Chapter 480
Chapter 480
“I hope I didn’t make the wrong decision,” Eli murmured uneasily.
She had checked the watch on her wrist countless times-the one Riana had given her. She truly loved it, had been hoping to show it off to the giver in person, to prove how perfectly it suited her, how right it felt.
That morning at school, everyone had been talking about the same thing-the prominent business family behind Callister Group. Instantly, Eli had thought of Josh. She’d looked up the news without hesitation, only to be stunned by what filled the headlines. The reports were brutal.
She couldn’t imagine what Josh must be going through, knowing his father had become the center of such widespread, merciless coverage.
That was why Eli had gathered the courage to send him a message and ask to meet. Josh’s reply hadn’t been reassuring-he hadn’t even confirmed whether he could come to the place Eli suggested-but somehow, Eli was convinced he would show up.
At least, she hoped so.
Yet even after her matcha frappuccino was gone, after the fries, pasta, and pizza she’d ordered had all been cleared away, Josh still hadn’t arrived.
“Should I call him?” Eli stared at her phone, hesitating.
Just agreeing to this meeting had already cost her a lot—including her mother’s permission. She had lied to Selena, saying she had extra practice for her extracurricular activities, along with a sudden meeting about an upcoming competition in two weeks.
Thankfully, her mother had believed her.
Maybe because it involved school-something Selena could boast about in front of Riana-Eli had been allowed to go without much resistance.
“I guess I don’t need to,” Eli let out a long breath. “I’ll wait a little longer. I hope Josh doesn’t disappoint me p>
She chose a seat by the restaurant window, watching the slow-moving traffic outside, hoping one of those cars would bring Josh to her. She knew her mother wouldn’t approve of this meeting-might even forbid it outright. But Eli was exhausted from constantly obeying pressures that never gave her room to breathe.
More than that, she just wanted to offer Josh a little comfort. He couldn’t possibly be okay right now, could he? And really-why did everything have to be pushed this far? Why wasn’t what they already had enough?
Once again, Eli glanced at her watch. Nearly an hour had passed. She sighed, her eyes drifting to the empty glass in front of her, to the plates cleared of food.
“I guess Josh really can’t come,” she whispered, forcing a small, self-soothing smile. “I shouldn’t have asked him to meet me. I’m sure it’s not easy for him to go out freely in a situation like this p>
She began to gather her things, making sure nothing was left behind. Just as she was about to sling her backpack over her shoulder…
…the restaurant door swung open.
Chapter 480
+25 Bonus
Josh hurried inside. His eyes immediately found Eli sitting in the corner, already looking like she was about to leave.
Damn. He should’ve left the house sooner.
When their gazes met, Josh lifted a small hand in greeting and quickly walked over.
“Sorry. Did you wait long?” he asked as he sat down.
“It’s fine,” Eli replied quickly. “I just got here too p>
Josh let out a soft laugh. “Just got here?” His eyes flicked to the table-empty glasses, cleared plates.
“That’s…” Eli ducked her head, embarrassed.
“I’m sorry,” Josh said quietly. “I couldn’t just walk out. I even had to come with security to make sure I was safe p>
“Are you serious?” Eli stared at him in disbelief.
Josh nodded.
A moment later, the server came to take care of Josh’s order. Truthfully, even deciding to come here had taken a lot of thought—especially after his recent meeting with Eli. And yet…
For some reason, he still felt like he needed to see her.
At first, their conversation stayed light-school, classes, small talk. It was awkward; Eli still felt hesitant to ask too much, while Josh seemed far more interested in finishing his pizza. Until finally—
“I… heard about your family,” Eli said at last. “The news about your dad is everywhere p>
Josh gave a faint smile, stirring his drink as if to push away the discomfort. “Yeah p>
“I’m really sorry,” Eli continued honestly. “I don’t know what it feels like to be in your position, but I truly sympathize with you. Being dragged into something you didn’t create… that can’t be easy p>
“Yeah, I know.” Josh lowered his gaze to the table. “Besides, I’m used to it p>
Eli raised an eyebrow. “Used to it p>
P
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