When Jean returned to the open dining room, he saw Lilia leaning back on the chair. The woman greeted him with a broad smile, as if that awkward silence never happened.
Jean began to feel a little guilty for his fiancée for making things so uncomfortable. He asked while sitting on his chair, "Why are you smiling like that?"
Lilia pointed to the dish on the table that the waitress had just brought out. The dish was Sapo tofu with a thick, bloody red sauce. Just smelling the scent was enough to make Lilia's eyes water from the heat. According to the waiter, it was the spiciest dish in this restaurant.
"I didn't know you were taking my words seriously. Unfortunately, I'm on a diet, so I can't eat spicy food." Lilia said while resting her chin. As a lover of spicy food, Lilia wanted to accept this challenge, but she didn't want to risk messing up her job in Milan.
"No problem. I'm going to wrap this food and give it to Kenny." Jean replied calmly.
Lilia's laughter broke when she heard that. She knew Jean had no intention of eating this spicy dish in the first place. The man only ordered this food to answer the sarcasm earlier.
Fortunately, the waitress immediately came over with the rest of their order, so they could start the real dinner.
Lilia didn't eat the food right away. She took out her cell phone and opened the Other app, then sent a picture. After she did that, Jean's cell phone vibrated.
Lilia flashed a mischievous smile at the man in front of her, "Jean, looks like you got a new message."
Jean stared at the woman for a moment before opening his phone. He saw that one message had just arrived and immediately clicked the picture Lilia had sent. The image contains screenshots of Lilia and Alfred's conversations via SMS. The man's eyes widened. All the irritation he felt instantly vanished like melting ice, leaving only warmth in his heart.
"You know, I actually don't want to tell you about this because I don't want to burden you with my troubles." Lilia started talking while playing with the food on her plate, "But now that I think about it, I would feel hurt because I was not trusted if I was in your position. Besides, you've helped me too, so…" Lilia told Jean about the case caused by Daniel in full.
The man listened patiently. Jean knew Lilia wasn't the type to easily tell others her problems. This time, however, the woman was willing to tell him what had happened, without Jean having to find out on his own. Lilia, who shut the door to her heart tightly after being disappointed by William, had changed. The woman began to open the door to her heart again, a little wider for Jean.
"Then Mr. Alfred just contacted me to discuss the settlement of this case. So you don't have to worry because we don't discuss anything else at all." Lilia ended her explanation.
Jean returned to put away his cellphone with a flat face as if he didn't care, "You don't have to explain everything you did to me."
Even though Jean said that, Lilia could see a faint joy in the man's expression. Lilia wanted to laugh because her honest fiancé looked adorable.
"If you don't like something, just tell me. You don't have to go out and smoke alone like that." Lilia said.
Hearing that, Jean finally smiled back, "How do you know? Do you smell it?" He asked calmly.
Lilia could feel the charm of a grown man from Jean's smile. That man was completely different from William, who always seemed like a faker upperclassman.
Lilia's heart skipped a beat as she leaned towards Jean, "I know because I saw this." Lilia wiped the remaining ashes that had fallen on Jean's collar with her hand.
After making sure the man's clothes were clean, Lilia pulled her hand back. Suddenly, Jean caught her wrist.
"I will never do it again. I promise." He whispered before landing a light kiss on the back of Lilia's hand.
Lilia's body stiffened and her face turned red. She could still feel Jean's soft lips against her hands. Jean's cold skin felt crisp to Lilia. But the thing that surprised her the most was Jean's words.
The man promised not to suspect her again for no apparent reason. It was a form of trust that Jean placed on Lilia.
Lilia hurriedly pulled her hand away from Jean's grasp, "Okay, I understand! Let's hurry and eat before everything gets cold!"
After that moment, the atmosphere between the two became warm and friendly, like a young couple in love.
*****
On the way home, Jean held the steering wheel with one hand while his left hand gripped Lilia's right.
Lilia who was in the passenger seat continued to stare out the window. She tried to be calm, but the tips of her ears were bright red. Lilia was silently observing Jean's figure through his reflection in the car's window.
Suddenly Jean glanced at Lilia and caught the woman stealing glances secretly. He smiled softly at Lilia's adorable behavior.
Lilia blushed when she got caught by Jean. She turned to the man to reply, "Jean, driving in these conditions is not safe!" Lilia raised her right hand which was held by Jean.
Jean chuckled. He understood what Lilia meant, but that woman should know that he didn't care what other people said, "Then I'll drive more slowly."
Lilia was at a loss for words at the answer. She just wanted Jean to let go of her hand, but the man dodged it easily. Lilia sighed and let their fingers link all the way home.
*****
The next day, Lilia heard from Jean that Kenny didn't come to work the day after getting the super spicy Sapo tofu. Feeling guilty, Lilia sent digestive medicine to the poor man.
Note:
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