Stepping out of the dorm, I slid into the car.
Sawyer handed a bottle over from the front seat to Francis. Mr. Francis.
Yeah.
Francis nodded, taking it.
He gestured to Rebecca White, Roll your skirt up a bit, let your knees show.
Why? Rebecca White asked, puzzled.
Francis lifted the bottle in his hand. Rebecca could see it was some kind of ointment.
For the bruises. It’ll help with the pain and heal faster.
No need.
Rebecca pressed her skirt down, clearly on guard.
Francis raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in his voice, Do I look like the type who’d force you?
Except for that one time, he thought, when he lost control. But since then, he’d always been a gentleman to her, respectful and considerate. That’s not what I meant.
Rebecca’s cheeks flushed slightly. Just give me the ointment. I’ll use it when I get to the office.
Meeting his deep, dark eyes, she explained, The car’s too small, and the smell would be overwhelming.
That made some sense.
Alright then.
Francis agreed, handing her the ointment.
Rebecca took it and tucked it into her backpack. Thank you.
When they reached the design firm, Rebecca stepped out of the car.
Francis watched her as she headed into the building, noticing her slightly awkward gait.
Inside, Rebecca took the elevator, clocked in, and settled at her desk.
No sooner had she sat down than her phone buzzed.
It was a message from Francis.
[Don’t forget the ointment.]
The warmth that had barely left her cheeks flared up again.
After a moment’s hesitation, she replied.
[Got it.]
Just as she put down her phone, it buzzed again-this time, a call from Eddy.
Hello? Rebecca answered, a trace of curiosity in her voice. Eddy, is there something you need?
They were divorced now, after all, and there seemed little reason to stay in touch otherwise. Rebecca.
Eddy’s voice came through, lighthearted yet probing. Nothing really just wanted to ask if things are okay between you and Mr Johnson?
After a pause, he added, I’m not trying to interfere, but he seemed pretty upset the other day. Are you two back on good terms now?
In Eddy’s mind, Rebecca was
already with Francis. Especially
since Francis had been the one
sweep Rebecca away from him
more than once…
Rebecca held the phone, biting her lip, silent for a while.
Since she’d asked for the divorce, Eddy had changed towards her, though she wasn’t sure if it was a fleeting whim or genuine regret…
But she didn’t want to know.
Whatever they had was over.
So, following his lead, she replied softly, Thanks for worrying, but we’ve patched things up.
Eddy was quiet for a moment before letting
ut a self-conscious c
good… I’m relieved to. I’ll let you go. Bye.
belongs to en.kikisto ent
Yeah.
Rebecca held her phone, smiling faintly, murmuring a gentle, Bye.
it.
…
During lunch break, Rebecca received another message from Francis.
[I’ll pick you up after work.]
Rebecca understood-it was settled then.
She replied.
[Okay, noted.]
At six sharp, she clocked out.
As she exited the building, she spotted Francis’s Cayenne parked outside.
Rebecca slung her bag over her shoulder and jogged over.
What’s the rush?
Francis stepped out, taking her backpack from her, casting a glance at her knees with mild reproach. Knees don’t hurt anymore? Why run? You think I’d leave without you?
No, it’s fine… Rebecca chuckled, sliding into the car. I used the ointment, and it doesn’t hurt as much.