The Queen's Back

On Saturday, Ava and Mona were both free, and Ava managed to ask Mona out for lunch. She planned to introduce Joseph to Mona, while Mona considered telling Ava in person that Bud actually loved her. When Mona woke up, it was already past nine o'clock. Maxwell had already left for the office. Now that he was in charge of two companies, he didn't even get weekends off.

After she freshened up, Haley drove Mona to the restaurant she and Ava had agreed upon.

Their reservation was at a members-only restaurant, chosen mainly to avoid Joseph being photographed. The place was popular among celebrities, and paparazzi couldn't get in, ensuring privacy.

As soon as Mona and Haley walked in, Joseph greeted them warmly and helped them to their seats.

This was Mona's first time meeting the movie star Joseph. She had only seen him in TV dramas before and was surprised that he looked much the same in person as on screen. He was quite handsome and looked well-matched sitting next to Ava. "Mona, come on, sit down! Let me introduce you. This is my boyfriend-can you believe it? My boyfriend is a movie star!" Ava said enthusiastically. "Joseph, this is my best friend, Mona, who is going to be an international designer someday."

In her mind, Ava had imagined what it would be like to introduce her boyfriend to Mona. She had always pictured Bud in that role, but now that it was Joseph, she realized it felt just as nice.

Mona politely nodded at Joseph, who smiled at her in a gentlemanly way before stepping out to call the waiter to start the meal service.

Once Joseph left, Mona looked at Ava and said, "He's much easier to get along with than I expected, and he treats you well."

In Mona's mind, she'd always thought movie stars were aloof and distant, and it would be Ava who was always the one to take the initiative to do everything.

She hadn't expected Joseph to make such a positive impression, even remembering to pour water for Ava without her asking.

She couldn't help but wonder what Ava truly thought of him.

"Of course," Ava replied with a smile. "Out of everyone who pursued me, he's treated me the best."

Joseph soon returned and took his seat next to Ava.

While they waited for the food, he kept the conversation lively, never letting a lull settle over the table.

Mona observed closely. When Ava lifted her hand, Joseph anticipated that she was reaching for a napkin and was already handing one to her before she had to ask.

more satisfied with

were talking and laughing when Maxwell and

restaurant where Mona was dining with her friends. Maxwell let his companions head up first

they approached, Bud noticed a man beside Ava, being

felt an urge to get the man away from Ava

Bud walked right over, grabbed Joseph by the shoulder, and pulled Joseph aside to sit

arm almost touched hers, and yet she didn't know to ask him to go

sitting there without expecting an interruption, was thoroughly confused. Seeing the stranger

pulled Bud back up and

shoulders, and pulled her close. Ava, a bit startled, found herself leaning against Joseph's

sight, and he reached to grab Joseph by the collar, but Ava quickly stepped in, pushing

enough?" she demanded,

"Me? Have I had enough? Ava, he has his arm around you, and you're just letting

worried about her being taken

hand on Joseph's. "This

her hand entwined with Joseph's, tightening her grip in a subtle show of

clasped hands, feeling a pang of emptiness, as if

he asked, still

could still remember the days when Ava would chase after him messaging him constantly. The idea that she suddenly had a boyfriend

"Yes, I have a boyfriend.

was about to ask

he was the one

in

a relationship, but once he heard what

right do I have to ask if she is