen decided to keep her distance and settled herself at a spot near the pavilion.

After the grilling was done, she gathered a plateful of food and approached the pavilion, offering it to Bryan and his companions. Jacob caught sight of her and gestured invitingly. “Miss Curtis, come join us. It’s rather dull without you; we could use the company,” he said.

Eileen offered a polite smile in return. “I appreciate the offer, but I’ll just eat something with my colleagues later.”

No sooner had she declined than Vivian approached, gently tugging her into a seat beside Jacob. With Jacob to her left, Kian to her right, and Bryan directly in front of her, Eileen felt ensnared, unsure of what to say.

“Kian, it just hit me! That game you love was crafted by Eileen’s boyfriend,” Vivian announced, steering the focus onto Eileen. “On our way here, we overheard her chatting with him. He’s the kind who’s liberal with gifts in the game, indicative of a thoughtful nature. Maybe not as wealthy as you, but he’s certainly considerate.”

Seated there, Eileen was on edge, feeling Bryan’s intense stare as if it were a tangible force. If it weren’t for the earlier incident with the hickey, she would have explained that Huey was her boyfriend.

Jacob retrieved his phone. “Are you talking about this game?” he inquired.

With a glance, Eileen responded, “That’s the one.”

Jacob, in a light-hearted manner, said, “Well then, I must meet your boyfriend. I enjoy the game. Don’t worry; I have no interest in whisking him away. I’d just like to chat about the game with him.”

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Eileen just smiled. “Jacob, you’re jesting. He’s younger and doesn’t share your wealth. You’d be at odds. There’s no need for you two to meet.”

Jacob couldn’t resist a tease. “Seems you’re quick to shield him. It’s amusing how a mere mention of your boyfriend stirs you up. You’re like Vivian.”

retort,

hooked on years back. We were pretty good until it became mainstream. Given Eileen’s boyfriend developed it, why not let her introduce him to us? Perhaps we’ll start playing regularly again. How

nonchalance, his gaze briefly touching Eileen. “That’s

predicament. Having offended Bryan was her mistake. Despite his unilateral decision to block Huey, he still

unblocked Huey, promptly sharing his contact with Jacob.

Kian and Bryan, “Once he’s added me, I’ll start a group chat. It’ll be interesting to see his skill in the game as the

With a courteous nod to the group, she excused herself. “You guys continue

“Why was I blocked? What’s the issue? You haven’t even met me, and you’ve decided already? This feels like a slap

pressing into her pale fingers, her mind racing. With a polite gesture to some colleagues, she found a

air of superiority. “Didn’t someone just add me on WhatsApp? He said he was a loyal fan of my game. The gifts from me can also

an acquaintance of my boss. He’s quite wealthy. He doesn’t need your gifts,” Eileen

and the others were indifferent to Huey’s virtual offerings,

words. His speech was cut short by an interruption from

hushing him, to no avail. “Need to go, my mom’s calling,” he hastily told Eileen before ending the

spot, Eileen watched as an invisible observer to the siblings’ earnest conversation about Vivian’s bold move regarding

of caution, his face etched with concern. “Vivian, remember you’re still navigating

uncertainty as she clutched Kian’s shirt. “Didn’t I remind him when he used to hold me in high

attempted to interject. “I’ve grown up, fully capable of

stance resolute. Kian looked at Vivian, his expression softening. He comforted her with a gentle pat on the head

wait in the shadows. When they finally parted ways, she stepped

of surprise, apparently having noticed her presence long ago. “Ms. Curtis, I didn’t

here first, and it was just that your positioning

probing look, Kian narrowed his gaze. “You have a boyfriend now. Should I expect wedding bells soon? When will you two get

place given their distant relationship. Kian continued, “Age isn’t on your side. It’s wise to consider marriage. Your boyfriend’s a game developer; he’s

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