[Chapter 199]
At present, Mila and Gerard were in a relationship one level beyond friendship. However, Gerard had yet to pursue her in earnest
—all they really did, for the most part, was chat.
Mila kept joking about how Gerard was her pretend-boyfriend, giving him the impression that she had never thought about going any further with him.
And yet, she was always throwing these little tantrums.
Basically, their relationship status was unclear.
Mila's latest message to him: "I'm asking you a question. Why aren't you replying? Have you been chatting with another girl these days?"
Girls are sensitive creatures, able to detect the slightest change in the wind.
Recently, Gerard's behavior had become highly suspicious. Back then, he would always reply to her instantly. Nowadays, a full minute could pass without any answer.
It was a disconcerting situation for Mila.
Gerard didn't want to lie to her. Anyway, there was no point.
"Yup. Just chatting." That was his reply.
"Heh. You didn't have to add that last bit. Even if you weren't just chatting, it's not like I'd know. You're an amazing guy. I already expected lots of pretty girls to be after you. The one you're talking to must be quite the looker. What's her name? Do I know her?"
A whole barrage of text tumbled out from Mila.
"I doubt it. Myself, I've only known her for a week. As for her looks… perhaps it's her heart that's beautiful."
All this while, Mila had been playing all sorts of games with Gerard.
It made him feel like she didn't see him romantically in the slightest.
She only saw him as a friend, even knowing that he was positively loaded!
Gerard, in turn, had no ulterior designs for Queta. She was just a friend he got along with easily. More than that… he hadn't given the matter much thought.
"Oho! An angel with a beautiful heart? That's really something! So the great Mr. Crawford has been ignoring his girlfriend because he's already found another one!"
"I haven't been ignoring you! Anyway, aren't you always calling me your fake boyfriend? And she's not my girlfriend!" That should clear things up.
Mila sent him an emoji.
"Tell me who exactly she is to you, then: Your best friend? Your lil sis? Help me understand!"
Seeing this message from Mila—especially that 'lil sis' part—Gerard's heart clouded over.
He had thought that they were growing closer. He'd imagined that they were one step away from falling in love.
So… the truth was that Mila had only seen him as a brother. It made sense, of course—although he had wealth, in terms of charisma, he was probably nowhere near Mila's boyfriend standards!
"Nothing like that. We're just friends. I like her gentle nature and I admire her bravery! I truly respect the way she goes through life!"
"Wow! She sounds amazing! One day, I shall simply have to meet her. You must introduce her to me!"
"Sounds great. Once you've met her, I'm sure you'll like her too. She's just swell," Gerard told her. "One more thing, Mila!"
Eh?
He'd just been about to ask if she was free tomorrow, but before he could finish typing, a bright red exclamation mark suddenly popped up next to the chat bar.
'You are not Friends with this person!'
What was going on, here?
Hadn't they been chatting away merrily? Why had she deleted him?
Panicking, Gerard called Mila directly.
An automated recording informed him that her phone had been turned off.
What in the world was going on? Gerard scratched his head.
He wouldn't know that up until just now, Mila had just been lying in bed, chatting with him.