Chapter 322 Dating Again
It appeared that Lucían, who had once been tight–lipped, had found his voice. He jumped at every opportunity to make amends for his past.
Calista had taken notice of Lucian’s transformation and his sincere efforts during this time.
Therefore, she had agreed to be intimate with him last night as a means of reciprocation, wanting to avoid feeling indebted to him. Lucian didn’t desire material possessions and seemed content with his life.
His only regret appeared to be his performance in bed, prompting Calista to address his sexual issues
impulsively.
Last night, Calista had already let her suggestion slip out of her mouth before she had fully regained her
senses. What followed allowed no room for second thoughts or regrets.
Yet, Calista knew she wouldn’t have extended such an offer to anyone else.
Lucian occupied a special place in her heart. She couldn’t quite discern whether this distinction stemmed from affection, his status as her first love and ex–husband, or the regrettable way they had parted.
Since Calista couldn’t quite make up her mind, the best approach was to give Lucian a chance and date
him again.
Calista sighed, “Alright, I guess dating is fine. But here’s the deal. No broadcasting the news, and you can’t address me as your girlfriend in front of others.”
She remembered the confusion that had swirled around their remarriage rumors. Back then, Calista had
chosen to keep quiet, while Lucian had been the one to spread the news to everyone.
“What if someone figures things out on their own? You can’t blame me for that.”
Lucian countered, clearly trying to trap Calista.
“Stay away from me. Nobody’s gonna find out.”
Calista narrowed her eyes, not quickly falling into his trap.
Well, Cade’s a sharp guy,” Lucian remarked.
Calista had a favorable impression of Cade. He was polite, refined, and carried himself with
ohistication.
onded,
happens to figure things out, so be it.
Lucian’s spirits lifted at her reply.
“Well then. I’ll have the housekeeper move your luggage today….
stuff.” Calista interrupted him, “Let’s stick to separate bedrooms. Hands off my
Lucian’s spirits dropped, but he understood he couldn’t pressure her too much. After all, he had won her consent to date him through persistence and didn’t want to jeopardize it so soon.
“Roger that. Anything else?” he asked.
“Yes, please be a gentleman. No touching, Calista replied and then glanced at the time.
“I’ve got an appointment today, and I’m running behind schedule. We can talk about the rest when I have
some free time, Calista’s phone started ringing as she spoke.
Paul’s name appeared on the screen. Lucian tensed up.
“You’ve got plans with Paul?”
“Nope,” Calista replied.
Instead, she had made plans with Agnes. They were supposed to meet at 11:30 AM at a well–known
Palaiseau restaurant.
Calista wasn’t particularly fond of Palaiseau Cuisine, but she had picked the restaurant for its tranquil
atmosphere.
She had something important to discuss with Agnes. The restaurant was quite a distance from Everglade
Manor.
Calista had set her alarm for 7:00 AM, expecting a hassle–free day. But life had different ideas, and she
wound up oversleeping.
“Paul?
Calista sat up to answer her ringing phone. Behind her, Lucian glared intensely, as if he were trying to bore
a hole through her back with his gaze. Paul’s voice came through the phone.
“My mom told me to come get you. I’m outside your apartment building. I’ve knocked a few times, but no
one’s answering. Are you home?
lista’s lease still had some time left before it expired, and returning to Everglade Manor was just a
mporary arrangement.
about her plans to terminate her lease yet, insinly becaube
Behind her, Lucian’s gaze on Calista intensified even further. With his intense stare fixed on her, Calista
struggled to concentrate.
She turned away and grabbed a pillow to shield herself before speaking further, “I’ve moved to a different. place recently. I’ll fill you in on the details later. I can manage on my own, so you don’t need to come to
pick me up.
“Well, the roads are a mess with roadblocks and heavy traffic today. I’m kind of concerned if you’re
driving solo,” Paul explained.
Calista let out a sigh and remained quiet. Meanwhile, a vein throbbed on Lucian’s forehead as frustration
boiled within him..
Lucian silently cursed Paul, wishing Paul would stay out of it and let Calista date him peacefully.
Calista ended the call with an awkward click and quickly gathered her clothes before heading to the
bathroom.
Her legs were trembling, and she almost collapsed onto the bed. She muttered curses under her breath
directed at Lucian for putting her in such a state.
Lucian followed her and demanded. ‘You can’t go have lunch with him. You gave me a lecture about
being a gentleman, yet here you are, having a solo lunch with your admirer. Talk about a double standard.”
“What are you implying? Are you trying to score a lunch date with your admirer?‘ Calista retorted.
Just then, Calista looked up, stared at the mirror reflection, and exclaimed in a rising voice, “For God’s
sake. Could you please put on some clothes before talking to me?”
Calista sighed, “I’m not going on a date with Paul. I’ve arranged to have a meal with his mother instead.
However, she wants her family to join us, so declining isn’t an option. Besides, I have something
important to discuss with her, so it wouldn’t be appropriate for you to come along.”
Calista was
s concerned that Lucian and Paul would get into a fight before she could ask Agnes her
questions. A brawl between them would turn the lunch Invitation into a volatile standoff in no time.
“What’s on your mind? You can ask me. I know everything Mrs. Baker knows. We hang out in the same
social circle. And even if I don’t have all the specifics, a little research might uncover what you’re looking
for,” Lucian furrowed his brow and commanded.
My mom’s ex–boyfriend.”
Calista’s blatant reply left Lucian speechless. She continued to freshen up and hurried downstairs.
followe
“No, thanks. I’ll drive myself,” Calista responded.
“I won’t interrupt your lunch. Given all the roadblocks today, the crazy traffic, and your tendency to keep at wide gap between cars, you could easily get caught in a traffic jam for hours,” Lucian explained. 1
Calista hesitated briefly and then agreed, “Alright, thanks.”
Indeed, the traffic was exceptionally jammed, forcing Lucian to endure four rounds of the traffic light
before he could cross the road.
her
Meanwhile, Calista meticulously applied her makeup in the car. She examined herself in the mirror, precise makeup application enhancing her already flawless features, making her even more captivating.
With a stern expression, Lucian commented, “Do you seriously need makeup when you’re having a meal
with an elder?”
“So why does your company enforce makeup for female employees, then? It’s seen as a sign of respect.
Don’t you think I look better with makeup? It enhances my complexion.”
Calista shot back, giving him a sidelong glance. Lucian wanted to respond, but Calista cut him off.
“Hush. Just keep quiet,” she interrupted.
When they arrived at the restaurant, Lucian stayed true to his word and chose not to join Calista.
He parked the car and said, “I’ll wait for you here.”
Feeling slightly concerned, Calista told him, “Grab a bite if you’re feeling hungry.”
She had savored a piece of cake before leaving the house. But Lucian hadn’t had any food.
“Or you can head back now. I’ll just take a taxi later,” she continued.
Lucian lifted his head and motioned in the direction of the restaurant.
“Mrs. Baker is already here. Go on in so you don’t keep her waiting.”
Calista nodded and hurriedly approached the restaurant, where Paul stood waiting at the entrance. He
had opted for a bowtie today instead of a necktie, which added to his sophisticated demeanor.
When he spotted Calista rushing toward him, he greeted her with a smile.
“Don’t rush, we’ve just arrived,” Paul reassured.
Calista climbed the steps and responded, “It’s not every day I get to treat Mrs. Baker to a meal. I’m sorry
that I’m late.”
As Paul and Calista chatted away, Calista was too focused to pay attention to where she was stepping.
Suddenly, she stumbled over something and began to lose her balance. Oh, dear….
Calista closed her eyes, preparing for an embarrassing fall. Suddenly, a pair of hands caught her just in the nick of time, supporting her and spinning her around before gently settling her in their embrace.
