Chapter 22 Stay a Little Longer
+5 Pearls
Clad in a crisp white shirt and beige dress trousers, with a white blazer draped over his arm, he appeared as though he had just stepped out of a formal event.
His impeccably styled black hair had been tousled by the wind, with a few stray strands falling over his forehead and obscuring his left eye.
This tousled look only added to his allure, giving him a rugged charm.
His gaze was fixed on Lisette, and his eyes briefly sparkled with interest. However, his expression turned somber upon noticing the person standing beside her.
Frank, unfamiliar with Gary, was caught off guard by his presence.
Before he could voice his questions, Lisette spoke. “I’m home now; you should head back.”
Frank’s discomfort was evident. “Lisette…
He was seeking an explanation.
Despite their longstanding friendship, his feelings for her ran deeper–feelings she was acutely aware of.
He was extremely serious about her.
Lisette understood that Frank might misinterpret the situation, but this wasn’t the moment for explanations. “I’ll explain everything tomorrow.”
Seeing her firm resolve, Frank hesitated but eventually agreed.
As Frank departed, Gary approached her. “Who was that?”
Gary had been by her side for two years. Since her move to Oceana, he had moved here and stayed as well
Yet, he had never encountered Frank before, and their return together made him wary.
Gary’s grip on her tightened, apprehensive about the answer.
“He’s my boss and a friend. We went to meet a client tonight, and he helped me get back when I encountered a drunk.”
Lisette and Gary were still friends, and she had repaid her debt to him a year ago.
She was aware of his feelings but couldn’t get rid of him.
“Are you okay?” Gary asked, his hand resting on her shoulder as his gaze swept over her, soon noticing the bruise on her neck.
His expression darkened. “Who did this?”
Over the past two years, Gary had matured and grown more composed.
Lisette’s fingers tightened into fists as she forced a smile. “I don’t know.”
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heart.
He pulled her into a tight embrace. “I’m sorry. If I had been here, you wouldn’t have had to face this.”
A warm sensation spread through Lisette.
Gary genuinely cared for her, and his presence over the past two years had become like that of a family member–almost like an older brother.
“Have you eaten?”
Noting his disheveled appearance, it seemed he had come directly from somewhere.
“No.”
He wanted to tell her that he had returned just to see her, that he had come back as soon as his concert. finished just so he could see her right away.
But he hesitated, fearing it might drive her away.
Lisette opened the door and stepped inside. “Make yourself at home; I’ll fix something to eat.”
“Alright.”
Gary placed his blazer on the sofa and watched as Lisette went into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.
With limited supplies, she could only manage to make a simple bowl of pasta.
She turned and asked, “Is pasta alright? There’s no fresh food left.”
“That’s fine with me.”
Gary moved closer. “Do you need any help?”
He simply wanted to be near her, to stay a little longer.
“No need. Just relax for a bit. It’ll be ready soon.”
She began cooking the pasta.
Gary poured himself a glass of water and leaned against the kitchen doorway, observing her.
Two years had passed, and while she had gained confidence and a brighter smile, he knew that a scar remained on her heart that would never fully heal.
Lisette finished cooking, and Gary ate.
It was late, and as he gathered his blazer, he looked at her gently. “Get some rest.”
“Alright. Drive safely.”
“I will.”
Ac Cory departed Iicette car on the cofa and after a while nicked in her notebook to start working
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Chapter 22 Stay a Little Longer
Only work could help her distract from some of her troubles.
Gary stood downstairs, gazing up at the fifth–floor balcony where an orchid was growing.
After a while, he got into his car and drove away.
The next day, as Lisette arrived at the office, she found someone already waiting in her office.
