CHAPTER 78: BELLE VS. WINTER
Winter’s POV
“Are you busy?”
I almost jumped from my swivel chair when Ian suddenly stepped inside my office. It’s been a week now since my boutique started working.
I straightened my back as I reached for the cup of coffee that Ian has brought for me. “I didn’t know it’s this hard to run a boutique.”
“Of course, it’s hard. You’ll have to assess everything, observe your employees, the progress of your business, what your customer wants, and what’s the trend. Do you think it’s more tiring than being a celebrity?” he said as he sat down on the couch.
“I think so. Because when I was still a celebrity, all I had to do was smile and cry in front of the camera. But at the same time, I think they’re quite the same since you should both keep a good reputation.”
He patted my head. “At least you have a handsome best friend to talk to whenever you feel sad about something.”
“Handsome and boastful, you mean?”
“Hey, I’m just stating the fact! At least I’m always present and here for you more than your fake husband.”
I just glared at him. “Hey, don’t talk like that about my husband. He can’t be with me all the time because he has so many things to do. It’s not like he doesn’t want to be with me.”
“Oh, really? He can’t even make time for his wife? Anyway, he’s not even your real husband.”
“Fine. Just say whatever you want to say. I will go to a coffee shop to have some cheesecake. Want to come with me?”This text is © NôvelDrama/.Org.
“Oh, sure!”
I just brought my bag with me when we went to a nearby coffee shop.
“By the way, there will be a cruise ship party next week. I got invited and they even told me I can bring someone with me.”
“Oh, are you going to ask me to be your chaperone?”
He took a sip of his coffee. “There will be lots of businessmen that are invited, for sure that would also be a good opportunity for you to find a potential investor.”
“Oh, Ian. You’re always thinking about me.”
“So, are you coming with me?”
I thought for a while before smiling at me. “Sure. Actually, it’s been a while now since the last time I got to dress up properly. I missed wearing extravagant clothes and bringing out my inner fashionista.”
“As if you’re not dressing up everyday.”
“Well, it’s different because when I’m at work, I need to wear more formal clothes.”
He nodded his head. “Fine. I’m not going to argue with you anymore.”
After that, we continue eating while talking about some random things when the entrance door of the coffee shop went open and a woman stepped in.
My eyes widened upon realizing who that woman was. “That woman.”
Ian looked at me with confusion. “Who’s woman?”
“That one who just stepped in.” I said, without taking my eyes off the woman.
Ian followed my line of vision until he finally realized who I was referring to. “She’s pretty. Is she your friend?”
“That woman? My friend? No way! And you think she’s beautiful? I’m still more beautiful than her anyway!”
“Hey. Why are you acting like you hate her that much? Did she say something bad to you? Is she an enemy or what?”
“That’s right. She is my greatest enemy.”
All of a sudden, the woman turned her gaze towards us and met my eyes.
“Oh! She looked at us!” Ian said while nudging me.
“Hey! Don’t try to make her look at us!” I said, while averting my gaze.
But it was too late. I just saw that woman standing in front of us. “Miss Wesley?”
I straightened my back and glanced at Ian before looking at her again with raised eyebrows. “Dr. Belle.”
“Oh! You still recognize me.” she said while smiling at us.
Why is she smiling like that? She’s so fake. For sure she’s already planning how to embarrass me in front of so many people here.
“Of course, I recognize you. Elisse always tell me about you. And also my husband, he’s so close to you.” I said with gritted teeth.
Ian alternately looked at me and Belle as if he was confused of what was going on.
“Uh-hum! By the way, I don’t really get what you guys are talking about. May I know who are you?” he asked Belle.
Why does this woman even have to show herself here? She’s ruining my day already.
Belle then shifted her gaze to Ian and smiled sweetly at him, too. “I’m Belle. I’m the school doctor at Elisse’s school. Elisse is—
“It’s alright, I know who Elisse is. Nice meeting you, I’m Ian.”
“Nice meeting you, Mr. Ian.”
“Would you like to take a seat and join us here?”
I almost smacked Ian’s head when he said that. He knew I didn’t want Belle to join us, but the asshole just shrugged and winked at me.
“Sure. Thank you.”
I didn’t talk and just continue sipping my coffee as Ian began his interview with Belle as if he was trying to find out something.
“So, you’re close with Winter’s husband?”
“Oh, The–Matthew. Y-Yes, we’re actually close since we were childhood best friends.”
My eyes widened even more. “C-Childhood best friend?! Matthew never mentioned that to me!”
“Oh, he hasn’t yet? Yes, we’re childhood best friends. But don’t worry, it was long ago and we were just so young back then. Everything changed when I went abroad to go study medicine. Ever since that day, we never got to see each other again.”
Ian nodded his head. “I see. But you know, unrequited love exists. Also, first love can never be forgotten.”
I looked at him with widened eyes. “What the hell are you talking about? She never even said that she’s Matthew’s first love.”
“But it’s so obvious.” he said, smiling.
Ian, you’re really dead. Just you wait.