Chapter 251 I’m Her Kin
Calista remained seated, undisturbed, while Yara sprang into action next to the table, forcibly turning
someone to face her.
“Hector, you sneaky guy! Didn’t we agree that I’d be the one to ask the question? You threw me under the bus there. Now Calista probably thinks we’re in cahoots or something.”
Hector brushed off Yara’s grip, pulled out the chair next to Calista, and sat down.
“I’m here to go after someone, and being here in person shows I mean business. Yara, you can take off now since you’ve brought me into the picture. Grab some food next door. My treat.”
Yara glared at him and retorted, “Why involve me in the first place? Why not ask her directly?”
“You see, showing up unexpectedly too often can irritate folks. Timing is key. Given that you’ve already set the stage, it made sense for me to step in,” Hector replied.
“Do you ever wonder why passing love notes through messengers was a thing back in school instead of just asking someone out directly?” he continued.
“Why?” Yara responded.
you didn’t know
“That’s because even if you get turned down, it’s not as awkward. You can play it off like yo and give it another shot next time.”
Yara gritted her teeth and gave Hector a thumbs–up, amazed by his unmatched audacity. Just as she was about to turn and leave, Hector stopped her.
“I was just messing around. Did you think I’d send you to the restaurant next door and have you dining solo? Take a seat. The waiter is bringing us food.”
Yara sat down and chuckled, “Well, you see, if I were to leave right now, Calista would probably just turn around and reject you again the moment I’m out of sight. Do you believe that?”
Hector returned a thumbs–up to Yara and remarked, “You know her well, my friend.
Calista shared Yara’s sentiments. That was why she hadn’t stopped Yara from leaving. Discussing such private matters in front of someone else wasn’t ideal, but keeping it all inside was even worse.
With a decade–long friendship with Hector, she was determined not to let this situation strain their bond,
She recognized the importance of addressing this matter sooner rather than later
+15 BONUS
Hector interrupted her, “I had my back turned to you just now, and I could even hear you sigh. No need to
repeat yourself.”
Yara had never intended to meddle in her best friend’s romantic affairs.
Still, her unwavering support for Hector and Calista’s relationship from the outset made it especially heart- wrenching for her to witness Calista tear it apart.
“Hey, Calista, since you’re flying solo now, how about giving Hector a chance? I mean, you’re drop–dead gorgeous, so it’d be weird if you didn’t have admirers lining up. Who knows? Maybe you’ve got something brewing inside you after a little mingling…
Just as Yara racked her brains, secretly attempting to play cupid for Hector, a voice suddenly rang behind
her.
“Ms. Quinn…”
Yara jumped in surprise and spun around to find David standing with a sheepish expression.
“Ms. Quinn, let’s not forget you accepted five thousand dollars from Mr. Northwood to act as a matchmaker. You ought to think about the post–service too. It hasn’t been long, yet you’re already switching your stance? If this gets out, who would ever risk hiring you as a matchmaker again?”
Yara stared at David’s companion behind him with a bewildered expression.
“Lucian, wasn’t that five thousand dollars more like a tip for changing my mind? When did it suddenly become a matchmaker’s fee? Let’s not throw around accusations that could harm my reputation.”
Besides, Yara hadn’t even intended to accept the money, but she couldn’t refund it. So, she was practically forced to take it.
Lucian, dressed in a black suit and a tie reserved for formal occasions, had a sharply defined, smoothly contoured face. He was staring intently at Calista with a cold demeanor.
It was hard to believe it was the same man who had been clutching a stuffed toy and muttering to himself in her apartment just the night before.
Wasn’t the bride’s side supposed to pay the fee for changing your mind? You took it. Doesn’t that mean you consider me part of her family?” Lucian asked casually.
Yara was rendered speechless. That was quite a reason for the twist of events, Lucian’s ability to twist
Brings around was exceptional, a skill not just anyone could acquire
Hector might be known for his audacity, Lucian was entirely shameless
Yara chuckled, “Since I took the money from you, should I call you Mr. Everhart when we see each other
next time?”
If they weren’t in a public setting, Yara would have loved to unleash a barrage of profanities at him. Lucian glanced at David beside him, who immediately understood Lucian’s cue
He hustled to Calista’s side and said, “Ms. Quinn and Madam Calista are best friends. Mr. Northwood would never take advantage of you. Just calling him by his name will suffice.”
David pulled out a chair on the other side of Calista and continued, “Madam Calista, fate has brought us together. How about sharing a table? It seems there are no available seats left”
The restaurant offered a delightful ambiance and budget–friendly prices. Given that it was after working hours, many who weren’t fond of home cooking chose to dine here before heading home.
A quick scan of the restaurant confirmed that every seat was taken.
Calista responded, “The upscale restaurant next door seems to align better with Mr. Northwood’s
preference.”
The restaurant next door was an upscale dining establishment with few patrons. It was a perfect choice for someone who appreciated a tranquil atmosphere and found engaging in conversation challenging.
David chuckled, “It’s always been you. Wherever you go, Mr. Northwood tags along like your loyal sidekick. Even if you were chowing down on street food from a takeout box, he’d still be right there with
you.”
Calista quickly discerned that David’s remark was meant to flatter her. Even Lucian couldn’t help but
furrow his brows at David’s comments.
“Why are you saying such strange things?” Lucian asked.
He approached the chair David had readied for him and sat across Hector. Each time Lucian raised his
head, he would meet with Hector’s eyes.
Hector snorted, “These days, getting hitched ain’t a walk in the park for us guys, you know? We’re not only. competing with other folks but also with those shameless spirits.”
Lucien calmly raised his head. Dining in such a noisy restaurant for the first time had dampened his mood.
He responded bluntly, “If I were in your shoes, I’d feel too embarrassed to remain seated. Someone just
presses then disinterest in you, yet you linger. I’m not sure who the real shameless one is here
piece together what had transpired when he overbeard Hector’s com
“Okay, scratch that. While most people have admirers, it seems like troublemakers surround you. It’s best
to resolve this situation sooner, or else they might just keep at it, and you’ll get caught in the crossfire.”
Calista stood and made her way to the front desk. The outdoor table blocked the view inside, so everyone assumed she had gone to the restroom.
Sometime later, Yara left, leaving Hector, Lucian, and David gazing at the spread of dishes on the table, each wearing a displeased expression.
Naturally, the tension was primarily between Lucian and Hector, with David merely playing a supporting
role as a bystander
Ten minutes later, David couldn’t resist commenting, ‘Madam Calista didn’t just take off, did she? Oh,
yep, she sure did.”
He had already caught sight of Calista. With bags brimming with takeout food, she and Yara strolled
toward the benches opposite the street.
