Chapter 574
The Mysterious Billionaire and His Substitute Bride
Laney smiled and put her number on Gregâs phone.
Since then, Greg had been calling and texting her almost on a daily basis.
âI havenât been around much since I moved to Barnes. Do you know any scenic spots here? If you do, can you show me around some time? Iâll pay you for your time!â The extroverted Greg was good at conversing. When speaking to him, one could always feel at ease.
Laney hadnât been in the city for long, so she answered him honestly. âIâve only been here a month. Iâve never been anywhere except home and work.â
After thinking for a while, Greg suddenly suggested, âThen letâs get familiar with the city together. I can go with you everywhere.â
Laney didnât find such a proposal strange. She viewed Greg as a friend, so she agreed readily. âSure.
My scheduleâs been pretty free lately anyway.â
And so the two of them went and visited several famous tourist spots in Barnes.
It was a sunny day in April. Standing by the river, one could see the vast endlessness of the cloudless blue sky. As the summer breeze washed over them, the two felt really relaxed.
âDid you see those two stone lions at the gate of the museum? They looked just like the ones at the training grounds we used to go to. I remember that you used to like climbing on top of it and barking orders at us like a commander.â It seemed that Greg really missed the good old days. Whenever he talked about the past, heâd wear a dreamy, wistful smile.
It was so long ago that Laney had forgotten all about it. âAre they still there? I havenât been back in so long!â
With a sad smile, Greg shook his head. âI havenât been back either. I moved away after high school.
We can go back sometime if you want.â
âIâll think about it.â It was just a small talk, and Laney currently had no plans to go back and visit her childhood home.
*******
After sharing several meals, Greg and Laney quickly became close.
Although sometimes they only met once a week or so, every time they met, Greg would bring her a gift.
âCheck this outâitâs from Singapore.â
Laney would accept his gifts and thank him. She asked curiously, âI called you two days ago, but no one answered the phone. Were you busy?â
When Greg got busy, Laney often couldnât get through to him.
âIâm sorry I missed your call. Business has been hectic lately. I need to meet clients from all over the world, so I often go on business trips,â Greg explained apologetically. âBut since youâve brought it up, I wonât turn off my phone again from now on.â
The reason why Laney asked this question was out of curiosity, not out of anger or frustration. Hearing Gregâs resolution, she felt a bit at a loss. âNo, no. You donât have to do that for me. I was just asking.â
âRelax. I just donât want to miss any of your calls. You donât know how happy I was when I heard that you were looking for me,â Greg said, smiling at her dotingly.
Laney smiled awkwardly and averted her gaze. Damn it! Greg mustâve misunderstood her.
*******
Ever since that fateful meeting, Greg had been coming at Laney. He kept asking her out for dinners and movies.
âI like you and want to see you more often. If you donât feel comfortable, just tell me and Iâll stop. If not, I will keep doing this until you start to like me back,â Greg said frankly.
Laney was stunned. As no one had ever pursued her like this, the straight confession of his love caught her completely off guard.
She didnât have many friends. The only one she could talk to about this was Janet.
When Janet heard about it, she was also taken aback. She didnât expect that Greg, whom she had only met once, would chase after Laney so soon.
âWell, what do you think of him?â
âI donât find him annoying, but Iâm not sure if I like him or not. To me, heâs still my childhood playmate. I donât know if I should start a relationship with him,â Laney told her friend, sticking out her lower lip.
âIf you arenât sure whether you like him or not, donât accept him just because he likes you. Otherwise, you might regret it someday,â Janet advised.
Somehow, Garrett caught wind that Greg had been pursuing Laney. One day, he waited at the door of her apartment for a long time until she finally came back.
âWhat took you so long? Were you on a date?â Garrett asked unhappily.
Ignoring him, Laney said flatly, âItâs none of your business.â Then she headed towards the door.
âIâm just telling you to be careful. That man might be onto something,â Garrett shouted after her. âYou donât know much about him. You canât just trust him.â
Laney stopped in her tracks to glare at Garrett. âYou have no right to say that about my friend!â
After saying that, she turned around and proceeded to unlock her door. With her back to Garrett, she couldnât help but smile faintly.