What should she do? How should she handle this? How should she express herself? If Jacob saw this candlelit lunch, heâd definitely get the wrong idea! How should she explain?
Jacob seemed somewhat puzzled by Belindaâs silence. âWhatâs up, Belinda? Why arenât you speaking up?â
Belinda pondered for a bit, deciding she couldnât let Jacob come over. âErm⦠Jacob, the restaurant Iâm dining at is kinda far, and Iâm almost done eating! How about we eat together some other time?â
Jacob seemed a bit disappointed. âBut Iâve taken time off for this! I donât mind if itâs far; I can take a cab over to find you, and if youâre done eating, I can send you home.â
Belinda remained silent.
Jacob was really nice, patient, gentle, and kind.
But how could she let him see this scene?
Jacob would definitely be heartbroken.
The room was quiet. Chase could hear Jacob over the phone and smirked at Belinda. âHe took time off for you, so let him come over and join us for lunch.â
Belinda was speechless.
He made it sound so easy. The one who had to explain this wasnât him!
Jacob also heard Chaseâs voice. âBelinda, are you with someone else? Is it inconvenient for me to come/over?â
Belinda was a bit flustered. âAh! Not⦠noâ¦â
âI just heard a manâs voice over there!â
Belinda felt a bit guilty. âThat was⦠Anyway, itâs not what you think!â
She simply couldnât bring herself to say she was having lunch with Chase.
Jacob gave a bitter laugh. âThatâs okay! If itâs inconvenient for you, then forget it. I wonât disturb you!â
He was about to hang up.
Belinda could clearly feel her boyfriend getting angry, so she hurriedly said, âIâm not inconvenienced!
Come over! Iâll send you the address! Come pick me up!â
Jacob halted his action of hanging up. âCan I really come over?â
Belinda sighed in frustration. âYes! Come over. Iâll explain everything when you get here.â
Jacob laughed. âOkay! Wait for me!â
After hanging up, Belinda felt a headache coming on. She had no idea how to explain this goddamn candlelit lunch to Jacob.
âMr. Larios, can we switch to a normal room? Something that doesnât look so intimate: My boyfriend is coming over, and I donât want him to misunderstand us.â
She tried to negotiate with Chase.
Chase had a particularly kind smile on his face, but his words left no room for negotiation. âNo.â
Belinda glared at him angrily. âWhy not? Donât you think this is inappropriate? Itâs like Iâm cheating!â
Chase laughed. âI donât think so.â
Belinda got so angry that she stood up. âThen you enjoy your meal! Iâll go wait for Jacob in a different room.â
She walked to the door of the room, but was stopped by the waiter at the door. âThe food hasnât been served yet; you canât leave.â
Belinda was somewhat angry. âIâm not eating!â
The waiter blocked her politely. âPlease wait for Mr. Larios to finish, then you can leave together.â
Belinda had nothing to say and turned to glare at Chase.
Chase sipped his juice with a smile, showing no intention of letting her leave.